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Stainless Steel CA28MWV vs CA6N

Stainless Steel · grade comparison

Stainless Steel CA28MWV and CA6N are both stainless steel grades. CA6N is the stronger of the two: yield strength 930 MPa (135 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for CA28MWV, about 22% more. CA6N is the more ductile: elongation 19% versus 13% for CA28MWV. CA28MWV runs hotter in service (593°C vs 400°C continuous) and CA28MWV conducts electricity better (2.9 % IACS vs 2.2 % IACS). On the shop floor, CA6N welds better (good vs poor).

CA28MWVChoose it when the part sees heat.

CA6NChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

CA28MWV vs CA6N: properties

CA28MWVCA6N

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Shear Modulus

79 GPa11.5 Msi
77 GPa11.2 Msi

Bulk Modulus

160 GPa23.2 Msi
165 GPa23.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.29
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,035 MPa150 ksi
1,020 MPa148 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

760 MPa110 ksi
930 MPa135 ksi

Elongation at Break

13%
19%

Reduction in Area

35%
55%

Compressive Strength

780 MPa113 ksi
930 MPa135 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

430 MPa62.4 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
95 MPa·√m86.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
95 J70.1 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

302 HB
300 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

32 HRC
31 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

320 HV
315 HV

Same in both: Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,420°C2,588 °F
1,400°C2,552 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,480°C2,696 °F
1,465°C2,669 °F

Same in both: Density 7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

24 W/m·K13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F
10.6 µm/m·K5.9 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

593°C1,099 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-20°C-4 °F
-100°C-148 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.9 % IACS
2.2 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
7.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m30.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

42 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

30 / 100
32 / 100

Weldability

30 / 100
62 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

60 / 100
68 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

30 / 100
35 / 100

Polishability

65 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

39 MJ/kg16,767 BTU/lb
53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3 kg CO₂/kg
3.6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb
200 L/kg24 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

60%
75%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

134 kN·m/kg
132 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.5 MN·m/kg
25.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,409 kJ/m³
2,162 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

6.7 mm²/s
7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
12

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleCA28MWVCA6N

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityCA28MWVCA6N
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 7 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Pickling, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.

CA28MWV vs CA6N — frequently asked

Is CA6N stronger than CA28MWV?

Yes. CA6N has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for CA28MWV — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 1,020 MPa (148 ksi) vs 1,035 MPa (150 ksi).

Which is cheaper, CA28MWV or CA6N?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which welds better, CA28MWV or CA6N?

CA6N. Its weldability rates good (62/100) against poor (30/100) for CA28MWV.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CA28MWV and CA6N side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.