Stainless Steel CA40F-A vs CA40F-F
Stainless Steel · CA40F temper comparison
CA40F-A and CA40F-F are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CA40F: A (solution annealed) versus F (as fabricated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CA40F-F is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for CA40F-A, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 650 MPa (94.3 ksi). In exchange, CA40F-A is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 4% for CA40F-F, and CA40F-F is harder (400 HB vs 190 HB). On the shop floor, CA40F-A machines more easily (good vs poor).
CA40F-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
CA40F-FChoose it when strength drives the design.
CA40F-A vs CA40F-F: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Compressive Strength 580 MPa84.1 ksi · Shear Strength 460 MPa66.7 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 300 MPa43.5 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 250 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.61 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,450°C2,642 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24.2 W/m·K14 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 620°C1,148 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.4 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.35 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 68 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
CA40F-A vs CA40F-F — frequently asked
Is CA40F-F stronger than CA40F-A?
Yes. CA40F-F has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for CA40F-A — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 650 MPa (94.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or F?
N+T is the default CA40F condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A nor F). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, CA40F-A or CA40F-F?
CA40F-A. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against poor (20/100) for CA40F-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CA40F-A and CA40F-F 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.