Stainless Steel CF8C-AC vs CF8C-H
Stainless Steel · CF8C temper comparison
CF8C-AC and CF8C-H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CF8C: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus H (hardened). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CF8C-H is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for CF8C-AC, about 20% more. CF8C-H is the more ductile: elongation 42% versus 28% for CF8C-AC. CF8C-H runs hotter in service (870°C vs 760°C continuous).
CF8C-HChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CF8C-AC vs CF8C-H: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Hardness, Rockwell B 85 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16.3 W/m·K9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.6 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.7 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 37 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 40% · Castability 72 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
CF8C-AC vs CF8C-H — frequently asked
Is CF8C-H stronger than CF8C-AC?
Yes. CF8C-H has a typical tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for CF8C-AC — about 20% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or H?
SA is the default CF8C condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AC nor H). 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.
When should I choose CF8C-AC over CF8C-H?
Pick CF8C-H when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CF8C-AC and CF8C-H 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.