Stainless Steel CG8M-AC vs CG8M-ST
Stainless Steel · CG8M temper comparison
CG8M-AC and CG8M-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CG8M: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 285 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (spheroidize annealed versus solution annealed). CG8M-ST is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 28% for CG8M-AC, and CG8M-AC is harder (180 HB vs 170 HB). CG8M-ST runs hotter in service (650°C vs 550°C continuous). On the shop floor, CG8M-ST welds better (good vs fair).
CG8M-STChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
CG8M-AC vs CG8M-ST: 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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 193 GPa28 Msi · Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.98 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,370°C2,498 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 14 W/m·K8.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16 µm/m·K8.9 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 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m33.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 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.
CG8M-AC vs CG8M-ST — frequently asked
What is the difference between CG8M-AC and CG8M-ST?
CG8M-AC and CG8M-ST are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, CG8M: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 285 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (spheroidize annealed versus solution annealed).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or ST?
ST is the default CG8M condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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 welds better, CG8M-AC or CG8M-ST?
CG8M-ST. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against fair (50/100) for CG8M-AC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CG8M-AC and CG8M-ST 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.