Stainless Steel ER16-8-2-AW vs ER16-8-2 PWHT
Stainless Steel · ER16-8-2 temper comparison
ER16-8-2-AW and ER16-8-2 PWHT are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, ER16-8-2: AW (as-welded deposit) versus PWHT (post-weld heat treated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER16-8-2-AW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for ER16-8-2 PWHT, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). ER16-8-2-AW is harder — 180 HB against 163 HB for ER16-8-2 PWHT — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, ER16-8-2 PWHT forms better (very good vs good).
ER16-8-2-AWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
ER16-8-2-AW vs ER16-8-2 PWHT: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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: Shear Modulus 76 GPa11 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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 1,445°C2,633 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 760°C1,400 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.3 % IACS
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: Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 55%
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.
ER16-8-2-AW vs ER16-8-2 PWHT — frequently asked
Is ER16-8-2-AW stronger than ER16-8-2 PWHT?
Yes. ER16-8-2-AW has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for ER16-8-2 PWHT — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or PWHT?
AW is the default ER16-8-2 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 is easier to machine, ER16-8-2-AW or ER16-8-2 PWHT?
ER16-8-2 PWHT, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for ER16-8-2-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER16-8-2-AW and ER16-8-2 PWHT 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.