Stainless Steel ER308-AW vs ER308-CD
Stainless Steel · ER308 temper comparison
ER308-AW and ER308-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, ER308: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER308-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for ER308-AW, about 75% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). In exchange, ER308-AW is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 12% for ER308-CD, and ER308-CD is harder (285 HB vs 185 HB). ER308-AW runs hotter in service (760°C vs 425°C continuous).
ER308-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
ER308-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
ER308-AW vs ER308-CD: 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, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Hardness, Rockwell B 90 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 15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.9 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 280 J/g120 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 V · Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%
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.
ER308-AW vs ER308-CD — frequently asked
Is ER308-CD stronger than ER308-AW?
Yes. ER308-CD has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for ER308-AW — about 75% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
AW is the default ER308 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.
When should I choose ER308-AW over ER308-CD?
Pick ER308-AW when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick ER308-CD when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER308-AW and ER308-CD 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.