Stainless Steel ER316 AW-GMAW vs ER316-CD
Stainless Steel · ER316 temper comparison
ER316 AW-GMAW and ER316-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, ER316: AW-GMAW (as welded, MIG deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER316-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for ER316 AW-GMAW, about 51% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi). In exchange, ER316 AW-GMAW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 20% for ER316-CD, and ER316-CD is harder (240 HB vs 190 HB). ER316 AW-GMAW runs hotter in service (760°C vs 425°C continuous).
ER316 AW-GMAWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
ER316-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
ER316 AW-GMAW vs ER316-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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 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) 1,385°C2,525 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,425°C2,597 °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 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °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) -0.08 V
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 90 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 75 MJ/kg32,244 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.2 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.
ER316 AW-GMAW vs ER316-CD — frequently asked
Is ER316-CD stronger than ER316 AW-GMAW?
Yes. ER316-CD has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for ER316 AW-GMAW — about 51% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 600 MPa (87 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW-GMAW or CD?
AW is the default ER316 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW-GMAW nor CD). 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, ER316 AW-GMAW or ER316-CD?
ER316-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 39/100 for ER316 AW-GMAW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER316 AW-GMAW and ER316-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.