Stainless Steel ER316-AW vs ER316-CD
Stainless Steel · ER316 temper comparison
ER316-AW and ER316-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, ER316: AW (as-welded 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 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for ER316-AW, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi). In exchange, ER316-AW is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 20% for ER316-CD, and ER316-CD is harder (240 HB vs 185 HB). ER316-AW runs hotter in service (760°C vs 425°C continuous). On the shop floor, ER316-CD machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
ER316-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
ER316-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
ER316-AW 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
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 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 45%
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.5 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.
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 vs ER316-CD — frequently asked
Is ER316-CD stronger than ER316-AW?
Yes. ER316-CD has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for ER316-AW — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 590 MPa (85.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
AW is the default ER316 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, ER316-AW or ER316-CD?
ER316-CD, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for ER316-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER316-AW 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.