Stainless Steel ER409-AW vs ER409 PWHT
Stainless Steel · ER409 temper comparison
ER409-AW and ER409 PWHT are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, ER409: AW (as-welded deposit) versus PWHT (post-weld heat treated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER409-AW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for ER409 PWHT, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi). In exchange, ER409 PWHT is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 22% for ER409-AW, and ER409-AW is harder (165 HB vs 150 HB).
ER409-AWChoose it when strength drives the design.
ER409 PWHTChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ER409-AW vs ER409 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,480°C2,696 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,530°C2,786 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 675°C1,247 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.3 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 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 45 MJ/kg19,347 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
ER409-AW vs ER409 PWHT — frequently asked
Is ER409-AW stronger than ER409 PWHT?
Yes. ER409-AW has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for ER409 PWHT — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or PWHT?
AW is the default ER409 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 ER409-AW over ER409 PWHT?
Pick ER409-AW when strength drives the design. Pick ER409 PWHT when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER409-AW and ER409 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.