Stainless Steel S31254-CD vs S31254 CW-1/2H
Stainless Steel · S31254 temper comparison
S31254-CD and S31254 CW-1/2H are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, S31254: CD (cold drawn) versus CW-1/2H (1/2 Hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S31254 CW-1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for S31254-CD, about 45% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi). In exchange, S31254-CD is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for S31254 CW-1/2H, and S31254 CW-1/2H is harder (310 HB vs 255 HB). S31254-CD runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous).
S31254-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
S31254 CW-1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design.
S31254-CD vs S31254 CW-1/2H: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 162 GPa23.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Hardness, Rockwell B 100 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,325°C2,417 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,390°C2,534 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 14 W/m·K8.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m33.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0 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 55 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 90 MJ/kg38,693 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 220 L/kg26.4 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.
S31254-CD vs S31254 CW-1/2H — frequently asked
Is S31254 CW-1/2H stronger than S31254-CD?
Yes. S31254 CW-1/2H has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for S31254-CD — about 45% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 800 MPa (116 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or CW-1/2H?
Annealed is the default S31254 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor CW-1/2H). 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, S31254-CD or S31254 CW-1/2H?
S31254-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 20/100 for S31254 CW-1/2H; for welding the order is S31254-CD first (good, 65/100) then S31254 CW-1/2H (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S31254-CD and S31254 CW-1/2H 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.