Stainless Steel S32003-CD vs S32003 FORGED-SA
Stainless Steel · S32003 temper comparison
S32003-CD and S32003 FORGED-SA are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, S32003: CD (cold drawn) versus FORGED-SA (forged + solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S32003-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for S32003 FORGED-SA, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 820 MPa (119 ksi) vs 710 MPa (103 ksi). In exchange, S32003 FORGED-SA is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 22% for S32003-CD, and S32003-CD is harder (270 HB vs 230 HB).
S32003-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
S32003 FORGED-SAChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
S32003-CD vs S32003 FORGED-SA: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
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 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,385°C2,525 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13 µm/m·K7.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 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 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 62 MJ/kg26,655 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 160 L/kg19.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 65%
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.
S32003-CD vs S32003 FORGED-SA — frequently asked
Is S32003-CD stronger than S32003 FORGED-SA?
Yes. S32003-CD has a typical yield strength of 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for S32003 FORGED-SA — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 820 MPa (119 ksi) vs 710 MPa (103 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or FORGED-SA?
Annealed is the default S32003 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD nor FORGED-SA). 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 S32003-CD over S32003 FORGED-SA?
Pick S32003-CD when strength drives the design. Pick S32003 FORGED-SA when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S32003-CD and S32003 FORGED-SA 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.