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Stainless Steel S32950-AW vs S32950-CW

Stainless Steel · S32950 temper comparison

S32950-AW and S32950-CW are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, S32950: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. S32950-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for S32950-AW, about 48% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi). In exchange, S32950-AW is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 14% for S32950-CW, and S32950-CW is harder (330 HB vs 270 HB). On the shop floor, S32950-AW welds better (very good vs good).

S32950-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

S32950-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.

S32950-AW vs S32950-CW: properties

S32950-AWS32950-CW

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

780 MPa113 ksi
1,000 MPa145 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

560 MPa81.2 ksi
830 MPa120 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
14%

Reduction in Area

40%
35%

Compressive Strength

570 MPa82.7 ksi
850 MPa123 ksi

Shear Strength

470 MPa68.2 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in
85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
45 J33.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

270 HB
330 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

27 HRC
35 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

285 HV
345 HV

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 · Hardness, Rockwell B 100 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 7.74 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,385°C2,525 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,440°C2,624 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

280°C536 °F
300°C572 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 475 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.8 µm/m·K7.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 260 J/g112 BTU/lb · 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

72 / 100
74 / 100

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

28 / 100
25 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

23%
22%

Weldability

70 / 100
55 / 100

Formability (cold)

35 / 100
20 / 100

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) 4.6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 110 L/kg13.2 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.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleS32950

S32950-AW vs S32950-CW — frequently asked

Is S32950-CW stronger than S32950-AW?

Yes. S32950-CW has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for S32950-AW — about 48% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?

Annealed is the default S32950 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor CW). 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 welds better, S32950-AW or S32950-CW?

S32950-AW. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for S32950-CW.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in S32950-AW and S32950-CW 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.