Stainless Steel XM-21 1/2H vs XM-21-CD
Stainless Steel · XM-21 temper comparison
XM-21 1/2H and XM-21-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, XM-21: 1/2H (half hard) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. XM-21 1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for XM-21-CD, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 1,060 MPa (154 ksi) vs 790 MPa (115 ksi). In exchange, XM-21-CD is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 12% for XM-21 1/2H, and XM-21 1/2H is harder (310 HB vs 240 HB). XM-21-CD runs hotter in service (425°C vs 370°C continuous). On the shop floor, XM-21-CD machines more easily (fair vs poor).
XM-21 1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design.
XM-21-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
XM-21 1/2H vs XM-21-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
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 193 GPa28 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 7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16.2 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) 16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 275 J/g118 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 V · Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100
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: Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120 L/kg14.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
XM-21 1/2H vs XM-21-CD — frequently asked
Is XM-21 1/2H stronger than XM-21-CD?
Yes. XM-21 1/2H has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 600 MPa (87 ksi) for XM-21-CD — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 1,060 MPa (154 ksi) vs 790 MPa (115 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or CD?
Annealed is the default XM-21 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/2H nor CD). 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, XM-21 1/2H or XM-21-CD?
XM-21-CD. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against poor (30/100) for XM-21 1/2H; for welding the order is XM-21-CD first (very good, 80/100) then XM-21 1/2H (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in XM-21 1/2H and XM-21-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.