Stainless Steel XM-32-A vs XM-32-CD
Stainless Steel · XM-32 temper comparison
XM-32-A and XM-32-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, XM-32: A (solution annealed) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. XM-32-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 745 MPa (108 ksi) for XM-32-A, about 34% more; tensile strength follows at 1,105 MPa (160 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi). In exchange, XM-32-A is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 10% for XM-32-CD, and XM-32-CD is harder (327 HB vs 285 HB).
XM-32-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
XM-32-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
XM-32-A vs XM-32-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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 0.28
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.78 g/cm³0.28 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 18 W/m·K10.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -75°C-103 °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) -0.28 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: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 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) 4.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90 L/kg10.8 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.
XM-32-A vs XM-32-CD — frequently asked
Is XM-32-CD stronger than XM-32-A?
Yes. XM-32-CD has a typical yield strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 745 MPa (108 ksi) for XM-32-A — about 34% more. Tensile strength is 1,105 MPa (160 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD?
A is the default XM-32 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.
Which is easier to machine, XM-32-A or XM-32-CD?
XM-32-A, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for XM-32-CD; for welding the order is XM-32-A first (good, 55/100) then XM-32-CD (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in XM-32-A and XM-32-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.