Steel 3J53-CW vs 3J53-ST
Steel · 3J53 temper comparison
3J53-CW and 3J53-ST are two conditions of the same steel grade, 3J53: CW (cold worked) versus ST (solution annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3J53-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for 3J53-ST, about 3.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, 3J53-ST is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 5% for 3J53-CW, and 3J53-CW is harder (320 HB vs 172 HB). 3J53-ST runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 3J53-ST welds better (50 vs 35 out of 100).
3J53-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
3J53-STChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3J53-CW vs 3J53-ST: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all 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 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 63 GPa9.1 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31 · Hardness, Rockwell B 88 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.14 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °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 12.6 W/m·K7.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 7.9 µm/m·K4.4 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.35 V · Corrosion Resistance 40 / 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: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
3J53-CW vs 3J53-ST — frequently asked
Is 3J53-CW stronger than 3J53-ST?
Yes. 3J53-CW has a typical yield strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for 3J53-ST — about 3.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CW or ST?
ST is the default 3J53 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, 3J53-CW or 3J53-ST?
3J53-ST. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (28/100) for 3J53-CW; for welding the order is 3J53-ST first (fair, 50/100) then 3J53-CW (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3J53-CW and 3J53-ST 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.