Steel A228-CD vs A228 SWP-A
Steel · A228 temper comparison
A228-CD and A228 SWP-A are two conditions of the same steel grade, A228: CD (cold drawn) versus SWP-A (JIS G 3522 piano wire, class A). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A228-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) against 1,850 MPa (268 ksi) for A228 SWP-A, about 5% more; tensile strength follows at 2,300 MPa (334 ksi) vs 2,180 MPa (316 ksi). In exchange, A228 SWP-A is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 3% for A228-CD, and A228-CD is harder (530 HB vs 500 HB).
A228-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
A228 SWP-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A228-CD vs A228 SWP-A: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 207 GPa30 Msi · Shear Modulus 79.3 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,470°C2,678 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 46 W/m·K26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °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) -0.65 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 18% · Weldability 10 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 27 MJ/kg11,608 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.1 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
A228-CD vs A228 SWP-A — frequently asked
Is A228-CD stronger than A228 SWP-A?
Yes. A228-CD has a typical yield strength of 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) against 1,850 MPa (268 ksi) for A228 SWP-A — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 2,300 MPa (334 ksi) vs 2,180 MPa (316 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or SWP-A?
CD is the default A228 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.
When should I choose A228-CD over A228 SWP-A?
Pick A228-CD when strength drives the design. Pick A228 SWP-A when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A228-CD and A228 SWP-A 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.