Steel A321-A vs A321-CD
Steel · A321 temper comparison
A321-A and A321-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, A321: A (solution annealed) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A321-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 510 MPa (74 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for A321-A, about 89% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 495 MPa (71.8 ksi). In exchange, A321-A is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 12% for A321-CD, and A321-CD is harder (179 HB vs 143 HB). On the shop floor, A321-CD machines more easily (good vs fair).
A321-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A321-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
A321-A vs A321-CD: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 310 MPa45 ksi · Shear Strength 385 MPa55.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 172 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 477 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.65×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.5 µΩ·in
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 28%
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.
A321-A vs A321-CD — frequently asked
Is A321-CD stronger than A321-A?
Yes. A321-CD has a typical yield strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for A321-A — about 89% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 495 MPa (71.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CD?
HR is the default A321 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A 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, A321-A or A321-CD?
A321-CD. Its machinability rates good (66/100) against fair (53/100) for A321-A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A321-A and A321-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.