Stainless Steel 1.4443-AC (Spheroidize annealed)
Heat-treated state
EN 1.4443
Only for non-critical, non-corrosive service or as an intermediate state before machining and final solution treatment.
Values for the AC condition
Other 1.4443 tempers and conditions
1.4443 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at 1.4443.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SADefault Solution annealed 1050–1100 °C, water quenched | Standard supply condition for chemical, pump and valve castings — maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 250 | 500 | 40 | 160 HB | — |
ACThis page Spheroidize annealed | Only for non-critical, non-corrosive service or as an intermediate state before machining and final solution treatment. | 260 | 480 | 25 | 175 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Hot isostatically pressed then solution annealed | Choose for pressure-containing or fatigue-loaded castings where shrinkage porosity must be closed (NORSOK/API pump and valve bodies). | 260 | 520 | 45 | 160 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
What is 1.4443-AC?
1.4443-AC is 1.4443 heat treated to AC — only for non-critical, non-corrosive service or as an intermediate state before machining and final solution treatment. 1.4443-AC has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 84% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). 1.4443-AC has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AC is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Limited formability — 18/100, worse than 89% of stainless steel grades
- Low strength — 260 MPa (37.7 ksi), worse than 84% of stainless steel grades
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
- Low fracture toughness — 85 MPa·√m (77.4 ksi·√in), worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 52/100, worse than 76% of stainless steel grades
1.4443-AC properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1.4443-AC; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 1.4443 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
1.4443-AC has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
1.4443-AC has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 84% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
1.4443-AC is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 14.5 W/m·K (8.38 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1.4443-AC conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1.4443-AC takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
1.4443-AC's machinability is poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (58/100); formability poor (18/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 1.4443-AC
Is 1.4443 easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening: use rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, 60–120 m/min, heavy positive feed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.
Can 1.4443 be welded?
Readily welded with ER316L/E316L or 317L filler, no preheat, low interpass temperature; solution anneal after major repair welds to restore corrosion resistance of the standard-carbon matrix.
Can 1.4443 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast with generous risering (high shrinkage ~2 %), controlled ferrite 5–20 FN for hot-tear resistance; no cold forming beyond light straightening.
What surface finishes work on 1.4443?
Pickle and passivate (nitric or citric) after grinding/welding; electropolish for hygienic service; not anodizable — mechanical polish limited by casting porosity.
1.4443 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cstandard-carbon grade (GX4/GX5 class) | ≤ 0.07 | 0.05 |
| Si | ≤ 1.5 | 1 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.5 | 1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Cr | 18 – 20 | 19 |
| Ni | 10 – 12 | 11 |
| Mohigher than CF8M (2.0–3.0 %), PREN ≈ 29 | 3 – 3.5 | 3.2 |
| Febalance, plus residual N ≤ 0.20 typical | balance | — |
1.4443-AC — frequently asked
What is 1.4443-AC used for?
1.4443-AC is typically used for pump casings, valve bodies and marine fittings. In short: general-purpose CF8M-type casting; mo above base CF8M range.
What is the yield strength of 1.4443-AC?
1.4443-AC has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 84% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 1.4443-AC easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening: use rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, 60–120 m/min, heavy positive feed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.
Can 1.4443-AC be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (58/100). Readily welded with ER316L/E316L or 317L filler, no preheat, low interpass temperature; solution anneal after major repair welds to restore corrosion resistance of the standard-carbon matrix.
What surface finishes work on 1.4443-AC?
Pickle and passivate (nitric or citric) after grinding/welding; electropolish for hygienic service; not anodizable — mechanical polish limited by casting porosity.
Can 1.4443-AC be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast with generous risering (high shrinkage ~2 %), controlled ferrite 5–20 FN for hot-tear resistance; no cold forming beyond light straightening.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1.4443-AC?
1.4443-AC is rated for continuous use to about 450°C (842 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1.4443-SA and 1.4443-AC?
SA is the default condition — standard supply condition for chemical, pump and valve castings — maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. AC: only for non-critical, non-corrosive service or as an intermediate state before machining and final solution treatment. Yield strength is 250 MPa in SA versus 260 MPa in AC.
Sources
- EN 10213 — Steel castings for pressure purposes — CEN (2016)
- EN 10283 — Corrosion resistant steel castings — CEN (2010)
- ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, Austenitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts (CF8M) — ASTM (2022)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (cast corrosion-resistant steels) — ASM International (1990)
- Outokumpu Stainless Steel Handbook (316/316L physical data used as analogue) — Outokumpu (2013)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.