Stainless Steel 1.4446 CENT-SA
Heat-treated state
EN 1.4446 · ASTM A351 CF3MN
CENT-SA = centrifugally cast tube/ring, solution annealed
Use for pipe, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength than static castings.
Values for the CENT-SA condition
Other 1.4446 tempers and conditions
1.4446 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 1.4446.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SADefault Solution annealed 1050–1150 °C, water quenched | Standard delivery condition required by EN 10213 / ASTM A351 — maximum corrosion resistance and toughness. | 300 | 560 | 45 | 170 HB | — |
Hot isostatically pressed, then solution annealed and quenched | Pick when internal shrinkage porosity must be closed for pressure-boundary, cryogenic or fatigue-critical castings. | 310 | 580 | 52 | 175 HB | 2 % IACS |
Spheroidize annealed | Non-standard for pressure service; only for non-corrosive, non-code parts since Cr-rich phases and residual stresses remain. | 310 | 540 | 30 | 185 HB | 2 % IACS |
CENT-SAThis page Centrifugally cast tube/ring, solution annealed | Use for pipe, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength than static castings. | 320 | 590 | 42 | 180 HB | 2 % IACS |
What is 1.4446 CENT-SA?
1.4446 CENT-SA is 1.4446 heat treated to CENT-SA — use for pipe, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength than static castings. 1.4446 CENT-SA has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). 1.4446 CENT-SA has a density of 7.95 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CENT-SA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 80/100, better than 80% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 6.4 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 2 % IACS, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
1.4446 CENT-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1.4446 CENT-SA; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 1.4446 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
1.4446 CENT-SA has a density of 7.95 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical16
1.4446 CENT-SA has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
1.4446 CENT-SA is rated for continuous service to 550°C (1,022 °F). It conducts heat at 14 W/m·K (8.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1.4446 CENT-SA conducts electricity at 2 % IACS, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1.4446 CENT-SA takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 6.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 62% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability7
1.4446 CENT-SA's machinability is poor (33/100, worse than 57% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability poor (28/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 1.4446 CENT-SA
Is 1.4446 easy to machine?
Machine like 316L but with more rigidity: sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed to cut under the work-hardened skin, 60–100 m/min with flood emulsion.
Can 1.4446 be welded?
Excellent with GTAW/SMAW using 316L or 309MoL fillers; no post-weld heat treatment needed for corrosion, keep interpass below ~150 °C and heat input low to limit ferrite/σ.
Can 1.4446 be formed, bent or molded?
Produced by sand, investment or centrifugal casting; long freezing range needs generous risering and chills, followed by mandatory 1050–1150 °C solution + water quench.
What surface finishes work on 1.4446?
Pickle and passivate (HNO3/HF) after casting and welding to restore the passive film; can be shot-blasted, electropolished or mechanically polished, no anodizing.
1.4446 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clow-carbon for intergranular corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.6 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.2 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 16.5 – 18.5 | 17.5 |
| Ni | 12 – 14 | 13 |
| MoASTM CF3MN counterpart is leaner (2.0–3.0 % Mo) | 3.5 – 4.5 | 4 |
| Nsolid-solution strengthening + pitting resistance | 0.12 – 0.22 | 0.17 |
| Fe | balance | — |
1.4446 CENT-SA — frequently asked
What is 1.4446 CENT-SA used for?
1.4446 CENT-SA is typically used for high-strength valve bodies, offshore pump casings and cryogenic components. In short: strongest low-carbon cast 316 type; nitrogen-strengthened CF3MN.
What is the yield strength of 1.4446 CENT-SA?
1.4446 CENT-SA has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is 1.4446 CENT-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (33/100, worse than 57% of stainless steel grades). Machine like 316L but with more rigidity: sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed to cut under the work-hardened skin, 60–100 m/min with flood emulsion.
Can 1.4446 CENT-SA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Excellent with GTAW/SMAW using 316L or 309MoL fillers; no post-weld heat treatment needed for corrosion, keep interpass below ~150 °C and heat input low to limit ferrite/σ.
What surface finishes work on 1.4446 CENT-SA?
Pickle and passivate (HNO3/HF) after casting and welding to restore the passive film; can be shot-blasted, electropolished or mechanically polished, no anodizing.
Can 1.4446 CENT-SA be formed, bent or molded?
Produced by sand, investment or centrifugal casting; long freezing range needs generous risering and chills, followed by mandatory 1050–1150 °C solution + water quench.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1.4446 CENT-SA?
1.4446 CENT-SA is rated for continuous use to about 550°C (1,022 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1.4446-SA and 1.4446 CENT-SA?
SA is the default condition — standard delivery condition required by EN 10213 / ASTM A351 — maximum corrosion resistance and toughness. CENT-SA: use for pipe, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength than static castings. Yield strength is 300 MPa in SA versus 320 MPa in CENT-SA.
Sources
- EN 10213 — Steel castings for pressure purposes — CEN (2016)
- ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, Austenitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts — ASTM (2020)
- ASTM A451/A451M — Centrifugally Cast Austenitic Steel Pipe — ASTM (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys (cast stainless) — ASM International (1990)
- Steel Castings Handbook — Steel Founders' Society of America (1995)
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.