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Stainless Steel 1.4581 SA-CENT

Finish state

EN 1.4581

SA-CENT = centrifugally cast, solution annealed

Choose for tubes/rings and sleeves where the denser, finer centrifugal structure raises strength and soundness.

Premium cost $$$

Values for the SA-CENT condition

Other 1.4581 tempers and conditions

1.4581 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at 1.4581.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SADefault
Solution annealed 1050–1150 °C, water quenched
Standard supply condition for pump casings, valve bodies and fittings per EN 10213.25052035160 HB2.3 % IACS
Spheroidize annealed
Only for non-pressure, non-corrosive decorative or structural parts; carbides/interdendritic phases remain, corrosion and toughness are reduced.25049025175 HB2.3 % IACS
SA-CENTThis page
Centrifugally cast, solution annealed
Choose for tubes/rings and sleeves where the denser, finer centrifugal structure raises strength and soundness.27056038170 HB2.3 % IACS

What is 1.4581 SA-CENT?

1.4581 SA-CENT is 1.4581 supplied in the SA-CENT condition — choose for tubes/rings and sleeves where the denser, finer centrifugal structure raises strength and soundness. 1.4581 SA-CENT has a yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 79% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). 1.4581 SA-CENT has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA-CENT is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Readily welded — 80/100, better than 80% of stainless steel grades
  • Good corrosion resistance — 73/100, better than 77% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 86% of stainless steel grades
  • Low strength — 270 MPa (39.2 ksi), worse than 79% of stainless steel grades

1.4581 SA-CENT properties

Typical room-temperature values for 1.4581 SA-CENT; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 1.4581 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

1.4581 SA-CENT has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).

Density7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,400°C2,552 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,450°C2,642 °F

Mechanical16

1.4581 SA-CENT has a yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 79% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus195 GPa28.3 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus140 GPa20.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)560 MPa81.2 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)270 MPa39.2 ksi
Elongation at Break38%
Reduction in Area50%
Compressive Strength270 MPa39.2 ksi
Shear Strength395 MPa57.3 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)235 MPa34.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)160 MPa·√m146 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)100 J73.8 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell170 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B87 HRB
Hardness, Vickers178 HV

Thermal6

1.4581 SA-CENT is rated for continuous service to 700°C (1,292 °F). It conducts heat at 15 W/m·K (8.67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)700°C1,292 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

1.4581 SA-CENT conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.3 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity7.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.5 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseweakly magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (73/100), better than 77% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.1 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good73/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in oxidizing acids, organic acids, dilute sulfuric and phosphoric media; Mo improves chloride pitting resistance over 1.4552/CF8C; Nb stabilization prevents sensitization after welding or 450–850 °C exposure; not suitable for hot concentrated halide, strong reducing acids or long dwell at 600–850 °C (σ-phase).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 1.4581 SA-CENT takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4.8 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content70%

Manufacturability8

1.4581 SA-CENT's machinability is poor (33/100, worse than 57% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability poor (20/100).

MachinabilityPoor33/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)38%
WeldabilityVery good80/100
Formability (cold)Poor20/100
CastabilityVery good70/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood55/100
PolishabilityGood68/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — stainless steel is not anodized; use electropolishing or passivation per ASTM A967

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 1.4581 SA-CENT

Is 1.4581 easy to machine?

Work-hardens and tears: use rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, positive rake, low speed / heavy feed and copious coolant; avoid dwelling.

Can 1.4581 be welded?

Excellent — Nb stabilization allows welding without post-weld solution anneal; use ER347/ER318 (Nb-bearing) or 316L filler with low heat input.

Can 1.4581 be formed, bent or molded?

Supplied as sand, investment or centrifugal castings; keep sections uniform, feed heavily (long freezing range) and solution anneal + water quench after casting or major weld repair.

What surface finishes work on 1.4581?

Passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish; shot blast/pickle to remove casting scale — not anodizable, plating rarely needed.

1.4581 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Clow carbon, Nb-stabilized≤ 0.070.05
Si≤ 1.51
Mn≤ 1.51
P≤ 0.040.03
S≤ 0.030.02
Cr18 – 2019
Ni9 – 1210.5
Mo2 – 2.52.2
Nb≥ 8×C, stabilizing addition0.4 – 10.7
Febalance—

1.4581 SA-CENT — frequently asked

What is 1.4581 SA-CENT used for?

1.4581 SA-CENT is typically used for high-temperature valve bodies, chemical process pump casings, cast flanges and fittings, hot process gas manifolds, pressure-containing housings for steam service and pump impellers and wear rings. In short: stabilized CF8M casting; weld without re-annealing; 700 °C service with Mo.

What is the yield strength of 1.4581 SA-CENT?

1.4581 SA-CENT has a typical yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) — weaker than 79% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is 1.4581 SA-CENT easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (33/100, worse than 57% of stainless steel grades). Work-hardens and tears: use rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, positive rake, low speed / heavy feed and copious coolant; avoid dwelling.

Can 1.4581 SA-CENT be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Excellent — Nb stabilization allows welding without post-weld solution anneal; use ER347/ER318 (Nb-bearing) or 316L filler with low heat input.

What surface finishes work on 1.4581 SA-CENT?

Passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish; shot blast/pickle to remove casting scale — not anodizable, plating rarely needed.

Can 1.4581 SA-CENT be formed, bent or molded?

Supplied as sand, investment or centrifugal castings; keep sections uniform, feed heavily (long freezing range) and solution anneal + water quench after casting or major weld repair.

What is the maximum service temperature of 1.4581 SA-CENT?

1.4581 SA-CENT is rated for continuous use to about 700°C (1,292 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 1.4581-SA and 1.4581 SA-CENT?

SA is the default condition — standard supply condition for pump casings, valve bodies and fittings per EN 10213. SA-CENT: choose for tubes/rings and sleeves where the denser, finer centrifugal structure raises strength and soundness. Yield strength is 250 MPa in SA versus 270 MPa in SA-CENT.

Sources

  1. EN 10213 — Steel castings for pressure purposes — CEN (2016)
  2. EN 10283 — Corrosion resistant steel castings — CEN (2010)
  3. ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, austenitic, for pressure-containing parts — ASTM (2022)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
  6. EN 10088-1 physical property tables for austenitic stainless steels — CEN (2014)

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.