Stainless Steel CF3
ASTM CF3 · UNS J92500 · EN 1.4306, GX2CrNi19-11 · JIS SCS19, SCS19A · GB ZG03Cr19Ni10
CF3 is the low-carbon cast austenitic stainless equivalent of 304L (ASTM A351/A744 CF3, J92500, 1.4306, GX2CrNi19-11, SCS19), supplied solution annealed, as CF3A, centrifugally cast or as-cast.
Reference datasheet — CF3 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the SA condition
CF3 tempers and conditions
CF3 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. SA is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Only for non-pressure, non-corrosive decorative or structural parts; not permitted by A351/A743 for service castings. | 240 | 480 | 35 | 145 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
SADefault Solution annealed | Standard as-supplied condition for all A351/A743 CF3 castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 250 | 520 | 58 | 140 HB | — |
Centrifugally cast (A451 CPF3), solution annealed | Choose for pressure piping and cylindrical parts: denser, cleaner structure than static castings with slightly higher strength. | 265 | 540 | 52 | 150 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Higher-ferrite chemistry variant, solution annealed | Pick when higher strength is needed from the same low-carbon chemistry; ferrite number is raised via Cr/Ni balance. | 300 | 570 | 45 | 160 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
What is CF3?
CF3 is the low-carbon cast austenitic stainless equivalent of 304L (ASTM A351/A744 CF3, J92500, 1.4306, GX2CrNi19-11, SCS19), supplied solution annealed, as CF3A, centrifugally cast or as-cast. The ≤0.03 % C content keeps chromium carbides out of the heat-affected zone, so it is used for castings that are welded into pumps, valve bodies and hygienic fittings; default properties are 250 MPa yield, 520 MPa tensile, 58 % elongation and 140 HB (78 HRB). Machinability is low (40) and maximum service temperature is 425 °C, below CF8. Choose CF8 for higher-temperature duty and CF3M where chlorides are present. CF3 has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). CF3 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 58% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is CF3 used for?
- welded pump casings
- chemical valve bodies
- food/beverage fittings
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 58%, better than 100% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
CF3 properties
Typical room-temperature values for CF3-SA; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
CF3 has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
CF3 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 58% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
CF3 is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 16.2 W/m·K (9.36 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 64% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 17 µm/m·K (9.44 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CF3 conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (64/100), better than 54% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CF3 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
CF3's machinability is fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability poor (30/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. CF3 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with CF3
Is CF3 easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feed with no dwell, and flood coolant; expect ~40 % of 1212 speed.
Can CF3 be welded?
Excellent with GTAW/SMAW using 308L/ER308L filler; the ≤0.03 % C removes the need for post-weld solution annealing in most services.
Can CF3 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast with generous risering; delta ferrite (FN 5–15) controls hot tearing, and A351 requires solution treatment above 1040 °C with rapid quench.
CF3 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 weld-decay resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.5 | 1 |
| Siaids casting fluidity | ≤ 2 | 1.2 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 17 – 21 | 19 |
| Ni | 8 – 12 | 10 |
| Moresidual only | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on CF3?
Pickle and passivate (ASTM A380/A967) after casting and welding; electropolishing gives a hygienic surface — anodising does not apply.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Organic Coating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel CF3 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does CF3 cost?
CF3 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
CF3 — frequently asked
What is CF3 used for?
CF3 is typically used for welded pump casings, chemical valve bodies and food/beverage fittings. In short: cast 304L equivalent; best as-welded cast austenitic; no post-weld anneal needed.
What is the yield strength of CF3?
CF3 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is CF3 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feed with no dwell, and flood coolant; expect ~40 % of 1212 speed.
Can CF3 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Excellent with GTAW/SMAW using 308L/ER308L filler; the ≤0.03 % C removes the need for post-weld solution annealing in most services.
What surface finishes work on CF3?
Pickle and passivate (ASTM A380/A967) after casting and welding; electropolishing gives a hygienic surface — anodising does not apply.
Can CF3 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast with generous risering; delta ferrite (FN 5–15) controls hot tearing, and A351 requires solution treatment above 1040 °C with rapid quench.
What is the maximum service temperature of CF3?
CF3 is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between CF3-SA and CF3A?
SA is the default condition — standard as-supplied condition for all A351/A743 CF3 castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. CF3A: pick when higher strength is needed from the same low-carbon chemistry; ferrite number is raised via Cr/Ni balance. Yield strength is 250 MPa in SA versus 300 MPa in CF3A.
How much does CF3 cost?
CF3 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, Austenitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM A743/A743M — Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant, for General Application — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM A451/A451M — Centrifugally Cast Austenitic Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service — ASTM International (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (Cast Stainless Steels) — ASM International (1990)
- EN 10283 / EN 10213 — Corrosion resistant steel castings (GX2CrNi19-11, 1.4306/1.4309) — CEN (2010)
- GB/T 12230 — (ZG03Cr19Ni10) — SAC (2016)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.