Stainless Steel CF3M
ASTM CF3M · UNS J92800 · EN GX2CrNiMo19-11-2, 1.4409 · JIS SCS16A · GB ZG03Cr17Ni12Mo2
CF3M is the low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing cast austenitic stainless steel of the CF family (UNS J92800, 1.4409, GX2CrNiMo19-11-2), specified in ASTM A351/A743 as the casting counterpart of 316L.
Reference datasheet — CF3M 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
CF3M tempers and conditions
CF3M is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. SA is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SADefault Solution annealed | Standard condition for all ASTM A351/A743/A744 CF3M castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 250 | 525 | 50 | 150 HB | — |
hot isostatically pressed then solution annealed | Choose for pressure-critical or fatigue-loaded investment castings where internal porosity must be closed. | 260 | 545 | 55 | 150 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Spheroidize annealed | Only for non-critical, non-corrosive structural castings; residual segregation lowers ductility and corrosion resistance. | 265 | 510 | 35 | 165 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Ferrite-controlled high-strength variant, solution annealed | Pick when ASME higher allowable stresses are needed: same chemistry window but Cr/Ni balance restricted for higher ferrite and strength. | 320 | 590 | 40 | 170 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
As-welded deposit | Represents weld-repaired or fabricated CF3M assemblies left without post-weld solution treatment. | 340 | 550 | 35 | 180 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways CF3M is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
CF3M/316L-DUAL | Dual-certified CF3M / CF8M | Certification |
What is CF3M?
CF3M is the low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing cast austenitic stainless steel of the CF family (UNS J92800, 1.4409, GX2CrNiMo19-11-2), specified in ASTM A351/A743 as the casting counterpart of 316L. Engineers select it for welded chemical and marine castings that cannot be re-solution-annealed after welding; usual forms are sand and investment cast valve bodies, pump casings and impellers, supplied solution-annealed or SA-HIP. Solution-annealed properties are about 250 MPa yield, 525 MPa tensile, 50 % elongation and 150 HB, with service to 425 °C. CF3MN is the nearest alternative when higher strength is needed at the same weldability. CF3M has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). CF3M has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is CF3M used for?
- Welded chemical valves
- Marine hardware castings
- Pharmaceutical process equipment
- Pump impellers
Advantages
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
CF3M properties
Typical room-temperature values for CF3M-SA; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
CF3M has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical16
CF3M has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
CF3M is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °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 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CF3M conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 68% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CF3M takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 67% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability7
CF3M's machinability is fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100).
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. CF3M is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with CF3M
Is CF3M easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening like 316L — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, 60–110 m/min, heavy feeds and flood coolant to avoid glazing.
Can CF3M be welded?
Excellent with GTAW/SMAW using ER316L/E316L-15; low carbon means no post-weld solution anneal is needed, keep interpass cool and ferrite FN 3–10.
Can CF3M be formed, bent or molded?
Casting grade: 1540–1580 °C pour, generous risering for its long freezing range; delta ferrite reduces hot tearing but expect ~2.2 % solidification shrinkage allowance.
CF3M 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 weldability | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.5 | 1 |
| SiA351 allows 1.50 max | ≤ 1.5 | 1.2 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 17 – 21 | 19 |
| Ni | 9 – 13 | 11 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on CF3M?
Pickle and passivate per ASTM A967/A380 after grinding; electropolishing gives sanitary finishes, no anodizing applicable.
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 CF3M in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does CF3M cost?
CF3M 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.
CF3M — frequently asked
What is CF3M used for?
CF3M is typically used for welded chemical valves, marine hardware castings, pharmaceutical process equipment and pump impellers. In short: cast 316L equivalent; weld without re-annealing; marine and chemical castings.
What is the yield strength of CF3M?
CF3M has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is CF3M easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening like 316L — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, 60–110 m/min, heavy feeds and flood coolant to avoid glazing.
Can CF3M be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Excellent with GTAW/SMAW using ER316L/E316L-15; low carbon means no post-weld solution anneal is needed, keep interpass cool and ferrite FN 3–10.
What surface finishes work on CF3M?
Pickle and passivate per ASTM A967/A380 after grinding; electropolishing gives sanitary finishes, no anodizing applicable.
Can CF3M be formed, bent or molded?
Casting grade: 1540–1580 °C pour, generous risering for its long freezing range; delta ferrite reduces hot tearing but expect ~2.2 % solidification shrinkage allowance.
What is the maximum service temperature of CF3M?
CF3M 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 CF3M-SA and CF3M-AW?
SA is the default condition — standard condition for all ASTM A351/A743/A744 CF3M castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. AW: represents weld-repaired or fabricated CF3M assemblies left without post-weld solution treatment. Yield strength is 250 MPa in SA versus 340 MPa in AW.
How much does CF3M cost?
CF3M 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 (2020)
- ASTM A743/A743M — Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant — ASTM (2021)
- ASTM A744/A744M — Castings, Corrosion Resistant, for Severe Service — ASTM (2021)
- EN 10213 / EN 10283 — GX2CrNiMo19-11-2 (1.4409) — CEN (2016)
- GB/T 12230 / JIS G5121 SCS16A — SAC / JISC (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Cast Stainless Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Steel Castings Handbook, 6th ed. — Steel Founders' Society of America (1995)
- Cast austenitic stainless steel fracture-toughness data — Argonne National Laboratory / NRC (2000)
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.