Stainless Steel CF3MA
Grade
ASTM CF3M · UNS J92800 · EN GX2CrNiMo19-11-2, 1.4409 · JIS SCS16A · GB ZG03Cr17Ni12Mo2
CF3MA = 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.
Values for the CF3MA condition
Other CF3M tempers and conditions
CF3M is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at CF3M.
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 |
CF3MAThis page 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 |
What is CF3MA?
CF3MA is CF3M in the CF3MA grade — pick when ASME higher allowable stresses are needed: same chemistry window but Cr/Ni balance restricted for higher ferrite and strength. CF3MA 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 40% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). CF3MA 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). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CF3MA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
CF3MA properties
Typical room-temperature values for CF3MA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CF3M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
CF3MA 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
CF3MA 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 40% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
CF3MA 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
CF3MA conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 63% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CF3MA 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
CF3MA's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CF3MA
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.
What surface finishes work on CF3M?
Pickle and passivate per ASTM A967/A380 after grinding; electropolishing gives sanitary finishes, no anodizing applicable.
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 | — |
CF3MA — frequently asked
What is CF3MA used for?
CF3MA 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 CF3MA?
CF3MA 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 5 listed tempers.
Is CF3MA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% 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 CF3MA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). 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 CF3MA?
Pickle and passivate per ASTM A967/A380 after grinding; electropolishing gives sanitary finishes, no anodizing applicable.
Can CF3MA 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 CF3MA?
CF3MA 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.