Stainless Steel CF8M IC-SA
Print state
ASTM CF8M · UNS J92900 · EN 1.4408, GX5CrNiMo19-11-2 · JIS SCS14, SCS14A · GB ZG07Cr17Ni12Mo2, 12Kh18N12M3TL
IC-SA = investment cast, solution annealed
Small, thin-wall precision parts (valve trim, pump impellers, fittings) — finer grain gives slightly higher strength and better as-cast surface.
Values for the IC-SA condition
Other CF8M tempers and conditions
CF8M is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at CF8M.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dual certified CF3M/CF8M | Common stock condition for welded assemblies: low carbon avoids sensitisation while still certifying to CF8M strength minima. | 250 | 505 | 55 | 150 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
As fabricated | Only for non-pressure, non-corrosive decorative or structural parts; carbides at grain boundaries lower corrosion resistance and toughness. | 255 | 490 | 25 | 175 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Solution annealed, ferrite-controlled and impact tested for… | Specify for cryogenic valves/pumps (LNG, liquid oxygen) where Charpy testing at -196 °C is required; ferrite typically limited to ≤10 FN. | 255 | 515 | 52 | 150 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
SADefault Solution annealed (≥1040 °C, water quenched) per ASTM A351/A743/A744 | Standard supply condition for all pressure-retaining CF8M castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 260 | 520 | 50 | 156 HB | — |
solution annealed and hot isostatically pressed | Choose for pressure-critical, fatigue-loaded or high-polish (pharma/valve seat) castings where internal microporosity must be closed. | 270 | 540 | 55 | 156 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
IC-SAThis page Investment cast, solution annealed | Small, thin-wall precision parts (valve trim, pump impellers, fittings) — finer grain gives slightly higher strength and better as-cast surface. | 270 | 540 | 45 | 160 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Centrifugally cast pipe, solution annealed | Pick for large-diameter cast pipe/cylindrical bodies; directional solidification gives sounder, slightly stronger metal than static sand casting. | 275 | 550 | 45 | 160 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
What is CF8M IC-SA?
CF8M IC-SA is CF8M in the IC-SA condition — small, thin-wall precision parts (valve trim, pump impellers, fittings) — finer grain gives slightly higher strength and better as-cast surface. CF8M IC-SA has a yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 79% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). CF8M IC-SA has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; IC-SA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 76% 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
CF8M IC-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for CF8M IC-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CF8M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
CF8M IC-SA has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical15
CF8M IC-SA has a yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 79% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
CF8M IC-SA is rated for continuous service to 650°C (1,202 °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 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CF8M IC-SA conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 84% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CF8M IC-SA takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
CF8M IC-SA's machinability is fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CF8M IC-SA
Is CF8M easy to machine?
Machine like cast 316 — rigid setup, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy constant feed to cut under the work-hardened layer, 60–120 m/min with flood coolant; remove abrasive casting skin in the first pass.
Can CF8M be welded?
Readily welded by GTAW/SMAW with ER316L/E316L-16 filler; δ-ferrite resists hot cracking, no preheat, interpass <150 °C, and re-solution treat if the high-carbon CF8M version is exposed to sensitising heat.
Can CF8M be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, investment and centrifugal casting all work well; allow ~2.0–2.5 % shrinkage, use generous risers/chills for the wide freezing range and control Cr/Ni balance to keep 5–20 FN ferrite.
What surface finishes work on CF8M?
Sandblast/pickle then passivate per ASTM A967 (or electropolish HIP'd castings for pharma); no anodising — plating is rarely used and requires a Wood's nickel strike.
CF8M 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C≤0.03 % for dual-certified CF3M/CF8M | ≤ 0.08 | 0.06 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.5 | 1 |
| SiA743/A744 permit up to 2.00 % | ≤ 1.5 | 1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 18 – 21 | 19 |
| Ni | 9 – 12 | 10.5 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Febalance; δ-ferrite typically 5–20 FN | balance | — |
CF8M IC-SA — frequently asked
What is CF8M IC-SA used for?
CF8M IC-SA is typically used for chemical process valves, marine pump housings, pharmaceutical equipment and fittings. In short: cast counterpart of 316; most common Cr-Ni-Mo casting; wide foundry availability.
What is the yield strength of CF8M IC-SA?
CF8M IC-SA has a typical yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 79% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is CF8M IC-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, better than 72% of stainless steel grades). Machine like cast 316 — rigid setup, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy constant feed to cut under the work-hardened layer, 60–120 m/min with flood coolant; remove abrasive casting skin in the first pass.
Can CF8M IC-SA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Readily welded by GTAW/SMAW with ER316L/E316L-16 filler; δ-ferrite resists hot cracking, no preheat, interpass <150 °C, and re-solution treat if the high-carbon CF8M version is exposed to sensitising heat.
What surface finishes work on CF8M IC-SA?
Sandblast/pickle then passivate per ASTM A967 (or electropolish HIP'd castings for pharma); no anodising — plating is rarely used and requires a Wood's nickel strike.
Can CF8M IC-SA be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, investment and centrifugal casting all work well; allow ~2.0–2.5 % shrinkage, use generous risers/chills for the wide freezing range and control Cr/Ni balance to keep 5–20 FN ferrite.
What is the maximum service temperature of CF8M IC-SA?
CF8M IC-SA is rated for continuous use to about 650°C (1,202 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between CF8M-SA and CF8M CPF8M?
SA is the default condition — standard supply condition for all pressure-retaining CF8M castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. CPF8M: pick for large-diameter cast pipe/cylindrical bodies; directional solidification gives sounder, slightly stronger metal than static sand casting. Yield strength is 260 MPa in SA versus 275 MPa in CPF8M.
Sources
- ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, Austenitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM A743/A743M and A744/A744M — Corrosion-Resistant Iron-Chromium-Nickel Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM A451/A451M — Centrifugally Cast Austenitic Steel Pipe (CPF8M) — ASTM International (2021)
- EN 10283 — Corrosion resistant steel castings (1.4408 GX5CrNiMo19-11-2) — CEN (2010)
- JIS G 5121 — Stainless steel castings (SCS14, SCS14A) — JSA (2003)
- Steel Castings Handbook, 6th ed. — Steel Founders' Society of America / ASM (1995)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
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.