Stainless Steel CN3M SA-CENT
Finish state
ASTM CN3M · UNS J94652
SA-CENT = centrifugally cast (A351 CN3M), solution annealed
Choose for tubes, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer-grained centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength and better soundness.
Values for the SA-CENT condition
Other CN3M tempers and conditions
CN3M is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at CN3M.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SADefault Solution annealed | Standard as-supplied condition for all A743/A744 CN3M castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 220 | 500 | 45 | 155 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
Hot isostatically pressed + solution annealed | Specified for pressure-retaining or radiographically critical parts where microshrinkage must be closed; gives the best fatigue and impact values. | 230 | 520 | 50 | 160 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
SA-CENTThis page Centrifugally cast (A351 CN3M), solution annealed | Choose for tubes, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer-grained centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength and better soundness. | 250 | 540 | 42 | 165 HB | 1.7 % IACS |
What is CN3M SA-CENT?
CN3M SA-CENT is CN3M supplied in the SA-CENT condition — choose for tubes, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer-grained centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength and better soundness. CN3M SA-CENT has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). CN3M SA-CENT has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,370°C (2,498 °F). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA-CENT is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 83/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 185 MPa·√m (168.4 ksi·√in), better than 77% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 1.7 % IACS, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades
- Low strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 12.5 W/m·K (7.22 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 86% of stainless steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 83% of stainless steel grades
CN3M SA-CENT properties
Typical room-temperature values for CN3M SA-CENT; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CN3M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
CN3M SA-CENT has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,370°C (2,498 °F).
Mechanical15
CN3M SA-CENT has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 42% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
CN3M SA-CENT is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 12.5 W/m·K (7.22 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 14.8 µm/m·K (8.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CN3M SA-CENT conducts electricity at 1.7 % IACS, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (83/100), better than 91% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CN3M SA-CENT takes about 72 MJ of energy and emits 5.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 83% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability8
CN3M SA-CENT's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (55/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CN3M SA-CENT
Is CN3M easy to machine?
Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, heavy feeds, low-to-moderate speeds and flood coolant; never dwell or rub.
Can CN3M be welded?
Weld with matching Alloy 20Cb-3/E320LR or overmatched Ni-base filler; fully austenitic weld metal is hot-crack prone, so keep heat input and interpass temperature low and avoid restraint.
Can CN3M be formed, bent or molded?
Casting-only grade — gate and feed generously for the wide freezing range, and solution anneal above 1120 °C with water quench after all major weld repairs.
What surface finishes work on CN3M?
Passivate (ASTM A967) or electropolish after descaling; no anodizing — pickling with nitric-HF must be followed by thorough rinsing.
CN3M 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 intergranular corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.7 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | — |
| Cr | 20 – 22 | 21 |
| Nistabilises fully austenitic structure, resists acid SCC | 23 – 27 | 25 |
| Mopitting/crevice resistance, PREN≈36–38 | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| Fe | balance | — |
CN3M SA-CENT — frequently asked
What is CN3M SA-CENT used for?
CN3M SA-CENT is typically used for chemical process pumps, valves, sulfuric acid handling equipment and acid pickling components. In short: cast Alloy 20 equivalent; best acid resistance here; sulfuric acid service castings.
What is the yield strength of CN3M SA-CENT?
CN3M SA-CENT has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is CN3M SA-CENT easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, heavy feeds, low-to-moderate speeds and flood coolant; never dwell or rub.
Can CN3M SA-CENT be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Weld with matching Alloy 20Cb-3/E320LR or overmatched Ni-base filler; fully austenitic weld metal is hot-crack prone, so keep heat input and interpass temperature low and avoid restraint.
What surface finishes work on CN3M SA-CENT?
Passivate (ASTM A967) or electropolish after descaling; no anodizing — pickling with nitric-HF must be followed by thorough rinsing.
Can CN3M SA-CENT be formed, bent or molded?
Casting-only grade — gate and feed generously for the wide freezing range, and solution anneal above 1120 °C with water quench after all major weld repairs.
What is the maximum service temperature of CN3M SA-CENT?
CN3M SA-CENT 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 CN3M-SA and CN3M SA-CENT?
SA is the default condition — standard as-supplied condition for all A743/A744 CN3M castings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. SA-CENT: choose for tubes, sleeves and rings where the denser, finer-grained centrifugal structure gives slightly higher strength and better soundness. Yield strength is 220 MPa in SA versus 250 MPa in SA-CENT.
Sources
- ASTM A743/A743M — Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant, for General Application — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM A744/A744M — Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant, for Severe Service — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, Austenitic, for Pressure-Containing Parts — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (Cast Stainless Steels) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steels — ACI cast alloy designations and properties — ASM International (1994)
- Steel Founders' Society of America — High Alloy Data Sheets, Corrosion Series — SFSA (2004)
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.