Stainless Steel S31254-CD (Cold drawn)
Supply condition
UNS S31254 · ASTM A240/A276/A312 · EN 1.4547, X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 · JIS SUS890L
Pick for shafts, bolting and machined fittings needing higher strength and tight tolerances than annealed bar.
Values for the CD condition
Other S31254 tempers and conditions
S31254 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at S31254.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forged + solution annealed | Flanges, valve bodies and heavy fittings; must be re-solution annealed after forging to dissolve intermetallics. | 330 | 670 | 45 | 200 HB | 2 % IACS |
AnnealedDefault solution annealed ~1150–1200 °C + rapid quench (Condition A) | Standard stocked condition for plate, bar, pipe and fittings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 350 | 680 | 50 | 200 HB | — |
CDThis page Cold drawn | Pick for shafts, bolting and machined fittings needing higher strength and tight tolerances than annealed bar. | 550 | 800 | 25 | 25 HRC | 2 % IACS |
1/4 Hard | Springy strip/shim and lightly formed parts where extra strength is wanted and corrosion demands stay high. | 620 | 860 | 15 | 28 HRC | 2 % IACS |
1/2 Hard | Highest-strength strip condition offered; only for flat/lightly bent parts, ductility is much reduced. | 800 | 1,000 | 10 | 32 HRC | 2 % IACS |
What is S31254-CD?
S31254-CD is S31254 supplied in the CD condition — pick for shafts, bolting and machined fittings needing higher strength and tight tolerances than annealed bar. S31254-CD has a yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 83% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). S31254-CD has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,325°C (2,417 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CD is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 86/100, better than 94% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of stainless steel grades
- High strength — 550 MPa (79.8 ksi), better than 83% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 6.2 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 400°C (752 °F), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 2 % IACS, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
S31254-CD properties
Typical room-temperature values for S31254-CD; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S31254 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
S31254-CD has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,325°C (2,417 °F).
Mechanical15
S31254-CD has a yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 83% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
S31254-CD is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 14 W/m·K (8.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S31254-CD conducts electricity at 2 % IACS, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (86/100), better than 94% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S31254-CD takes about 90 MJ of energy and emits 6.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 94% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability7
S31254-CD's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (65/100); formability fair (35/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S31254-CD
Is S31254 easy to machine?
Machines like a heavily work-hardening austenitic: use rigid setups, positive-rake sharp carbide, low speed with heavy feed, generous flood coolant, and never let the tool dwell — expect roughly 30% of 1212 rates.
Can S31254 be welded?
GTAW/GMAW/SMAW with over-alloyed Ni-base filler (ERNiCrMo-3 / 625 type) to keep weld-metal PREN up; low heat input, no preheat, interpass below ~150 °C, and post-weld pickling of heat tint.
Can S31254 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but needs ~2× the press force of 304 and generous springback allowance; hot work 1150–1200 °C and always solution anneal and quench afterwards.
What surface finishes work on S31254?
Pickle/passivate or electropolish to restore the chloride-resistant passive film; grind out heat tint and embedded iron, do not anodize.
S31254 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 to avoid sensitization | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Si | ≤ 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.6 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cr | 19.5 – 20.5 | 20 |
| Ni | 17.5 – 18.5 | 18 |
| Mo6Mo grade, drives PREN ≈ 43 | 6 – 6.5 | 6.2 |
| Cuimproves resistance in reducing acids | 0.5 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Naustenite stabilizer, boosts strength and pitting resistance | 0.18 – 0.25 | 0.2 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S31254-CD — frequently asked
What is S31254-CD used for?
S31254-CD is typically used for seawater piping and heat exchangers, desalination equipment, pulp and paper bleaching plants, flue gas desulfurization systems and offshore and marine hardware. In short: seawater-grade 6% Mo stainless; PRE around 43; upgrade from 316L/904L.
What is the yield strength of S31254-CD?
S31254-CD has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 83% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is S31254-CD easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades). Machines like a heavily work-hardening austenitic: use rigid setups, positive-rake sharp carbide, low speed with heavy feed, generous flood coolant, and never let the tool dwell — expect roughly 30% of 1212 rates.
Can S31254-CD be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (65/100). GTAW/GMAW/SMAW with over-alloyed Ni-base filler (ERNiCrMo-3 / 625 type) to keep weld-metal PREN up; low heat input, no preheat, interpass below ~150 °C, and post-weld pickling of heat tint.
What surface finishes work on S31254-CD?
Pickle/passivate or electropolish to restore the chloride-resistant passive film; grind out heat tint and embedded iron, do not anodize.
Can S31254-CD be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but needs ~2× the press force of 304 and generous springback allowance; hot work 1150–1200 °C and always solution anneal and quench afterwards.
What is the maximum service temperature of S31254-CD?
S31254-CD is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S31254 Annealed and S31254-CD?
Annealed is the default condition — standard stocked condition for plate, bar, pipe and fittings; maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. CD: pick for shafts, bolting and machined fittings needing higher strength and tight tolerances than annealed bar. Yield strength is 350 MPa in Annealed versus 550 MPa in CD.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A312/A276/A479/A182 (F44) — pipe, bar and forging specifications — ASTM International (2022)
- EN 10088-2 — Stainless steels: sheet/plate, grade 1.4547 (X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7) — CEN (2014)
- 254 SMO / S31254 alloy datasheet (physical, mechanical and corrosion data) — Outokumpu (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.