CF3M stainless steel is the equivalent type of 316L stainless steel, which is specially used in investment casting process. It is the low-carbon modification of CF8M. The presence of molybdenum increases the general corrosion resistance and the resistance to pitting by chlorides.
CF3M has similar corrosion resistance and mechanical properties to CF8M. The difference is that the tensile yield strength of CF3M is somewhat less than that of CF8M at ambient temperatures. CF3M alloy is limited to a maximum temperature of 800F. Applications for the low carbon version (CF3M) would include valve bodies, pump casings, flanges, fittings and other pressure-containing parts where excellent corrosion resistance is required and should be used for parts that will be welded and cannot be solution annealed after welding.
What Does CF3M Mean?
C – The first letter means the service it is intedted to be used in corrosion resistant service. Meanwhile it may also means casting purpose because the F letter in F316 means forge process.
F – The second letter indicates the approximate location of the alloy on the iron-chromium-nickel (FeCrNi) ternary diagram.
3 – The only digits means the maximum allowed carton content in units of 0.01%. For example, CF3M has a maximum of 0.03% carbon content.
M – Molybdenum element contained in CF3M material.
Chemical Compostions & Mechanical Properties
| Chemical Compositions (ASTM A315 Standard) | ||||||||
| CF3M | C | Mn | Si | S | P | Cr | Ni | Mo |
| ≤0.03 | ≤1.50 | ≤1.50 | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 | 17.0-21.0 | 9.0-13.0 | 2.0-3.0 | |
| Mechanical Properties | ||||||
| CF3M | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation | |||
| ≥70 KSI | ≥30KSI | ≥30.0% | ||||
CF3M Stainless Steel Casting Process
Stainless steel casting is a lost wax casting manufacturing process in which a wax pattern is created and then coated with a ceramic slurry to create a mold. The wax is then melted out of the ceramic mold and molten metal is poured into the cavity. The molten metal solidifies and the ceramic shell is then broken or blasted off, creating a metal casting. The stainless steel casting process does not require a minimum order quantity and can cast CF3M stainless steel parts ranging from 0.05kg to 50kgs, so it can be a manufacturing solution no matter what size project you are working on.
Benefits of CF3M Stainless Steel Casting
There are several advantages to cast CF3M stainless steel. As a professional stainless steel casting manufacturer, CFS can offer CF3M stainless steel investment casting service as well as some value added services to supply finished parts to our customers. Detailed advantages of casting CF3 stainless steel are summarized as below:
- Low tooling cost
- Smooth surface with perfect surface finish
- Tight tolerance with less or no machining operation
- Almost no defects occurred after investment casting
- Incorporate thinner walls for reduced weight
- Maintain outstanding repeatability
Besides CF3M stainless steel, CFS can also investment cast other stainless steel alloys such as CF3, CF8, CF8M stainless steel alloys. Any inquiry on stainless steel casting, pls get in touch with our company!