Overview
CF8 is an austenitic stainless steel widely recognized for its exceptional versatility and balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. This alloy, closely resembling the popular 304 stainless steel, contains 8-11% nickel and a maximum of 0.08% carbon, contributing to its good strength, ductility, and excellent corrosion resistance. While it readily lends itself to machining and welding, CF8 benefits from re-annealing after these processes or exposure to elevated temperatures to restore optimal corrosion resistance. Its good low-temperature strength and processability further enhance its versatility, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications across various industries.
Typical Uses
A general-purpose corrosion-resistant alloy used for flanges, rolls, sleeves, marine fittings, bearings, heat exchangers, pulp & paper equipment, alloy bearing, paper application devices, rings, tubes, pump and valve components, sanitary fittings, and chemical and food processing equipment.
MetalTek Grade
MTEK 304
Poured At:
Carondelet Division, Sandusky International Division, Wisconsin Centrifugal Division, Wisconsin Investcast Division
Similar Specifications
Cast UNS: J92600
Wrought UNS: S30400
Wrought Grade: 304
Cast Grade: CF8
Cast ASTM: A351, A743, A744
Typical Chemical Composition (% by wt.)
Aluminum: n/a
Carbon: 0.08
Chromium: 18-21
Manganese: 1.5
Iron: n/a
Copper: n/a
Nickel: 8.0-11.0
Lead: n/a
Tin: n/a
Silicon: 2
Zinc: n/a
Minimum Mechanical Properties
Heat Treatment: Solution Anneal
Frequently Asked Questions
Austenitic steel is a non-magnetic stainless steel alloy with high chromium and nickel content. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making it ideal for industrial and food-grade applications.
Common applications include food processing equipment, pump and valve components, chemical processing equipment, and heat exchangers due to its excellent corrosion resistance.
Super austenitic steels contain higher levels of molybdenum, nickel, and nitrogen than standard austenitic steels, enhancing their resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking in harsh environments.
Benefits include superior corrosion resistance, high ductility, excellent weldability, and good performance at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures.
Austenitic stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic, while martensitic stainless steel is magnetic, harder, and better suited for wear-resistant and high-strength applications.
In its annealed state, austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic. However, it may exhibit slight magnetism after cold working due to partial transformation into martensite.
Common austenitic grades include 304, 309, 310 and 316 stainless steels. These are widely used across industries for their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
Austenitic steel offers better corrosion resistance and ductility than ferritic steel, which is magnetic, has lower chromium content, and is more cost-effective but less weldable.
304 stainless steel is a popular choice for pump & valve components, food processing equipment, bearings, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels due to its excellent corrosion resistance and formability.
304 stainless steel contains 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, giving it strong corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength in mild environments.
304 stainless steel is generally non-magnetic in its annealed state but may become slightly magnetic after cold working.
304 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance in most atmospheric and mildly corrosive environments. However, it’s susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially when exposed to chlorides.
Yes, 304 stainless steel is considered food-grade by the FDA and other governing bodies. It is widely used in food processing due to its corrosion resistance, chemical stability, and ease of cleaning.
