Overview
CF3 is a versatile cast austenitic stainless-steel alloy renowned for its excellent weldability and corrosion resistance. As an ultra-low carbon modification of CF8/MTEK 304, it retains the good strength and ductility of its counterpart while exhibiting even better general corrosion resistance. This makes CF3 particularly well-suited for applications involving extensive welding, especially large assemblies or situations where post-weld heat treatment is impractical. Its low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, preventing sensitization and reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion. In addition to its excellent weldability, CF3 also offers good castability and machinability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
Typical Uses
Pump and valve parts, chemical processing equipment, marine and nuclear applications, and food processing parts. Pressuring containing parts is a common use case.
MetalTek Designation
MTEK 304L
Poured At:
Carondelet Division, Sandusky International Division, Wisconsin Centrifugal Division, Wisconsin Investcast Division
Similar Specifications
Cast UNS: J92500
Wrought UNS: S30403
Wrought Grade: 304L
Cast Grade: CF3
Cast ASTM: A351, A743, A744
Military/AMS: AMS 5371
* AMS specifying sand casting.
Typical Chemical Composition (% by wt.)
Aluminum: n/a
Carbon: 0.03
Chromium: 17-21
Manganese: 1.5
Iron: n/a
Copper: n/a
Nickel: 8.0-12.0
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.
