Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Elgiloy-ANN vs Elgiloy-CW
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · Elgiloy temper comparison
Elgiloy-ANN and Elgiloy-CW are two conditions of the same cobalt-chrome alloy grade, Elgiloy: ANN (annealed) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Elgiloy-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for Elgiloy-ANN, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi). In exchange, Elgiloy-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 55% versus 5% for Elgiloy-CW, and Elgiloy-CW is harder (52 HRC vs 22 HRC). Elgiloy-CW is stiffer (200 GPa vs 190 GPa) and Elgiloy-ANN runs hotter in service (500°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, Elgiloy-ANN welds better (good vs fair).
Elgiloy-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Elgiloy-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Elgiloy-ANN vs Elgiloy-CW: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all cobalt-chrome alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all cobalt-chrome alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 175 GPa25.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.3 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 12.5 W/m·K7.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 430 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 15 µm/m·K8.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 280 J/g120 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m39.4 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 88 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 165 MJ/kg70,937 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every cobalt-chrome alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Elgiloy-ANN vs Elgiloy-CW — frequently asked
Is Elgiloy-CW stronger than Elgiloy-ANN?
Yes. Elgiloy-CW has a typical yield strength of 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for Elgiloy-ANN — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,950 MPa (283 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or CW?
CWA is the default Elgiloy condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither ANN nor CW). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, Elgiloy-ANN or Elgiloy-CW?
Elgiloy-ANN. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (14/100) for Elgiloy-CW; for welding the order is Elgiloy-ANN first (good, 55/100) then Elgiloy-CW (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Elgiloy-ANN and Elgiloy-CW side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.