Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Phynox-A vs Phynox-CW
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · Phynox temper comparison
Phynox-A and Phynox-CW are two conditions of the same cobalt-chrome alloy grade, Phynox: A (solution annealed) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Phynox-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for Phynox-A, about 3.6 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, Phynox-A is the more ductile: elongation 55% versus 5% for Phynox-CW, and Phynox-CW is harder (52 HRC vs 26 HRC). Phynox-CW is stiffer (215 GPa vs 200 GPa) and Phynox-A runs hotter in service (450°C vs 350°C continuous). On the shop floor, Phynox-A welds better (50 vs 40 out of 100).
Phynox-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Phynox-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Phynox-A vs Phynox-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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 85 GPa12.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 175 GPa25.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 1,900 MPa276 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.3 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,440°C2,624 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,495°C2,723 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 12.6 W/m·K7.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 430 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13.5 µm/m·K7.5 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.02×10⁻⁶ Ω·m40.2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 85 / 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: Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 9.5 kg CO₂/kg · 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.
Phynox-A vs Phynox-CW — frequently asked
Is Phynox-CW stronger than Phynox-A?
Yes. Phynox-CW has a typical yield strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for Phynox-A — about 3.6 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,800 MPa (261 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or CW?
CW+A is the default Phynox condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither A 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, Phynox-A or Phynox-CW?
Phynox-A. Its machinability rates poor (18/100) against not recommended (12/100) for Phynox-CW; for welding the order is Phynox-A first (fair, 50/100) then Phynox-CW (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Phynox-A and Phynox-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.