Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Ultimet-AW vs Ultimet-CW
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · Ultimet temper comparison
Ultimet-AW and Ultimet-CW are two conditions of the same cobalt-chrome alloy grade, Ultimet: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Ultimet-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for Ultimet-AW, about 131% more; tensile strength follows at 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). In exchange, Ultimet-AW is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for Ultimet-CW, and Ultimet-CW is harder (420 HB vs 311 HB). Ultimet-AW runs hotter in service (900°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, Ultimet-AW welds better (very good vs good).
Ultimet-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ultimet-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Ultimet-AW vs Ultimet-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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 224 GPa32.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 86 GPa12.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 187 GPa27.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.47 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,330°C2,426 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,355°C2,471 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 11 W/m·K6.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 425 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V
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 60 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
Ultimet-AW vs Ultimet-CW — frequently asked
Is Ultimet-CW stronger than Ultimet-AW?
Yes. Ultimet-CW has a typical yield strength of 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for Ultimet-AW — about 131% more. Tensile strength is 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
SA is the default Ultimet condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW 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 welds better, Ultimet-AW or Ultimet-CW?
Ultimet-AW. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (65/100) for Ultimet-CW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Ultimet-AW and Ultimet-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.