Nickel Alloy 718-CD vs 718-STA
Nickel Alloy · 718 temper comparison
718-CD and 718-STA are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, 718: CD (cold drawn) versus STA (solution treated and aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 718-STA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) against 930 MPa (135 ksi) for 718-CD, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 1,375 MPa (199 ksi) vs 1,140 MPa (165 ksi). 718-STA is harder — 390 HB against 310 HB for 718-CD — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 718-STA runs hotter in service (650°C vs 540°C continuous). On the shop floor, 718-CD forms better (30 vs 15 out of 100).
718-STAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
718-CD vs 718-STA: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel 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 nickel 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)
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 162 GPa23.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Elongation at Break 18%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.19 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,260°C2,300 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,336°C2,437 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 435 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13 µm/m·K7.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 210 J/g90.3 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V · Corrosion Resistance 78 / 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 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 175 MJ/kg75,237 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every nickel alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
718-CD vs 718-STA — frequently asked
Is 718-STA stronger than 718-CD?
Yes. 718-STA has a typical yield strength of 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) against 930 MPa (135 ksi) for 718-CD — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 1,375 MPa (199 ksi) vs 1,140 MPa (165 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or STA?
STA is the default 718 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 718-CD or 718-STA?
718-CD. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for 718-STA.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 718-CD and 718-STA 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.