Nickel Alloy 925 API-120 vs 925-CD
Nickel Alloy · 925 temper comparison
925 API-120 and 925-CD are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, 925: API-120 (API 6ACRA 120 ksi) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 925 API-120 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 690 MPa (100 ksi) for 925-CD, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, 925-CD is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for 925 API-120, and 925 API-120 is harder (319 HB vs 250 HB). 925-CD runs hotter in service (480°C vs 260°C continuous).
925 API-120Choose it when strength drives the design.
925-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
925 API-120 vs 925-CD: 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)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
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 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 167 GPa24.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.08 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,315°C2,399 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,370°C2,498 °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 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.5 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 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 45 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
925 API-120 vs 925-CD — frequently asked
Is 925 API-120 stronger than 925-CD?
Yes. 925 API-120 has a typical yield strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) against 690 MPa (100 ksi) for 925-CD — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, API-120 or CD?
STA is the default 925 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither API-120 nor CD). 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, 925 API-120 or 925-CD?
925-CD. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against fair (52/100) for 925 API-120.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 925 API-120 and 925-CD 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.