Nickel Alloy Alloy 120-AW vs Alloy 120-CD
Nickel Alloy · Alloy 120 temper comparison
Alloy 120-AW and Alloy 120-CD are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Alloy 120: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Alloy 120-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for Alloy 120-AW, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 730 MPa (106 ksi). In exchange, Alloy 120-AW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 20% for Alloy 120-CD, and Alloy 120-CD is harder (250 HB vs 180 HB). Alloy 120-AW runs hotter in service (1,100°C vs 650°C continuous). On the shop floor, Alloy 120-AW welds better (very good vs good).
Alloy 120-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Alloy 120-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Alloy 120-AW vs Alloy 120-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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 197 GPa28.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 76 GPa11 Msi · Bulk Modulus 164 GPa23.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 40%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.06 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 10.9 W/m·K6.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 450 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13.6 µm/m·K7.6 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.15 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: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 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.
Alloy 120-AW vs Alloy 120-CD — frequently asked
Is Alloy 120-CD stronger than Alloy 120-AW?
Yes. Alloy 120-CD has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) for Alloy 120-AW — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 730 MPa (106 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
ANN is the default Alloy 120 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW 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 is easier to machine, Alloy 120-AW or Alloy 120-CD?
Alloy 120-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 20/100 for Alloy 120-AW; for welding the order is Alloy 120-AW first (very good, 75/100) then Alloy 120-CD (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 120-AW and Alloy 120-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.