Nickel Alloy Alloy 30-AW vs Alloy 30-CW
Nickel Alloy · Alloy 30 temper comparison
Alloy 30-AW and Alloy 30-CW are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Alloy 30: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Alloy 30-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Alloy 30-AW, about 48% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, Alloy 30-AW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 28% for Alloy 30-CW, and Alloy 30-CW is harder (250 HB vs 200 HB). Alloy 30-AW runs hotter in service (650°C vs 425°C continuous).
Alloy 30-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Alloy 30-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Alloy 30-AW vs Alloy 30-CW: 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
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · 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 8.22 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,290°C2,354 °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 10.1 W/m·K5.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 435 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.8 µm/m·K7.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.12 V · Corrosion Resistance 84 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 45 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 140 MJ/kg60,189 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 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 30-AW vs Alloy 30-CW — frequently asked
Is Alloy 30-CW stronger than Alloy 30-AW?
Yes. Alloy 30-CW has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Alloy 30-AW — about 48% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
SA is the default Alloy 30 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 is easier to machine, Alloy 30-AW or Alloy 30-CW?
Alloy 30-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 20/100 for Alloy 30-AW; for welding the order is Alloy 30-CW first (very good, 80/100) then Alloy 30-AW (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 30-AW and Alloy 30-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.