Nickel Alloy Alloy 42 vs Alloy 52
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Alloy 42 and Alloy 52 are both nickel alloy grades. Both yield at about 270 MPa — strength does not separate them. Alloy 52 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 400°C continuous) and Alloy 52 conducts heat better (13.5 W/m·K vs 10.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Alloy 42 forms better (excellent vs very good).
Alloy 52Choose it when the part sees heat.
Alloy 42 vs Alloy 52: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 57 GPa8.3 Msi · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Elongation at Break 35% · Shear Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Weldability 70 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Alloy 42 | Alloy 52 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Alloy 42 vs Alloy 52 — frequently asked
What is the difference between Alloy 42 and Alloy 52?
Nickel Alloy Alloy 42 and Alloy 52 are both nickel alloy grades. Both yield at about 270 MPa — strength does not separate them. Alloy 52 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 400°C continuous) and Alloy 52 conducts heat better (13.5 W/m·K vs 10.5 W/m·K).
Which is cheaper, Alloy 42 or Alloy 52?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Alloy 42 over Alloy 52?
Pick Alloy 52 when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 42 and Alloy 52 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.