Nickel Alloy Alloy 59-AW vs Alloy 59-CD
Nickel Alloy · Alloy 59 temper comparison
Alloy 59-AW and Alloy 59-CD are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Alloy 59: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Alloy 59-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 750 MPa (109 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for Alloy 59-AW, about 63% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). In exchange, Alloy 59-AW is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 22% for Alloy 59-CD, and Alloy 59-CD is harder (290 HB vs 215 HB).
Alloy 59-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Alloy 59-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Alloy 59-AW vs Alloy 59-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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 184 GPa26.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.6 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,310°C2,390 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,360°C2,480 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,000°C1,832 °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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 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 60 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 180 MJ/kg77,386 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14 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 59-AW vs Alloy 59-CD — frequently asked
Is Alloy 59-CD stronger than Alloy 59-AW?
Yes. Alloy 59-CD has a typical yield strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for Alloy 59-AW — about 63% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
SA is the default Alloy 59 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 59-AW or Alloy 59-CD?
Alloy 59-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 22/100 against 15/100 for Alloy 59-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 59-AW and Alloy 59-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.