Nickel Alloy Alloy 686-AW vs Alloy 686-CD
Nickel Alloy · Alloy 686 temper comparison
Alloy 686-AW and Alloy 686-CD are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Alloy 686: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Alloy 686-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for Alloy 686-AW, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, Alloy 686-AW is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 30% for Alloy 686-CD, and Alloy 686-CD is harder (250 HB vs 215 HB). Alloy 686-CD runs hotter in service (1,000°C vs 900°C continuous).
Alloy 686-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Alloy 686-CDChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Alloy 686-AW vs Alloy 686-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 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 182 GPa26.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.73 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,338°C2,440 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,380°C2,516 °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 390 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.12 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 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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 320 L/kg38.3 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.
Alloy 686-AW vs Alloy 686-CD — frequently asked
Is Alloy 686-CD stronger than Alloy 686-AW?
Yes. Alloy 686-CD has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for Alloy 686-AW — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
Annealed is the default Alloy 686 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 686-AW or Alloy 686-CD?
Alloy 686-CD. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (14/100) for Alloy 686-AW; for welding the order is Alloy 686-AW first (excellent, 85/100) then Alloy 686-CD (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 686-AW and Alloy 686-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.