Nickel Alloy Astroloy-SOL vs Astroloy-STA
Nickel Alloy · Astroloy temper comparison
Astroloy-SOL and Astroloy-STA are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Astroloy: SOL (solution treated) versus STA (solution treated and aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Astroloy-STA is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) against 720 MPa (104 ksi) for Astroloy-SOL, about 46% more; tensile strength follows at 1,415 MPa (205 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi). In exchange, Astroloy-SOL is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 16% for Astroloy-STA, and Astroloy-STA is harder (40 HRC vs 30 HRC). Astroloy-STA runs hotter in service (815°C vs 650°C continuous).
Astroloy-SOLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Astroloy-STAChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Astroloy-SOL vs Astroloy-STA: 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
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 213 GPa30.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 82 GPa11.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 178 GPa25.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Compressive Strength 1,080 MPa157 ksi · Shear Strength 880 MPa128 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 25 J18.4 ft·lbf · Hardness, Brinell 375 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.91 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,250°C2,282 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,340°C2,444 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 11 W/m·K6.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.31×10⁻⁶ Ω·m51.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V · Corrosion Resistance 62 / 100
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 40 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 240 MJ/kg103,182 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 16 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 320 L/kg38.3 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
Astroloy-SOL vs Astroloy-STA — frequently asked
Is Astroloy-STA stronger than Astroloy-SOL?
Yes. Astroloy-STA has a typical yield strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) against 720 MPa (104 ksi) for Astroloy-SOL — about 46% more. Tensile strength is 1,415 MPa (205 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, SOL or STA?
STA is the default Astroloy condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, Astroloy-SOL or Astroloy-STA?
Astroloy-SOL. Its machinability rates poor (18/100) against not recommended (12/100) for Astroloy-STA; for welding the order is Astroloy-SOL first (poor, 18/100) then Astroloy-STA (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Astroloy-SOL and Astroloy-STA 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.