Nickel Alloy CU5MCuC vs CW-12MW
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy CU5MCuC and CW-12MW are both nickel alloy grades. CW-12MW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for CU5MCuC, about 49% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi). In exchange, CU5MCuC is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 10% for CW-12MW, and CW-12MW is harder (200 HB vs 160 HB). CU5MCuC is lighter (8.1 g/cm³ vs 8.94 g/cm³ for CW-12MW) and CW-12MW is stiffer (205 GPa vs 193 GPa). On the shop floor, CU5MCuC welds better (very good vs good).
CU5MCuCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CW-12MWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
CU5MCuC vs CW-12MW: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Shear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell C
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 2
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 | CU5MCuC | CW-12MW |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CU5MCuC vs CW-12MW — frequently asked
Is CW-12MW stronger than CU5MCuC?
Yes. CW-12MW has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for CU5MCuC — about 49% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CU5MCuC or CW-12MW?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CU5MCuC or CW-12MW?
CU5MCuC, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 22/100 for CW-12MW; for welding the order is CU5MCuC first (very good, 72/100) then CW-12MW (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CU5MCuC and CW-12MW 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.