Nickel Alloy CW-12MW vs CW6M
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy CW-12MW and CW6M are both nickel alloy grades. CW-12MW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for CW6M, about 13% more. In exchange, CW6M is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 10% for CW-12MW, and CW-12MW is harder (200 HB vs 185 HB). On the shop floor, CW6M welds better (very good vs good).
CW-12MWChoose it when strength drives the design.
CW6MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
CW-12MW vs CW6M: 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
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 180 GPa26.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 550 MPa79.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 10.2 W/m·K5.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 650°C1,202 °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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 12%
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 Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 62 kN·m/kg
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 | CW-12MW | CW6M |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CW-12MW vs CW6M — frequently asked
Is CW-12MW stronger than CW6M?
Yes. CW-12MW has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for CW6M — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CW-12MW or CW6M?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, CW-12MW or CW6M?
CW6M. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (55/100) for CW-12MW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CW-12MW and CW6M 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.