Nickel Alloy CW-12MW vs CX2M
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy CW-12MW and CX2M are both nickel alloy grades. CW-12MW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for CX2M, about 6% more. In exchange, CX2M is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 10% for CW-12MW, and CW-12MW is harder (200 HB vs 190 HB). CX2M is lighter (8.6 g/cm³ vs 8.94 g/cm³ for CW-12MW) and CW-12MW runs hotter in service (650°C vs 550°C continuous). On the shop floor, CX2M welds better (very good vs good).
CW-12MWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
CX2MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CW-12MW vs CX2M: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 180 GPa26.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.3×10⁻⁶ Ω·m51.2 µΩ·in
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | CX2M |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CW-12MW vs CX2M — frequently asked
Is CW-12MW stronger than CX2M?
Yes. CW-12MW has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) for CX2M — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CW-12MW or CX2M?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CW-12MW or CX2M?
CW-12MW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 22/100 against 15/100 for CX2M; for welding the order is CX2M first (very good, 80/100) then CW-12MW (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CW-12MW and CX2M 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.