Nickel Alloy CW-12MW vs CY5SnBiM
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy CW-12MW and CY5SnBiM are both nickel alloy grades. CW-12MW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for CY5SnBiM, about 75% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 390 MPa (56.6 ksi). In exchange, CY5SnBiM is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 10% for CW-12MW, and CW-12MW is harder (200 HB vs 130 HB). CW-12MW is stiffer (205 GPa vs 150 GPa) and CW-12MW runs hotter in service (650°C vs 425°C continuous). On the shop floor, CY5SnBiM machines more easily (good vs poor) and CW-12MW welds better (good vs poor).
CW-12MWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
CY5SnBiMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
CW-12MW vs CY5SnBiM: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
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)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb
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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: 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
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 | CY5SnBiM |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CW-12MW vs CY5SnBiM — frequently asked
Is CW-12MW stronger than CY5SnBiM?
Yes. CW-12MW has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for CY5SnBiM — about 75% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 390 MPa (56.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CW-12MW or CY5SnBiM?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 CY5SnBiM?
CY5SnBiM. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (22/100) for CW-12MW; for welding the order is CW-12MW first (good, 55/100) then CY5SnBiM (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CW-12MW and CY5SnBiM 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.