Nickel Alloy CW-12MW vs K403
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy CW-12MW and K403 are both nickel alloy grades. K403 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CW-12MW, about 137% more; tensile strength follows at 940 MPa (136 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). In exchange, CW-12MW is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for K403, and K403 is harder (355 HB vs 200 HB). K403 is lighter (8.2 g/cm³ vs 8.94 g/cm³ for CW-12MW) and K403 runs hotter in service (950°C vs 650°C continuous). On the shop floor, CW-12MW machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and CW-12MW welds better (good vs not recommended).
CW-12MWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
K403Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
CW-12MW vs K403: 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
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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)
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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 3 mm²/s
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 | K403 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CW-12MW vs K403 — frequently asked
Is K403 stronger than CW-12MW?
Yes. K403 has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for CW-12MW — about 137% more. Tensile strength is 940 MPa (136 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CW-12MW or K403?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 K403?
CW-12MW. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (12/100) for K403; for welding the order is CW-12MW first (good, 55/100) then K403 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CW-12MW and K403 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.