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Nickel Alloy CW-12MW vs M35-2

Nickel Alloy · grade comparison

Nickel Alloy CW-12MW and M35-2 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 M35-2, about 49% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi). In exchange, M35-2 is the more ductile: elongation 32% 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 480°C continuous). On the shop floor, M35-2 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and M35-2 welds better (very good vs good).

CW-12MWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

M35-2Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

CW-12MW vs M35-2: properties

CW-12MWM35-2

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

205 GPa29.7 Msi
150 GPa21.8 Msi

Shear Modulus

78 GPa11.3 Msi
57 GPa8.3 Msi

Bulk Modulus

180 GPa26.1 Msi
139 GPa20.2 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.31
0.32

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

550 MPa79.8 ksi
490 MPa71.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
235 MPa34.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

10%
32%

Reduction in Area

12%
35%

Shear Strength

385 MPa55.8 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

220 MPa31.9 ksi
195 MPa28.3 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

70 J51.6 ft·lbf
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

200 HB
130 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

94 HRB
73 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

15 HRC
—

Compressive Strength

—
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
85 MPa·√m77.4 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

—
137 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.94 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.8 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,275°C2,327 °F
1,315°C2,399 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,355°C2,471 °F
1,350°C2,462 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

10.2 W/m·K5.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
20 W/m·K11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

385 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
427 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.3 µm/m·K6.3 µin/in·°F
13.9 µm/m·K7.7 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

290 J/g125 BTU/lb
285 J/g123 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

650°C1,202 °F
480°C896 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

1.3 % IACS
2.9 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.3×10⁻⁶ Ω·m51.2 µΩ·in
6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.08 V
-0.15 V

Corrosion Resistance

86 / 100
75 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

22 / 100
35 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

12%
30%

Weldability

55 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

60 / 100
78 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 65 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

12.5 kg CO₂/kg
12 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

40%
45%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

62 kN·m/kg
56 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

22.9 MN·m/kg
17 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

299 kJ/m³
184 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

3 mm²/s
5.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

2
5

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.

2005001,0006.577.588.59Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleCW-12MWM35-2

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityCW-12MWM35-2
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 M35-2 — frequently asked

Is CW-12MW stronger than M35-2?

Yes. CW-12MW has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for M35-2 — about 49% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 490 MPa (71.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, CW-12MW or M35-2?

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 M35-2?

M35-2. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (22/100) for CW-12MW; for welding the order is M35-2 first (very good, 70/100) then CW-12MW (good, 55/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CW-12MW and M35-2 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.