Nickel Alloy CW2M vs CY-40
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy CW2M and CY-40 are both nickel alloy grades. CW2M is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) for CY-40, about 22% more. CW2M is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 38% for CY-40, and CW2M is harder (190 HB vs 145 HB). CY-40 runs hotter in service (1,000°C vs 650°C continuous) and CY-40 conducts heat better (14.8 W/m·K vs 10 W/m·K). On the shop floor, CW2M welds better (very good vs good).
CW2MChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CY-40Choose it when the part sees heat.
CW2M vs CY-40: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.31 · Reduction in Area 40%
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
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
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 45%
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 | CW2M | CY-40 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
CW2M vs CY-40 — frequently asked
Is CW2M stronger than CY-40?
Yes. CW2M has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) for CY-40 — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, CW2M or CY-40?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CW2M or CY-40?
CY-40, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 20/100 for CW2M; for welding the order is CW2M first (very good, 75/100) then CY-40 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CW2M and CY-40 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.