Nickel Alloy CX2M-AC vs CX2M-AW
Nickel Alloy · CX2M temper comparison
CX2M-AC and CX2M-AW are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, CX2M: AC (spheroidize annealed) versus AW (as-welded deposit). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. CX2M-AW is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for CX2M-AC, about 5% more. CX2M-AW is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 22% for CX2M-AC, and CX2M-AC is harder (15 HRC vs 12 HRC). CX2M-AW runs hotter in service (525°C vs 450°C continuous). On the shop floor, CX2M-AW welds better (very good vs good).
CX2M-AWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
CX2M-AC vs CX2M-AW: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 180 GPa26.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.6 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,310°C2,390 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,360°C2,480 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.6 µm/m·K7 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 230 MJ/kg98,882 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 15 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 350 L/kg41.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 45%
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.
CX2M-AC vs CX2M-AW — frequently asked
Is CX2M-AW stronger than CX2M-AC?
Yes. CX2M-AW has a typical tensile strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for CX2M-AC — about 5% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AC or AW?
SA is the default CX2M condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AC nor AW). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which welds better, CX2M-AC or CX2M-AW?
CX2M-AW. Its weldability rates very good (78/100) against good (68/100) for CX2M-AC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CX2M-AC and CX2M-AW 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.