Nickel Alloy Hastelloy B-3-AW vs Hastelloy B-3-CW
Nickel Alloy · Hastelloy B-3 temper comparison
Hastelloy B-3-AW and Hastelloy B-3-CW are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Hastelloy B-3: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Hastelloy B-3-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for Hastelloy B-3-AW, about 63% more; tensile strength follows at 980 MPa (142 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi). In exchange, Hastelloy B-3-AW is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 28% for Hastelloy B-3-CW, and Hastelloy B-3-CW is harder (290 HB vs 215 HB). Hastelloy B-3-AW runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous).
Hastelloy B-3-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Hastelloy B-3-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Hastelloy B-3-AW vs Hastelloy B-3-CW: 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.
Hastelloy B-3-AWHastelloy B-3-CW
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 216 GPa31.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 82 GPa11.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 190 GPa27.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.32
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 9.24 g/cm³0.33 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,370°C2,498 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,418°C2,584 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 11.3 W/m·K6.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 373 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · 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) -0.2 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 165 MJ/kg70,937 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
Hastelloy B-3-AW vs Hastelloy B-3-CW — frequently asked
Is Hastelloy B-3-CW stronger than Hastelloy B-3-AW?
Yes. Hastelloy B-3-CW has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) for Hastelloy B-3-AW — about 63% more. Tensile strength is 980 MPa (142 ksi) vs 780 MPa (113 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
SA is the default Hastelloy B-3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor CW). 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 is easier to machine, Hastelloy B-3-AW or Hastelloy B-3-CW?
Hastelloy B-3-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 18/100 for Hastelloy B-3-AW; for welding the order is Hastelloy B-3-AW first (very good, 78/100) then Hastelloy B-3-CW (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Hastelloy B-3-AW and Hastelloy B-3-CW 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.