Nickel Alloy Inconel 601-AW vs Inconel 601-CW
Nickel Alloy · Inconel 601 temper comparison
Inconel 601-AW and Inconel 601-CW are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Inconel 601: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Inconel 601-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 655 MPa (95 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Inconel 601-AW, about 64% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi). In exchange, Inconel 601-AW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 20% for Inconel 601-CW, and Inconel 601-CW is harder (240 HB vs 175 HB). Inconel 601-AW runs hotter in service (1,100°C vs 600°C continuous).
Inconel 601-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Inconel 601-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Inconel 601-AW vs Inconel 601-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.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 180 GPa26.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31 · Reduction in Area 40%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.11 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,360°C2,480 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,411°C2,572 °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 448 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13.8 µm/m·K7.7 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) -0.15 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 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 145 MJ/kg62,339 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 320 L/kg38.3 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
Inconel 601-AW vs Inconel 601-CW — frequently asked
Is Inconel 601-CW stronger than Inconel 601-AW?
Yes. Inconel 601-CW has a typical yield strength of 655 MPa (95 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Inconel 601-AW — about 64% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 640 MPa (92.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
ANN is the default Inconel 601 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, Inconel 601-AW or Inconel 601-CW?
Inconel 601-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 33/100 against 24/100 for Inconel 601-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Inconel 601-AW and Inconel 601-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.