Nickel Alloy Inconel 603-AW vs Inconel 603-CD
Nickel Alloy · Inconel 603 temper comparison
Inconel 603-AW and Inconel 603-CD are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Inconel 603: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Inconel 603-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Inconel 603-AW, about 58% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi). In exchange, Inconel 603-AW is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 25% for Inconel 603-CD, and Inconel 603-CD is harder (240 HB vs 195 HB). Inconel 603-AW runs hotter in service (1,100°C vs 650°C continuous).
Inconel 603-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Inconel 603-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Inconel 603-AW vs Inconel 603-CD: 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.
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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 168 GPa24.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,340°C2,444 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,400°C2,552 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 11 W/m·K6.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13.4 µm/m·K7.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.25×10⁻⁶ Ω·m49.2 µΩ·in
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 50 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 160 MJ/kg68,788 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 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 603-AW vs Inconel 603-CD — frequently asked
Is Inconel 603-CD stronger than Inconel 603-AW?
Yes. Inconel 603-CD has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Inconel 603-AW — about 58% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 660 MPa (95.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
ANN is the default Inconel 603 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AW nor CD). 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.
When should I choose Inconel 603-AW over Inconel 603-CD?
Pick Inconel 603-AW when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick Inconel 603-CD when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Inconel 603-AW and Inconel 603-CD 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.