Nickel Alloy Inconel 617-AW vs Inconel 617-CW
Nickel Alloy · Inconel 617 temper comparison
Inconel 617-AW and Inconel 617-CW are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Inconel 617: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Inconel 617-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Inconel 617-AW, about 114% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). In exchange, Inconel 617-AW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 12% for Inconel 617-CW, and Inconel 617-CW is harder (300 HB vs 200 HB). Inconel 617-AW runs hotter in service (1,050°C vs 650°C continuous). On the shop floor, Inconel 617-AW welds better (very good vs good).
Inconel 617-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Inconel 617-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Inconel 617-AW vs Inconel 617-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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 211 GPa30.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 176 GPa25.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.36 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,332°C2,430 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,380°C2,516 °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 419 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.6 µm/m·K6.4 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) -0.05 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 70 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 190 MJ/kg81,685 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 617-AW vs Inconel 617-CW — frequently asked
Is Inconel 617-CW stronger than Inconel 617-AW?
Yes. Inconel 617-CW has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Inconel 617-AW — about 114% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
SA is the default Inconel 617 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 welds better, Inconel 617-AW or Inconel 617-CW?
Inconel 617-AW. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (60/100) for Inconel 617-CW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Inconel 617-AW and Inconel 617-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.