Nickel Alloy Mu-metal-CD vs Mu-metal-CW
Nickel Alloy · Mu-metal temper comparison
Mu-metal-CD and Mu-metal-CW are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Mu-metal: CD (cold drawn) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Mu-metal-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) for Mu-metal-CD, about 12% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi). In exchange, Mu-metal-CD is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for Mu-metal-CW, and Mu-metal-CW is harder (235 HB vs 213 HB).
Mu-metal-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Mu-metal-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
Mu-metal-CD vs Mu-metal-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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 215 GPa31.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 180 GPa26.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.74 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 31 W/m·K17.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.7 µm/m·K7.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 3 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.8 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
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 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 140 MJ/kg60,189 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 10.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
Mu-metal-CD vs Mu-metal-CW — frequently asked
Is Mu-metal-CW stronger than Mu-metal-CD?
Yes. Mu-metal-CW has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) for Mu-metal-CD — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 830 MPa (120 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or CW?
ANN-H2 is the default Mu-metal condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CD 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, Mu-metal-CD or Mu-metal-CW?
Mu-metal-CD. Its weldability rates fair (50/100) against fair (45/100) for Mu-metal-CW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Mu-metal-CD and Mu-metal-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.