Nickel Alloy Nimonic 86-AW vs Nimonic 86-CD
Nickel Alloy · Nimonic 86 temper comparison
Nimonic 86-AW and Nimonic 86-CD are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Nimonic 86: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Nimonic 86-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Nimonic 86-AW, about 67% more; tensile strength follows at 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, Nimonic 86-AW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 25% for Nimonic 86-CD, and Nimonic 86-CD is harder (260 HB vs 210 HB). Nimonic 86-AW runs hotter in service (1,000°C vs 600°C continuous).
Nimonic 86-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Nimonic 86-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
Nimonic 86-AW vs Nimonic 86-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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
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: Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 172 GPa24.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.5 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,330°C2,426 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,380°C2,516 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 10 W/m·K5.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 440 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.2 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.24×10⁻⁶ Ω·m48.8 µΩ·in
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 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14.5 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.
Nimonic 86-AW vs Nimonic 86-CD — frequently asked
Is Nimonic 86-CD stronger than Nimonic 86-AW?
Yes. Nimonic 86-CD has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Nimonic 86-AW — about 67% more. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
SA is the default Nimonic 86 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.
Which is easier to machine, Nimonic 86-AW or Nimonic 86-CD?
Nimonic 86-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 26/100 against 20/100 for Nimonic 86-AW; for welding the order is Nimonic 86-AW first (very good, 70/100) then Nimonic 86-CD (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Nimonic 86-AW and Nimonic 86-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.