Precious Metal B541-CW vs B541-SR
Precious Metal · B541 temper comparison
B541-CW and B541-SR are two conditions of the same precious metal grade, B541: CW (cold worked) versus SR (stress relieved). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. B541-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for B541-SR, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, B541-SR is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3% for B541-CW. B541-SR runs hotter in service (230°C vs 200°C continuous).
B541-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
B541-SRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
B541-CW vs B541-SR: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all precious metal 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 precious metal 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)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 39 GPa5.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.37
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 16 g/cm³0.58 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,000°C1,832 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,045°C1,913 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 55 W/m·K31.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 150 J/kg·K0.04 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 15 µm/m·K8.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 75 J/g32.2 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.25 V · Corrosion Resistance 98 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 35% · Weldability 70 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100 · Polishability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 170,000 MJ/kg7.31×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13,000 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 120,000 L/kg14,379 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
B541-CW vs B541-SR — frequently asked
Is B541-CW stronger than B541-SR?
Yes. B541-CW has a typical yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for B541-SR — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 760 MPa (110 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CW or SR?
HT-CW is the default B541 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CW nor SR). 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 B541-CW over B541-SR?
Pick B541-CW when strength drives the design. Pick B541-SR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in B541-CW and B541-SR 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.