Refractory Metal Chromium Alloy 33-AW vs Chromium Alloy 33-CW
Refractory Metal · Chromium Alloy 33 temper comparison
Chromium Alloy 33-AW and Chromium Alloy 33-CW are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, Chromium Alloy 33: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Chromium Alloy 33-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 720 MPa (104 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for Chromium Alloy 33-AW, about 57% more; tensile strength follows at 980 MPa (142 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, Chromium Alloy 33-AW is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 25% for Chromium Alloy 33-CW, and Chromium Alloy 33-CW is harder (280 HB vs 215 HB). Chromium Alloy 33-CW runs hotter in service (450°C vs 400°C continuous).
Chromium Alloy 33-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Chromium Alloy 33-CWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Chromium Alloy 33-AW vs Chromium Alloy 33-CW: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all refractory 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 refractory 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.
Chromium Alloy 33-AWChromium Alloy 33-CW
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 167 GPa24.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.9 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,350°C2,462 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,400°C2,552 °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 450 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14.5 µm/m·K8.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °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 55 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 78 MJ/kg33,534 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200 L/kg24 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every refractory metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Chromium Alloy 33-AW vs Chromium Alloy 33-CW — frequently asked
Is Chromium Alloy 33-CW stronger than Chromium Alloy 33-AW?
Yes. Chromium Alloy 33-CW has a typical yield strength of 720 MPa (104 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for Chromium Alloy 33-AW — about 57% more. Tensile strength is 980 MPa (142 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
SA is the default Chromium Alloy 33 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 is easier to machine, Chromium Alloy 33-AW or Chromium Alloy 33-CW?
Chromium Alloy 33-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 18/100 for Chromium Alloy 33-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Chromium Alloy 33-AW and Chromium Alloy 33-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.