Refractory Metal FS-85-AW vs FS-85-CW
Refractory Metal · FS-85 temper comparison
FS-85-AW and FS-85-CW are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, FS-85: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. FS-85-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for FS-85-AW, about 84% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi). In exchange, FS-85-AW is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 6% for FS-85-CW, and FS-85-CW is harder (300 HB vs 214 HB). FS-85-AW runs hotter in service (1,450°C vs 1,100°C continuous). On the shop floor, FS-85-AW welds better (very good vs good).
FS-85-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
FS-85-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
FS-85-AW vs FS-85-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.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 138 GPa20 Msi · Shear Modulus 51 GPa7.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 155 GPa22.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Hardness, Rockwell B 96 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 10.6 g/cm³0.38 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 2,590°C4,694 °F · Liquidus Temperature 2,620°C4,748 °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 215 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 7 µm/m·K3.9 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.1 V · Corrosion Resistance 72 / 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: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 60 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
FS-85-AW vs FS-85-CW — frequently asked
Is FS-85-CW stronger than FS-85-AW?
Yes. FS-85-CW has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) for FS-85-AW — about 84% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 560 MPa (81.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CW?
REX is the default FS-85 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, FS-85-AW or FS-85-CW?
FS-85-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 24/100 for FS-85-AW; for welding the order is FS-85-AW first (very good, 70/100) then FS-85-CW (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FS-85-AW and FS-85-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.