Refractory Metal NbTi-ANN vs NbTi-CW
Refractory Metal · NbTi temper comparison
NbTi-ANN and NbTi-CW are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, NbTi: ANN (annealed) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. NbTi-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for NbTi-ANN, about 157% more; tensile strength follows at 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). In exchange, NbTi-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 4% for NbTi-CW, and NbTi-CW is harder (270 HB vs 160 HB). NbTi-CW is stiffer (70 GPa vs 65 GPa) and NbTi-ANN runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, NbTi-ANN welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).
NbTi-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
NbTi-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
NbTi-ANN vs NbTi-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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 24 GPa3.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Hardness, Rockwell B 88 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 6.05 g/cm³0.22 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,900°C3,452 °F · Liquidus Temperature 2,020°C3,668 °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 350 J/kg·K0.08 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 8 µm/m·K4.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 290 J/g125 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -271°C-456 °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) -0.1 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 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 700 MJ/kg300,946 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 45 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
NbTi-ANN vs NbTi-CW — frequently asked
Is NbTi-CW stronger than NbTi-ANN?
Yes. NbTi-CW has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for NbTi-ANN — about 157% more. Tensile strength is 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or CW?
ANN is the default NbTi condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, NbTi-ANN or NbTi-CW?
NbTi-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for NbTi-ANN; for welding the order is NbTi-ANN first (fair, 45/100) then NbTi-CW (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in NbTi-ANN and NbTi-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.