Stainless Steel AL-6XN-AW vs AL-6XN-CD
Stainless Steel · AL-6XN temper comparison
AL-6XN-AW and AL-6XN-CD are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, AL-6XN: AW (as-welded deposit) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AL-6XN-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for AL-6XN-AW, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). In exchange, AL-6XN-AW is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 25% for AL-6XN-CD, and AL-6XN-CD is harder (250 HB vs 190 HB).
AL-6XN-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AL-6XN-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
AL-6XN-AW vs AL-6XN-CD: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel 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 stainless steel 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 162 GPa23.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Reduction in Area 50%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.06 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,400°C2,552 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 11.5 W/m·K6.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 456 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 15.3 µm/m·K8.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 280 J/g120 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.9 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m35 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.08 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 85 MJ/kg36,543 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 6 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
AL-6XN-AW vs AL-6XN-CD — frequently asked
Is AL-6XN-CD stronger than AL-6XN-AW?
Yes. AL-6XN-CD has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for AL-6XN-AW — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or CD?
Solution Annealed is the default AL-6XN 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, AL-6XN-AW or AL-6XN-CD?
AL-6XN-CD, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 22/100 for AL-6XN-AW; for welding the order is AL-6XN-AW first (very good, 75/100) then AL-6XN-CD (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AL-6XN-AW and AL-6XN-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.