Stainless Steel AL-6XN-CD vs AL-6XN Solution Annealed
Stainless Steel · AL-6XN temper comparison
AL-6XN-CD and AL-6XN Solution Annealed are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, AL-6XN: CD (cold drawn) versus Solution Annealed. 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 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for AL-6XN Solution Annealed, about 70% more; tensile strength follows at 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 745 MPa (108 ksi). In exchange, AL-6XN Solution Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 25% for AL-6XN-CD, and AL-6XN-CD is harder (250 HB vs 180 HB).
AL-6XN-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
AL-6XN Solution AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AL-6XN-CD vs AL-6XN Solution Annealed: 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.
AL-6XN-CDAL-6XN Solution Annealed
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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 195 GPa28.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 162 GPa23.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3
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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: 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-CD vs AL-6XN Solution Annealed — frequently asked
Is AL-6XN-CD stronger than AL-6XN Solution Annealed?
Yes. AL-6XN-CD has a typical yield strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) against 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) for AL-6XN Solution Annealed — about 70% more. Tensile strength is 860 MPa (125 ksi) vs 745 MPa (108 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or Solution Annealed?
Solution Annealed is the default AL-6XN 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 welds better, AL-6XN-CD or AL-6XN Solution Annealed?
AL-6XN Solution Annealed. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for AL-6XN-CD.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AL-6XN-CD and AL-6XN Solution Annealed 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.