Steel W2 Annealed vs W2 Cold Drawn
Steel · W2 temper comparison
W2 Annealed and W2 Cold Drawn are two conditions of the same steel grade, W2: Annealed versus Cold Drawn. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. W2 Cold Drawn is the stronger of the two: yield strength 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for W2 Annealed, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 780 MPa (113 ksi) vs 730 MPa (106 ksi). In exchange, W2 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for W2 Cold Drawn, and W2 Cold Drawn is harder (215 HB vs 200 HB). W2 Annealed runs hotter in service (300°C vs 200°C continuous).
W2 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
W2 Cold DrawnChoose it when strength drives the design.
W2 Annealed vs W2 Cold Drawn: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all 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 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.83 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,420°C2,588 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,470°C2,678 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 48 W/m·K27.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 9.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 30 MJ/kg12,898 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
W2 Annealed vs W2 Cold Drawn — frequently asked
Is W2 Cold Drawn stronger than W2 Annealed?
Yes. W2 Cold Drawn has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for W2 Annealed — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 780 MPa (113 ksi) vs 730 MPa (106 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or Cold Drawn?
Annealed is the default W2 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.
When should I choose W2 Annealed over W2 Cold Drawn?
Pick W2 Annealed when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick W2 Cold Drawn when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in W2 Annealed and W2 Cold Drawn 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.