Tungsten Alloy WC-12Co vs WC-6Co
Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison
Tungsten Alloy WC-12Co and WC-6Co are both tungsten alloy grades. WC-12Co is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) for WC-6Co, about 8% more. WC-6Co is harder — 78 HRC against 72 HRC for WC-12Co — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. WC-12Co is lighter (14.2 g/cm³ vs 14.9 g/cm³ for WC-6Co) and WC-6Co is stiffer (630 GPa vs 550 GPa).
WC-12CoChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
WC-6CoChoose it when surface hardness matters.
WC-12Co vs WC-6Co: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all tungsten alloy 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 tungsten alloy 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.22 · Elongation at Break 0% · Reduction in Area 0%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 220 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 500°C932 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 3 / 100 · Weldability 10 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every tungsten alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | WC-12Co | WC-6Co |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
WC-12Co vs WC-6Co — frequently asked
Is WC-12Co stronger than WC-6Co?
Yes. WC-12Co has a typical tensile strength of 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) against 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) for WC-6Co — about 8% more.
Which is cheaper, WC-12Co or WC-6Co?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose WC-12Co over WC-6Co?
Pick WC-12Co when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint. Pick WC-6Co when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WC-12Co and WC-6Co 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.