Nickel Alloy CX2M
UNS N26059, N06059 · ASTM A494 CX2M
CX2M is the cast counterpart of Alloy 59, a high-purity Ni-Cr-Mo alloy supplied to ASTM A494 (UNS N26059) and matching wrought N06059.
Reference datasheet — CX2M is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the SA condition
CX2M tempers and conditions
CX2M is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. SA is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SADefault Solution annealed (≈1120 °C, rapid quench) per ASTM A494 | Standard supply condition for all corrosion service — dissolves interdendritic carbides/intermetallics and restores maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 330 | 620 | 40 | 10 HRC | 1.3 % IACS |
Spheroidize annealed | Only for non-critical or mildly corrosive duty where the solution anneal is waived; interdendritic phases lower ductility and localized-corrosion resistance. | 340 | 570 | 22 | 15 HRC | 1.3 % IACS |
hot isostatically pressed then solution annealed | Choose for pressure-containing or radiographed castings (pump casings, valve bodies) where shrinkage porosity must be closed to raise ductility and fatigue life. | 340 | 650 | 48 | 10 HRC | 1.3 % IACS |
As-welded deposit | Condition of weld-repaired or fabrication-welded castings; a post-weld solution anneal is preferred for severe acid service. | 350 | 600 | 30 | 12 HRC | 1.3 % IACS |
What is CX2M?
CX2M is the cast counterpart of Alloy 59, a high-purity Ni-Cr-Mo alloy supplied to ASTM A494 (UNS N26059) and matching wrought N06059. It is specified for sand and investment cast pump casings, valve bodies and reactor fittings in aggressive chloride and mixed-acid duty; in the solution-annealed condition it gives 330 MPa yield, 620 MPa tensile, 40 % elongation and about 190 HB (90 HRB). Limits are high alloy cost, foundry lead time, a machinability rating of only 15 and a 550 °C service ceiling. Where a higher temperature limit is needed, CX2MW (cast C-22) is the nearest alternative. CX2M has a density of 8.6 g/cm³ (0.311 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of nickel alloy grades. It melts at 1,310°C (2,390 °F). CX2M has a yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — weaker than 67% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is CX2M used for?
- seawater handling valves
- flue gas desulfurization pumps
- chemical reactor fittings
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 96/100, better than 99% of nickel alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 130 MPa·√m (118.3 ksi·√in), better than 85% of nickel alloy grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 15 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 87% of nickel alloy grades
- Limited formability — 20/100, worse than 75% of nickel alloy grades
CX2M properties
Typical room-temperature values for CX2M-SA; bars are the position among nickel alloy grades.
Physical3
CX2M has a density of 8.6 g/cm³ (0.311 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of nickel alloy grades. It melts at 1,310°C (2,390 °F).
Mechanical17
CX2M has a yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — weaker than 67% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal5
CX2M is rated for continuous service to 550°C (1,022 °F). It conducts heat at 10.5 W/m·K (6.07 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 73% of nickel alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 12.6 µm/m·K (7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CX2M conducts electricity at 1.3 % IACS, worse than 89% of nickel alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (96/100), better than 99% of nickel alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CX2M takes about 230 MJ of energy and emits 15 kg of CO₂ — more than 91% of nickel alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability8
CX2M's machinability is poor (15/100, worse than 76% of nickel alloy grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the nickel alloy family
Yield strength against density for every nickel alloy grade FabDigit runs. CX2M is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with CX2M
Is CX2M easy to machine?
Rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, low speed (15–25 m/min) and heavy constant feed with flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent severe work hardening.
Can CX2M be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with matching ERNiCrMo-13 (Alloy 59) filler, no preheat, low heat input and interpass < 150 °C; skip post-weld heat treatment except for severe acid duty.
Can CX2M be formed, bent or molded?
Produced by sand or investment casting from vacuum/AOD-refined heats; keep silicon and carbon low, use chills and generous risers to limit shrinkage porosity, then solution anneal.
CX2M chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cr | 22 – 24 | 23 |
| Mo | 15 – 16.5 | 16 |
| Fe | ≤ 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Clow-carbon grade, key to intergranular corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Sikept low (≤0.10 % in premium heats) to avoid intermetallics | ≤ 0.8 | 0.3 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.4 |
| Aldeoxidizer, as in wrought Alloy 59 | ≤ 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Co | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Wessentially tungsten-free | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Nibalance, typically ≥ 56–59 % | balance |
What surface finishes work on CX2M?
Grind, pickle and passivate all cast surfaces to remove chromium-depleted skin and mold scale; electropolishing gives best pitting performance, no anodizing.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on nickel alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Nickel Alloy CX2M in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- N26059N06059
- ASTM
- A494 CX2M
How much does CX2M cost?
CX2M is a high-cost nickel alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
CX2M — frequently asked
What is CX2M used for?
CX2M is typically used for seawater handling valves, flue gas desulfurization pumps and chemical reactor fittings. In short: highest corrosion rating in family; cast Alloy 59 equivalent; chloride pitting and crevice resistant.
What is the yield strength of CX2M?
CX2M has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — weaker than 67% of nickel alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is CX2M easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (15/100, worse than 76% of nickel alloy grades). Rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, low speed (15–25 m/min) and heavy constant feed with flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent severe work hardening.
Can CX2M be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with matching ERNiCrMo-13 (Alloy 59) filler, no preheat, low heat input and interpass < 150 °C; skip post-weld heat treatment except for severe acid duty.
What surface finishes work on CX2M?
Grind, pickle and passivate all cast surfaces to remove chromium-depleted skin and mold scale; electropolishing gives best pitting performance, no anodizing.
Can CX2M be formed, bent or molded?
Produced by sand or investment casting from vacuum/AOD-refined heats; keep silicon and carbon low, use chills and generous risers to limit shrinkage porosity, then solution anneal.
What is the maximum service temperature of CX2M?
CX2M is rated for continuous use to about 550°C (1,022 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between CX2M-SA and CX2M-AW?
SA is the default condition — standard supply condition for all corrosion service — dissolves interdendritic carbides/intermetallics and restores maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. AW: condition of weld-repaired or fabrication-welded castings; a post-weld solution anneal is preferred for severe acid service. Yield strength is 330 MPa in SA versus 350 MPa in AW.
How much does CX2M cost?
CX2M is a high-cost nickel alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM A494/A494M — Castings, Nickel and Nickel Alloy — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM B575 / UNS N06059 wrought Alloy 59 chemistry reference — ASTM International (2022)
- VDM Alloy 59 (N06059) material data sheet — VDM Metals (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Nickel, Cobalt, and Their Alloys — ASM International (2000)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.