Nickel Alloy CX2M-AC (Spheroidize annealed)
Heat-treated state
UNS N26059, N06059 · ASTM A494 CX2M
Only for non-critical or mildly corrosive duty where the solution anneal is waived; interdendritic phases lower ductility and localized-corrosion resistance.
Values for the AC condition
Other CX2M tempers and conditions
CX2M is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at CX2M.
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 |
ACThis page 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-AC?
CX2M-AC is CX2M heat treated to AC — only for non-critical or mildly corrosive duty where the solution anneal is waived; interdendritic phases lower ductility and localized-corrosion resistance. CX2M-AC has a yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 63% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). CX2M-AC 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). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AC is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 1.3 % IACS, worse than 99% of nickel alloy grades
- Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 91% of nickel alloy grades
- High embodied carbon — 15 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 87% of nickel alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 450°C (842 °F), worse than 86% of nickel alloy grades
- Low fracture toughness — 85 MPa·√m (77.4 ksi·√in), worse than 75% of nickel alloy grades
CX2M-AC properties
Typical room-temperature values for CX2M-AC; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CX2M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among nickel alloy grades.
Physical3
CX2M-AC 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-AC has a yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 63% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal5
CX2M-AC is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 10.2 W/m·K (5.89 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 79% of nickel alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 12.6 µm/m·K (7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CX2M-AC conducts electricity at 1.3 % IACS, worse than 99% of nickel alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 74% of nickel alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CX2M-AC 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-AC's machinability is not recommended (13/100, worse than 82% of nickel alloy grades); weldability good (68/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CX2M-AC
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.
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.
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 | — |
CX2M-AC — frequently asked
What is CX2M-AC used for?
CX2M-AC 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-AC?
CX2M-AC has a typical yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 63% of nickel alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is CX2M-AC easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (13/100, worse than 82% 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-AC be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (68/100). 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-AC?
Grind, pickle and passivate all cast surfaces to remove chromium-depleted skin and mold scale; electropolishing gives best pitting performance, no anodizing.
Can CX2M-AC 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-AC?
CX2M-AC is rated for continuous use to about 450°C (842 °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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.