Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Hiperco 50 vs Vicalloy
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · grade comparison
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Hiperco 50 and Vicalloy are both cobalt-chrome alloy grades. Vicalloy is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Hiperco 50, about 3.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi). In exchange, Hiperco 50 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 2% for Vicalloy, and Vicalloy is harder (480 HB vs 190 HB). Hiperco 50 is stiffer (207 GPa vs 190 GPa) and Hiperco 50 runs hotter in service (500°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, Hiperco 50 welds better (fair vs poor).
Hiperco 50Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
VicalloyChoose it when strength drives the design.
Hiperco 50 vs Vicalloy: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all cobalt-chrome 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 cobalt-chrome 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 165 GPa23.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,440°C2,624 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every cobalt-chrome alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Hiperco 50 | Vicalloy |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Hiperco 50 vs Vicalloy — frequently asked
Is Vicalloy stronger than Hiperco 50?
Yes. Vicalloy has a typical yield strength of 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) against 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) for Hiperco 50 — about 3.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Hiperco 50 or Vicalloy?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Hiperco 50 or Vicalloy?
Hiperco 50. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (20/100) for Vicalloy.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Hiperco 50 and Vicalloy 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.