Nickel Alloy Alloy 42 vs Ni-Span-C 902
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Alloy 42 and Ni-Span-C 902 are both nickel alloy grades. Ni-Span-C 902 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for Alloy 42, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). Ni-Span-C 902 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 35% for Alloy 42, and Ni-Span-C 902 is harder (165 HB vs 145 HB). Ni-Span-C 902 is stiffer (179 GPa vs 145 GPa) and Alloy 42 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, Alloy 42 welds better (very good vs good).
Alloy 42Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
Ni-Span-C 902Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Alloy 42 vs Ni-Span-C 902: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel 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 nickel 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
Poisson's Ratio
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Castability
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 nickel alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Alloy 42 | Ni-Span-C 902 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Alloy 42 vs Ni-Span-C 902 — frequently asked
Is Ni-Span-C 902 stronger than Alloy 42?
Yes. Ni-Span-C 902 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) for Alloy 42 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Alloy 42 or Ni-Span-C 902?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Alloy 42 or Ni-Span-C 902?
Alloy 42. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for Ni-Span-C 902.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alloy 42 and Ni-Span-C 902 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.