Nickel Alloy Chromel 1/2H vs Chromel 1/4H
Nickel Alloy · Chromel temper comparison
Chromel 1/2H and Chromel 1/4H are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Chromel: 1/2H (half hard) versus 1/4H (quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Chromel 1/2H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 690 MPa (100 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for Chromel 1/4H, about 44% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi). In exchange, Chromel 1/4H is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 10% for Chromel 1/2H, and Chromel 1/2H is harder (228 HB vs 190 HB).
Chromel 1/2HChoose it when strength drives the design.
Chromel 1/4HChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Chromel 1/2H vs Chromel 1/4H: 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.
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 186 GPa27 Msi · Shear Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 150 GPa21.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.73 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,430°C2,606 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 19.2 W/m·K11.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 448 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13.1 µm/m·K7.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 295 J/g127 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,100°C2,012 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V · Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 50 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 175 MJ/kg75,237 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
Chromel 1/2H vs Chromel 1/4H — frequently asked
Is Chromel 1/2H stronger than Chromel 1/4H?
Yes. Chromel 1/2H has a typical yield strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for Chromel 1/4H — about 44% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 760 MPa (110 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/2H or 1/4H?
Annealed is the default Chromel condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither 1/2H nor 1/4H). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which welds better, Chromel 1/2H or Chromel 1/4H?
Chromel 1/4H. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for Chromel 1/2H.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Chromel 1/2H and Chromel 1/4H 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.