Nickel Alloy Chromel vs NiCr80/20
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Chromel and NiCr80/20 are both nickel alloy grades. NiCr80/20 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for Chromel, about 45% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi). NiCr80/20 is harder — 160 HB against 150 HB for Chromel — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. NiCr80/20 is lighter (8.4 g/cm³ vs 8.73 g/cm³ for Chromel) and NiCr80/20 is stiffer (218 GPa vs 186 GPa).
NiCr80/20Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Chromel vs NiCr80/20: 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)
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elongation at Break 35% · Reduction in Area 60%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 65 / 100
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 nickel alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Chromel | NiCr80/20 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Chromel vs NiCr80/20 — frequently asked
Is NiCr80/20 stronger than Chromel?
Yes. NiCr80/20 has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for Chromel — about 45% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 655 MPa (95 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Chromel or NiCr80/20?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Chromel over NiCr80/20?
Pick NiCr80/20 when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Chromel and NiCr80/20 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.