Nickel Alloy Monel 401 vs Monel R-405
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Monel 401 and Monel R-405 are both nickel alloy grades. Monel R-405 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for Monel 401, about 165% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi). In exchange, Monel 401 is the more ductile: elongation 42% versus 22% for Monel R-405, and Monel R-405 is harder (165 HB vs 115 HB). Monel R-405 is stiffer (179 GPa vs 160 GPa) and Monel R-405 runs hotter in service (480°C vs 425°C continuous). On the shop floor, Monel R-405 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and Monel 401 welds better (good vs poor).
Monel 401Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
Monel R-405Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Monel 401 vs Monel R-405: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.32
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).
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 Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 5.8 mm²/s
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 | Monel 401 | Monel R-405 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Monel 401 vs Monel R-405 — frequently asked
Is Monel R-405 stronger than Monel 401?
Yes. Monel R-405 has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for Monel 401 — about 165% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Monel 401 or Monel R-405?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Monel 401 or Monel R-405?
Monel R-405. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against poor (30/100) for Monel 401; for welding the order is Monel 401 first (good, 65/100) then Monel R-405 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Monel 401 and Monel R-405 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.