Nickel Alloy Mu-metal vs Ni-Span-C 902
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Mu-metal 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 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Mu-metal, about 24% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). Ni-Span-C 902 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 40% for Mu-metal, and Ni-Span-C 902 is harder (165 HB vs 115 HB). Ni-Span-C 902 is lighter (8.05 g/cm³ vs 8.74 g/cm³ for Mu-metal) and Mu-metal is stiffer (215 GPa vs 179 GPa).
Mu-metalChoose it when the part sees heat.
Ni-Span-C 902Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Mu-metal 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
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 0.3
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 285 J/g123 BTU/lb
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Weldability 55 / 100 · 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 | Mu-metal | Ni-Span-C 902 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Mu-metal vs Ni-Span-C 902 — frequently asked
Is Ni-Span-C 902 stronger than Mu-metal?
Yes. Ni-Span-C 902 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Mu-metal — about 24% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Mu-metal or Ni-Span-C 902?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Mu-metal or Ni-Span-C 902?
Ni-Span-C 902, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for Mu-metal.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Mu-metal 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.