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Precious Metal Pd99.9 vs PdNi

Precious Metal · grade comparison

Precious Metal Pd99.9 and PdNi are both precious metal grades. PdNi is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for Pd99.9, about 4.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). In exchange, Pd99.9 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 30% for PdNi, and PdNi is harder (133 HB vs 40 HB). PdNi is lighter (11.3 g/cm³ vs 12.02 g/cm³ for Pd99.9) and PdNi is stiffer (140 GPa vs 121 GPa). On the shop floor, Pd99.9 welds better (very good vs good).

Pd99.9Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

PdNiChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

Pd99.9 vs PdNi: properties

Pd99.9PdNi

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

121 GPa17.5 Msi
140 GPa20.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

44 GPa6.4 Msi
53 GPa7.7 Msi

Bulk Modulus

180 GPa26.1 Msi
185 GPa26.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.39
0.35

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

55 MPa8 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

35%
30%

Reduction in Area

70%
—

Shear Strength

125 MPa18.1 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

90 MPa13.1 ksi
220 MPa31.9 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

40 HB
133 HB

Hardness, Vickers

40 HV
140 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
76 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

12.02 g/cm³0.43 lb/in³
11.3 g/cm³0.41 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,555°C2,831 °F
1,275°C2,327 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,555°C2,831 °F
1,305°C2,381 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

71.8 W/m·K41.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

244 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

11.8 µm/m·K6.6 µin/in·°F
12.3 µm/m·K6.8 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

157 J/g67.5 BTU/lb
185 J/g79.5 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

500°C932 °F
600°C1,112 °F

Min Service Temperature

-253°C-423 °F
-200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

16 % IACS
5.2 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.08×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.25 µΩ·in
3.3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m13 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

0.25 V
0.2 V

Corrosion Resistance

92 / 100
85 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

30 / 100
28 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

30%
25%

Weldability

80 / 100
60 / 100

Formability (cold)

95 / 100
75 / 100

Castability

65 / 100
55 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

85 / 100
80 / 100

Polishability

90 / 100
85 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

60,000 MJ/kg2.58×10⁷ BTU/lb
58,000 MJ/kg2.49×10⁷ BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3,900 kg CO₂/kg
3,100 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

250,000 L/kg29,957 gal/lb
120,000 L/kg14,379 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

28%
40%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

15 kN·m/kg
49 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

10.1 MN·m/kg
12.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

13 kJ/m³
223 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

24.5 mm²/s
7.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

9
8

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

50100200500101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scalePd99.9PdNi

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityPd99.9PdNi
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Pd99.9 vs PdNi — frequently asked

Is PdNi stronger than Pd99.9?

Yes. PdNi has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for Pd99.9 — about 4.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Pd99.9 or PdNi?

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, Pd99.9 or PdNi?

Pd99.9. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against good (60/100) for PdNi.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pd99.9 and PdNi 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.