Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni-Cb vs Cr99.90
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni-Cb and Cr99.90 are both refractory metal grades. 50Cr-50Ni-Cb is the stronger of the two: yield strength 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for Cr99.90, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). 50Cr-50Ni-Cb is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 0% for Cr99.90, and Cr99.90 is harder (400 HV vs 220 HV). Cr99.90 is lighter (7.19 g/cm³ vs 7.8 g/cm³ for 50Cr-50Ni-Cb) and Cr99.90 is stiffer (279 GPa vs 190 GPa). On the shop floor, 50Cr-50Ni-Cb welds better (poor vs not recommended).
50Cr-50Ni-CbChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Cr99.90Choose it when weight is the constraint.
50Cr-50Ni-Cb vs Cr99.90: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all refractory metal 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 refractory metal 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi
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
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 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 refractory metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 50Cr-50Ni-Cb | Cr99.90 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
50Cr-50Ni-Cb vs Cr99.90 — frequently asked
Is 50Cr-50Ni-Cb stronger than Cr99.90?
Yes. 50Cr-50Ni-Cb has a typical yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for Cr99.90 — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 50Cr-50Ni-Cb or Cr99.90?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 50Cr-50Ni-Cb or Cr99.90?
50Cr-50Ni-Cb, by a small margin. Both rate not recommended for machinability — 12/100 against 5/100 for Cr99.90; for welding the order is 50Cr-50Ni-Cb first (poor, 25/100) then Cr99.90 (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 50Cr-50Ni-Cb and Cr99.90 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.