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Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni vs 60Cr-40Ni

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni and 60Cr-40Ni are both refractory metal grades. 50Cr-50Ni is the stronger of the two: yield strength 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for 60Cr-40Ni, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). 50Cr-50Ni is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 2% for 60Cr-40Ni, and 50Cr-50Ni is harder (20 HRC vs 19 HRC). 60Cr-40Ni is stiffer (225 GPa vs 200 GPa) and 50Cr-50Ni conducts electricity better (1.7 % IACS vs 1.5 % IACS).

50Cr-50NiChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

50Cr-50Ni vs 60Cr-40Ni: properties

50Cr-50Ni60Cr-40Ni

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

200 GPa29 Msi
225 GPa32.6 Msi

Shear Modulus

78 GPa11.3 Msi
88 GPa12.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

170 GPa24.7 Msi
175 GPa25.4 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.3
0.28

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

550 MPa79.8 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

340 MPa49.3 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Elongation at Break

8%
2%

Reduction in Area

8%
2%

Compressive Strength

900 MPa131 ksi
850 MPa123 ksi

Shear Strength

330 MPa47.9 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

190 MPa27.6 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in
25 MPa·√m22.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

6 J4.4 ft·lbf
5 J3.7 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

230 HB
220 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

98 HRB
96 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

20 HRC
19 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

242 HV
230 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,390°C2,534 °F
1,350°C2,462 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,430°C2,606 °F
1,450°C2,642 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

14 W/m·K8.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

330 J/g142 BTU/lb
—

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,100°C2,012 °F
1,150°C2,102 °F

Min Service Temperature

—
20°C68 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

1.7 % IACS
1.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m39.4 µΩ·in
1.15×10⁻⁶ Ω·m45.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
82 / 100

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

15 / 100
12 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

8%
10%

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
3 / 100

Castability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

30 / 100
35 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

100 MJ/kg42,992 BTU/lb
95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

9.5 kg CO₂/kg
8 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
220 L/kg26.4 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

20%
15%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

70 kN·m/kg
54 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.5 MN·m/kg
29.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

289 kJ/m³
214 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

3.9 mm²/s
4.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

3
2

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.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale50Cr-50Ni60Cr-40Ni

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability50Cr-50Ni60Cr-40Ni
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

50Cr-50Ni vs 60Cr-40Ni — frequently asked

Is 50Cr-50Ni stronger than 60Cr-40Ni?

Yes. 50Cr-50Ni has a typical yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for 60Cr-40Ni — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 50Cr-50Ni or 60Cr-40Ni?

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 50Cr-50Ni over 60Cr-40Ni?

Pick 50Cr-50Ni when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 50Cr-50Ni and 60Cr-40Ni 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.