Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni vs Chromium Alloy 33
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni and Chromium Alloy 33 are both refractory metal grades. Chromium Alloy 33 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 50Cr-50Ni, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi). Chromium Alloy 33 is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 8% for 50Cr-50Ni, and 50Cr-50Ni is harder (230 HB vs 200 HB). 50Cr-50Ni runs hotter in service (1,100°C vs 450°C continuous) and 50Cr-50Ni conducts heat better (14 W/m·K vs 12 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Chromium Alloy 33 welds better (very good vs poor).
50Cr-50NiChoose it when the part sees heat.
Chromium Alloy 33Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
50Cr-50Ni vs Chromium Alloy 33: 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.
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · 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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m39.4 µΩ·in
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 Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 3
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 | Chromium Alloy 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
50Cr-50Ni vs Chromium Alloy 33 — frequently asked
Is Chromium Alloy 33 stronger than 50Cr-50Ni?
Yes. Chromium Alloy 33 has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for 50Cr-50Ni — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 550 MPa (79.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 50Cr-50Ni or Chromium Alloy 33?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 or Chromium Alloy 33?
Chromium Alloy 33, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 22/100 against 15/100 for 50Cr-50Ni; for welding the order is Chromium Alloy 33 first (very good, 72/100) then 50Cr-50Ni (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 50Cr-50Ni and Chromium Alloy 33 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.