Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni vs Cr99.90
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 50Cr-50Ni and Cr99.90 are both refractory metal grades. 50Cr-50Ni is the stronger of the two: yield strength 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for Cr99.90, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). 50Cr-50Ni is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 0% for Cr99.90, and Cr99.90 is harder (400 HV vs 242 HV). Cr99.90 is lighter (7.19 g/cm³ vs 7.85 g/cm³ for 50Cr-50Ni) and Cr99.90 is stiffer (279 GPa vs 200 GPa). On the shop floor, 50Cr-50Ni machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and 50Cr-50Ni welds better (poor vs not recommended).
50Cr-50NiChoose 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 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
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: Compressive Strength 900 MPa131 ksi
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)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100
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)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
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 | Cr99.90 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
50Cr-50Ni vs Cr99.90 — frequently asked
Is 50Cr-50Ni stronger than Cr99.90?
Yes. 50Cr-50Ni has a typical yield strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for Cr99.90 — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 50Cr-50Ni or Cr99.90?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 or Cr99.90?
50Cr-50Ni. Its machinability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (5/100) for Cr99.90; for welding the order is 50Cr-50Ni first (poor, 20/100) then Cr99.90 (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 50Cr-50Ni 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.