Refractory Metal 60Cr-40Ni vs Chromium Alloy 33
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 60Cr-40Ni 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 310 MPa (45 ksi) for 60Cr-40Ni, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). Chromium Alloy 33 is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 2% for 60Cr-40Ni, and 60Cr-40Ni is harder (220 HB vs 200 HB). 60Cr-40Ni is stiffer (225 GPa vs 200 GPa) and 60Cr-40Ni runs hotter in service (1,150°C vs 450°C continuous). On the shop floor, Chromium Alloy 33 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and Chromium Alloy 33 welds better (very good vs poor).
60Cr-40NiChoose 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.
60Cr-40Ni 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.
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
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,350°C2,462 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Latent Heat of Fusion
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
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
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 | 60Cr-40Ni | Chromium Alloy 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
60Cr-40Ni vs Chromium Alloy 33 — frequently asked
Is Chromium Alloy 33 stronger than 60Cr-40Ni?
Yes. Chromium Alloy 33 has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for 60Cr-40Ni — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 60Cr-40Ni or Chromium Alloy 33?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 60Cr-40Ni or Chromium Alloy 33?
Chromium Alloy 33. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (12/100) for 60Cr-40Ni; for welding the order is Chromium Alloy 33 first (very good, 72/100) then 60Cr-40Ni (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 60Cr-40Ni 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.