Refractory Metal C-103 vs NbTi
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal C-103 and NbTi are both refractory metal grades. NbTi is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for C-103, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). C-103 is harder — 180 HV against 170 HV for NbTi — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. NbTi is lighter (6.05 g/cm³ vs 8.85 g/cm³ for C-103) and C-103 is stiffer (88 GPa vs 65 GPa). On the shop floor, C-103 machines more easily (30 vs 20 out of 100), C-103 welds better (very good vs fair), and NbTi sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than C-103 (specialty, $$$$$).
C-103Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
NbTiChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
C-103 vs NbTi: 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)
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elongation at Break 25%
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
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
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 | C-103 | NbTi |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Vacuum Annealed | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
C-103 vs NbTi — frequently asked
Is NbTi stronger than C-103?
Yes. NbTi has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for C-103 — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C-103 or NbTi?
NbTi is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while C-103 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, C-103 or NbTi?
C-103, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 20/100 for NbTi; for welding the order is C-103 first (very good, 80/100) then NbTi (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-103 and NbTi 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.