Refractory Metal C-103 vs R04251
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal C-103 and R04251 are both refractory metal grades. C-103 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for R04251, about 96% more; tensile strength follows at 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, R04251 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 25% for C-103, and C-103 is harder (180 HV vs 100 HV). R04251 is stiffer (100 GPa vs 88 GPa) and C-103 runs hotter in service (1,400°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, R04251 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than C-103 (specialty, $$$$$).
C-103Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
R04251Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
C-103 vs R04251: 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)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 25% · Weldability 80 / 100 · Castability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 55 kg CO₂/kg
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 | R04251 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Vacuum Annealed | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
C-103 vs R04251 — frequently asked
Is C-103 stronger than R04251?
Yes. C-103 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for R04251 — about 96% more. Tensile strength is 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C-103 or R04251?
R04251 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while C-103 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose C-103 over R04251?
Pick C-103 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick R04251 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-103 and R04251 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.