Refractory Metal C-129Y vs NbTi
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal C-129Y and NbTi are both refractory metal grades. C-129Y is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for NbTi, about 37% more. In exchange, NbTi is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for C-129Y, and C-129Y is harder (209 HB vs 160 HB). NbTi is lighter (6.05 g/cm³ vs 9.46 g/cm³ for C-129Y) and C-129Y is stiffer (131 GPa vs 65 GPa). On the shop floor, C-129Y welds better (very good vs fair).
C-129YChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
NbTiChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
C-129Y 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)
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
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Castability
Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100
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 | C-129Y | NbTi |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
C-129Y vs NbTi — frequently asked
Is C-129Y stronger than NbTi?
Yes. C-129Y has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for NbTi — about 37% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C-129Y or NbTi?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, C-129Y or NbTi?
C-129Y, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for NbTi; for welding the order is C-129Y first (very good, 70/100) then NbTi (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-129Y 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.