Refractory Metal C-129Y vs Pure Nb
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal C-129Y and Pure Nb are both refractory metal grades. C-129Y is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for Pure Nb, about 3.8 times as much; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi). In exchange, Pure Nb is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 22% for C-129Y, and C-129Y is harder (209 HB vs 80 HB). Pure Nb is lighter (8.57 g/cm³ vs 9.46 g/cm³ for C-129Y) and C-129Y is stiffer (131 GPa vs 103 GPa). On the shop floor, Pure Nb welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100) and C-129Y sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Pure Nb (specialty, $$$$$).
C-129YChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Pure NbChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
C-129Y vs Pure Nb: 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V
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
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | Pure Nb |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Vacuum Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
C-129Y vs Pure Nb — frequently asked
Is C-129Y stronger than Pure Nb?
Yes. C-129Y has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for Pure Nb — about 3.8 times as much. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C-129Y or Pure Nb?
C-129Y is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Pure Nb is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, C-129Y or Pure Nb?
Pure Nb. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (70/100) for C-129Y.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-129Y and Pure Nb 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.