Refractory Metal C-129Y vs R04261
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal C-129Y and R04261 are both refractory metal grades. C-129Y is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for R04261, about 140% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, R04261 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for C-129Y, and C-129Y is harder (209 HB vs 105 HB). R04261 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, R04261 welds better (excellent vs very good).
C-129YChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
R04261Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
C-129Y vs R04261: 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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 270 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F · 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb · 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 | R04261 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
C-129Y vs R04261 — frequently asked
Is C-129Y stronger than R04261?
Yes. C-129Y has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for R04261 — about 140% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which is cheaper, C-129Y or R04261?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 R04261?
R04261, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 33/100 against 25/100 for C-129Y; for welding the order is R04261 first (excellent, 90/100) then C-129Y (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C-129Y and R04261 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.