Refractory Metal Chromium Alloy 33 vs Cr99.90
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Chromium Alloy 33 and Cr99.90 are both refractory metal grades. Chromium Alloy 33 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for Cr99.90, about 65% more; tensile strength follows at 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). Chromium Alloy 33 is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 0% for Cr99.90. Cr99.90 is lighter (7.19 g/cm³ vs 7.9 g/cm³ for Chromium Alloy 33) and Cr99.90 is stiffer (279 GPa vs 200 GPa). On the shop floor, Chromium Alloy 33 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and Chromium Alloy 33 welds better (very good vs not recommended).
Chromium Alloy 33Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Cr99.90Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Chromium Alloy 33 vs Cr99.90: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 80 / 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 | Chromium Alloy 33 | Cr99.90 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Chromium Alloy 33 vs Cr99.90 — frequently asked
Is Chromium Alloy 33 stronger than Cr99.90?
Yes. Chromium Alloy 33 has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for Cr99.90 — about 65% more. Tensile strength is 810 MPa (117 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Chromium Alloy 33 or Cr99.90?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Chromium Alloy 33 or Cr99.90?
Chromium Alloy 33. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (5/100) for Cr99.90; for welding the order is Chromium Alloy 33 first (very good, 72/100) then Cr99.90 (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Chromium Alloy 33 and Cr99.90 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.