Refractory Metal Chromium Alloy 33 vs FeCrSi
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Chromium Alloy 33 and FeCrSi are both refractory metal grades. Chromium Alloy 33 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for FeCrSi, about 6.8 times as much. Chromium Alloy 33 is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 0% for FeCrSi. FeCrSi is lighter (5.2 g/cm³ vs 7.9 g/cm³ for Chromium Alloy 33) and Chromium Alloy 33 is stiffer (200 GPa vs 150 GPa). On the shop floor, Chromium Alloy 33 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended), Chromium Alloy 33 welds better (very good vs not recommended), and FeCrSi sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Chromium Alloy 33 (high, $$$$).
Chromium Alloy 33Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FeCrSiChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Chromium Alloy 33 vs FeCrSi: 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, 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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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)
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 | FeCrSi |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Chromium Alloy 33 vs FeCrSi — frequently asked
Is Chromium Alloy 33 stronger than FeCrSi?
Yes. Chromium Alloy 33 has a typical tensile strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for FeCrSi — about 6.8 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Chromium Alloy 33 or FeCrSi?
FeCrSi is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while Chromium Alloy 33 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, Chromium Alloy 33 or FeCrSi?
Chromium Alloy 33. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (4/100) for FeCrSi; for welding the order is Chromium Alloy 33 first (very good, 72/100) then FeCrSi (not recommended, 0/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Chromium Alloy 33 and FeCrSi 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.