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Refractory Metal Cr99.90 vs FeCr-LC

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal Cr99.90 and FeCr-LC are both refractory metal grades. Cr99.90 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for FeCr-LC, about 50% more. In exchange, FeCr-LC is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0% for Cr99.90, and FeCr-LC is harder (480 HV vs 400 HV). Cr99.90 is stiffer (279 GPa vs 220 GPa) and Cr99.90 conducts heat better (93.9 W/m·K vs 16 W/m·K). On the shop floor, FeCr-LC sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Cr99.90 (high, $$$$).

Cr99.90Choose it when strength drives the design.

FeCr-LCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.

Cr99.90 vs FeCr-LC: properties

Cr99.90FeCr-LC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

279 GPa40.5 Msi
220 GPa31.9 Msi

Shear Modulus

115 GPa16.7 Msi
—

Bulk Modulus

160 GPa23.2 Msi
—

Poisson's Ratio

0.21
—

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

300 MPa43.5 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
—

Elongation at Break

0%
0.1%

Compressive Strength

900 MPa131 ksi
1,520 MPa220 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
9 MPa·√m8.2 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

2 J1.5 ft·lbf
1 J0.74 ft·lbf

Hardness, Vickers

400 HV
480 HV

Shear Strength

—
145 MPa21 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

—
455 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
48 HRC

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.19 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³
7.2 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,907°C3,465 °F
1,620°C2,948 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,907°C3,465 °F
1,660°C3,020 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

93.9 W/m·K54.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

449 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

4.9 µm/m·K2.7 µin/in·°F
9.5 µm/m·K5.3 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

404 J/g174 BTU/lb
300 J/g129 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

900°C1,652 °F
850°C1,562 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

13.8 % IACS
1.6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in
1.05×10⁻⁶ Ω·m41.3 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.3 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
45 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

5 / 100
3 / 100

Weldability

8 / 100
5 / 100

Formability (cold)

3 / 100
1 / 100

Castability

15 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

40 / 100
—

Polishability

80 / 100
—

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

—
3%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

190 MJ/kg81,685 BTU/lb
62 MJ/kg26,655 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

16 kg CO₂/kg
5.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

2%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

42 kN·m/kg
28 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

38.8 MN·m/kg
30.6 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

29.1 mm²/s
4.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

21
2

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.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleCr99.90

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityCr99.90FeCr-LC
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Cr99.90 vs FeCr-LC — frequently asked

Is Cr99.90 stronger than FeCr-LC?

Yes. Cr99.90 has a typical tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for FeCr-LC — about 50% more.

Which is cheaper, Cr99.90 or FeCr-LC?

FeCr-LC is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while Cr99.90 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

When should I choose Cr99.90 over FeCr-LC?

Pick Cr99.90 when strength drives the design. Pick FeCr-LC when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cr99.90 and FeCr-LC 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.