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Refractory Metal Cr99.90 vs FeCrSi

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal Cr99.90 and FeCrSi are both refractory metal grades. Cr99.90 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for FeCrSi, about 150% more. FeCrSi is harder — 850 HV against 400 HV for Cr99.90 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. FeCrSi is lighter (5.2 g/cm³ vs 7.19 g/cm³ for Cr99.90) and Cr99.90 is stiffer (279 GPa vs 150 GPa). On the shop floor, FeCrSi sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Cr99.90 (high, $$$$).

Cr99.90Choose it when strength drives the design.

FeCrSiChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when weight is the constraint.

Cr99.90 vs FeCrSi: properties

Cr99.90FeCrSi

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

279 GPa40.5 Msi
150 GPa21.8 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
120 MPa17.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
—

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
2.5 MPa·√m2.3 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

2 J1.5 ft·lbf
1 J0.74 ft·lbf

Hardness, Vickers

400 HV
850 HV

Reduction in Area

—
0%

Shear Strength

—
90 MPa13.1 ksi

Hardness, Rockwell C

—
65 HRC

Same in both: Elongation at Break 0% · Compressive Strength 900 MPa131 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.19 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³
5.2 g/cm³0.19 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,907°C3,465 °F
1,290°C2,354 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,907°C3,465 °F
1,390°C2,534 °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
9 W/m·K5.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

449 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
—

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

4.9 µm/m·K2.7 µin/in·°F
—

Latent Heat of Fusion

404 J/g174 BTU/lb
—

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 900°C1,652 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

13.8 % IACS
1.2 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.25×10⁻⁷ Ω·m4.92 µΩ·in
1.4×10⁻⁶ Ω·m55.1 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.3 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
42 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

5 / 100
4 / 100

Weldability

8 / 100
0 / 100

Formability (cold)

3 / 100
0 / 100

Castability

15 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

40 / 100
—

Polishability

80 / 100
—

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

—
4%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

190 MJ/kg81,685 BTU/lb
70 MJ/kg30,095 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

16 kg CO₂/kg
6 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

2%
0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

42 kN·m/kg
23 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

38.8 MN·m/kg
28.8 MN·m/kg

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

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

Cr99.90 vs FeCrSi — frequently asked

Is Cr99.90 stronger than FeCrSi?

Yes. Cr99.90 has a typical tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for FeCrSi — about 150% more.

Which is cheaper, Cr99.90 or FeCrSi?

FeCrSi 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.

Which welds better, Cr99.90 or FeCrSi?

Cr99.90. Its weldability rates not recommended (8/100) against not recommended (0/100) for FeCrSi.

Ready to make it?

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