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Refractory Metal Excel vs Zr 702

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal Excel and Zr 702 are both refractory metal grades. Excel is the stronger of the two: yield strength 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for Zr 702, about 152% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, Zr 702 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 14% for Excel, and Excel is harder (265 HV vs 160 HV). Zr 702 conducts heat better (22 W/m·K vs 15.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Zr 702 welds better (very good vs fair).

ExcelChoose it when strength drives the design.

Zr 702Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

Excel vs Zr 702: properties

ExcelZr 702

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

97 GPa14.1 Msi
99 GPa14.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

98 GPa14.2 Msi
92 GPa13.3 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

850 MPa123 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

730 MPa106 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

14%
30%

Reduction in Area

40%
45%

Shear Strength

500 MPa72.5 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in
65 MPa·√m59.2 ksi·√in

Hardness, Rockwell C

25 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

265 HV
160 HV

Compressive Strength

—
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

—
150 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
85 HRB

Same in both: Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

6.57 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³
6.51 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,780°C3,236 °F
1,852°C3,366 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,840°C3,344 °F
1,852°C3,366 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

6 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F
5.9 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

155 J/g66.6 BTU/lb
153 J/g65.8 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
371°C700 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.2 % IACS
4.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in
4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m15.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.15 V
-0.2 V

Corrosion Resistance

85 / 100
92 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

28 / 100
35 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

22%
30%

Weldability

45 / 100
80 / 100

Formability (cold)

35 / 100
70 / 100

Castability

20 / 100
30 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
70 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,400 MJ/kg601,892 BTU/lb
1,250 MJ/kg537,404 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb
900 L/kg108 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 85 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 15%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

129 kN·m/kg
69 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

14.8 MN·m/kg
15.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

2,747 kJ/m³
425 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

8.3 mm²/s
11.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

23
17

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 scaleZr 702Excel

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityExcelZr 702
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Excel vs Zr 702 — frequently asked

Is Excel stronger than Zr 702?

Yes. Excel has a typical yield strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for Zr 702 — about 152% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Excel or Zr 702?

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, Excel or Zr 702?

Zr 702. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (28/100) for Excel; for welding the order is Zr 702 first (very good, 80/100) then Excel (fair, 45/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Excel and Zr 702 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.