Refractory Metal Excel vs Zr 704C
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Excel and Zr 704C are both refractory metal grades. Excel is the stronger of the two: yield strength 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Zr 704C, about 143% more; tensile strength follows at 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). Excel is harder — 265 HV against 200 HV for Zr 704C — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Excel conducts heat better (15.5 W/m·K vs 13 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Zr 704C welds better (good vs fair) and Excel forms better (fair vs poor).
ExcelChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Zr 704CChoose it when it will be welded.
Excel vs Zr 704C: 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
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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi
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
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 6 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 155 J/g66.6 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V
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 60 / 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 | Excel | Zr 704C |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Excel vs Zr 704C — frequently asked
Is Excel stronger than Zr 704C?
Yes. Excel has a typical yield strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Zr 704C — about 143% more. Tensile strength is 850 MPa (123 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Excel or Zr 704C?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Excel or Zr 704C?
Zr 704C. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against fair (45/100) for Excel.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Excel and Zr 704C 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.