Refractory Metal FS-85 Cast vs FS-85-CW
Refractory Metal · FS-85 temper comparison
FS-85 Cast and FS-85-CW are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, FS-85: Cast (as cast) versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. FS-85-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for FS-85 Cast, about 108% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, FS-85 Cast is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 6% for FS-85-CW, and FS-85-CW is harder (300 HB vs 190 HB). FS-85 Cast runs hotter in service (1,450°C vs 1,100°C continuous). On the shop floor, FS-85 Cast welds better (very good vs good).
FS-85 CastChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
FS-85-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
FS-85 Cast vs FS-85-CW: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 51 GPa7.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 155 GPa22.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 10.6 g/cm³0.38 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 2,590°C4,694 °F · Liquidus Temperature 2,620°C4,748 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 215 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 7 µm/m·K3.9 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V · Corrosion Resistance 72 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 60 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
FS-85 Cast vs FS-85-CW — frequently asked
Is FS-85-CW stronger than FS-85 Cast?
Yes. FS-85-CW has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for FS-85 Cast — about 108% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Cast or CW?
REX is the default FS-85 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Cast nor CW). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, FS-85 Cast or FS-85-CW?
FS-85-CW, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 22/100 for FS-85 Cast; for welding the order is FS-85 Cast first (very good, 70/100) then FS-85-CW (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FS-85 Cast and FS-85-CW 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.