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Refractory Metal FS-85-CW vs FS-85-SR

Refractory Metal · FS-85 temper comparison

FS-85-CW and FS-85-SR are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, FS-85: CW (cold worked) versus SR (stress relieved). 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 630 MPa (91.4 ksi) for FS-85-SR, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi). In exchange, FS-85-SR is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 6% for FS-85-CW, and FS-85-CW is harder (300 HB vs 246 HB). FS-85-SR runs hotter in service (1,300°C vs 1,100°C continuous). On the shop floor, FS-85-SR welds better (very good vs good).

FS-85-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.

FS-85-SRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

FS-85-CW vs FS-85-SR: properties

FS-85-CWFS-85-SR

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
720 MPa104 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

830 MPa120 ksi
630 MPa91.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

6%
15%

Reduction in Area

25%
45%

Compressive Strength

860 MPa125 ksi
650 MPa94.3 ksi

Shear Strength

540 MPa78.3 ksi
430 MPa62.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

400 MPa58 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in
70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

20 J14.8 ft·lbf
40 J29.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

300 HB
246 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

96 HRB
100 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

32 HRC
24 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

320 HV
260 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 138 GPa20 Msi · 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

39 W/m·K22.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
40 W/m·K23.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,100°C2,012 °F
1,300°C2,372 °F

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

3.3 % IACS
3.4 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m20.5 µΩ·in
5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m19.7 µΩ·in

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

30 / 100
27 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

24%
22%

Weldability

60 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

30 / 100
55 / 100

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.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleFS-85

FS-85-CW vs FS-85-SR — frequently asked

Is FS-85-CW stronger than FS-85-SR?

Yes. FS-85-CW has a typical yield strength of 830 MPa (120 ksi) against 630 MPa (91.4 ksi) for FS-85-SR — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 720 MPa (104 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CW or SR?

REX is the default FS-85 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CW nor SR). 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 welds better, FS-85-CW or FS-85-SR?

FS-85-SR. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for FS-85-CW.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FS-85-CW and FS-85-SR 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.