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Refractory Metal I-70-H vs S-65

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal I-70-H and S-65 are both refractory metal grades. S-65 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) for I-70-H, about 12% more; tensile strength follows at 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). S-65 is harder — 145 HV against 130 HV for I-70-H — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, S-65 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).

S-65Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

I-70-H vs S-65: properties

I-70-HS-65

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

145 GPa21 Msi
142 GPa20.6 Msi

Bulk Modulus

116 GPa16.8 Msi
117 GPa17 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.08
0.07

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
350 MPa50.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

205 MPa29.7 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Reduction in Area

5%
—

Compressive Strength

250 MPa36.3 ksi
—

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
205 MPa29.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

140 MPa20.3 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

12 MPa·√m10.9 ksi·√in
13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

2 J1.1 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

120 HB
115 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

70 HRB
78 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

130 HV
145 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 303 GPa43.9 Msi · Elongation at Break 4.5%

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 1.85 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,287°C2,349 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,289°C2,352 °F

Thermal

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

Min Service Temperature

-195°C-319 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 210 W/m·K121 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,925 J/kg·K0.46 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.3 µm/m·K6.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 1,355 J/g583 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 500°C932 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

41 % IACS
40 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

4.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.65 µΩ·in
4.3×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.69 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.98 V
-1 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 45 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

35 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

45%
40%

Formability (cold)

8 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

15 / 100
10 / 100

Polishability

50 / 100
65 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,600 MJ/kg687,877 BTU/lb
4,000 MJ/kg1,719,692 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

105 kg CO₂/kg
250 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,800 L/kg216 gal/lb
2,500 L/kg300 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

10%
15%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

168 kN·m/kg
189 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

69 kJ/m³
87 kJ/m³

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

19
21

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 163.8 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 59 mm²/s

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 scaleS-65I-70-H

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityI-70-HS-65
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

I-70-H vs S-65 — frequently asked

Is S-65 stronger than I-70-H?

Yes. S-65 has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) for I-70-H — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).

Which is cheaper, I-70-H or S-65?

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, I-70-H or S-65?

S-65, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for I-70-H.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in I-70-H and S-65 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.