FabDigitFabDigit

Refractory Metal M5 vs Zr 702

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal M5 and Zr 702 are both refractory metal grades. M5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for Zr 702, about 14% more. M5 is harder — 165 HB against 150 HB for Zr 702 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Zr 702 conducts heat better (22 W/m·K vs 17.5 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Zr 702 welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100).

M5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.

Zr 702Choose it when it will be welded.

M5 vs Zr 702: properties

M5Zr 702

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

100 GPa14.5 Msi
92 GPa13.3 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

470 MPa68.2 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Reduction in Area

55%
45%

Compressive Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

200 MPa29 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in
65 MPa·√m59.2 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

30 J22.1 ft·lbf
60 J44.3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

165 HB
150 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

88 HRB
85 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

175 HV
160 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 30% · Shear Strength 290 MPa42.1 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,840°C3,344 °F
1,852°C3,366 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,860°C3,380 °F
1,852°C3,366 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

17.5 W/m·K10.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.8 µm/m·K3.2 µin/in·°F
5.9 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

400°C752 °F
371°C700 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 153 J/g65.8 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

3.1 % IACS
4.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in
4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m15.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.3 V
-0.2 V

Corrosion Resistance

90 / 100
92 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
35 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
30%

Weldability

70 / 100
80 / 100

Formability (cold)

65 / 100
70 / 100

Castability

25 / 100
30 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

30 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

80 kg CO₂/kg
85 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

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

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 1,250 MJ/kg537,404 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

72 kN·m/kg
69 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

15.1 MN·m/kg
15.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

550 kJ/m³
425 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

9.4 mm²/s
11.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

14
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 702M5

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityM5Zr 702
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

M5 vs Zr 702 — frequently asked

Is M5 stronger than Zr 702?

Yes. M5 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for Zr 702 — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, M5 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, M5 or Zr 702?

Zr 702. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for M5; for welding the order is Zr 702 first (very good, 80/100) then M5 (very good, 70/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M5 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.