Refractory Metal MHC vs Mo-La
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal MHC and Mo-La are both refractory metal grades. MHC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for Mo-La, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). MHC is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for Mo-La, and MHC is harder (25 HRC vs 21 HRC). Mo-La runs hotter in service (1,700°C vs 1,500°C continuous) and Mo-La conducts electricity better (30 % IACS vs 27 % IACS). On the shop floor, MHC sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Mo-La (specialty, $$$$$).
MHCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Mo-LaChoose it when the part sees heat.
MHC vs Mo-La: 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.
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 320 GPa46.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 265 GPa38.4 Msi · Reduction in Area 25% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 6 J4.4 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 10.2 g/cm³0.37 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 2,620°C4,748 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 5.3 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 31.4 MN·m/kg
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 | MHC | Mo-La |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
MHC vs Mo-La — frequently asked
Is MHC stronger than Mo-La?
Yes. MHC has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for Mo-La — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which is cheaper, MHC or Mo-La?
MHC is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Mo-La is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, MHC or Mo-La?
Mo-La. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for MHC; for welding the order is Mo-La first (poor, 20/100) then MHC (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MHC and Mo-La 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.