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Refractory Metal MHC vs TZC

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal MHC and TZC are both refractory metal grades. TZC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 930 MPa (135 ksi) against 800 MPa (116 ksi) for MHC, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi). In exchange, MHC is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for TZC, and TZC is harder (30 HRC vs 25 HRC). MHC conducts electricity better (27 % IACS vs 20 % IACS).

MHCChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

TZCChoose it when strength drives the design.

MHC vs TZC: properties

MHCTZC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

320 GPa46.4 Msi
315 GPa45.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

125 GPa18.1 Msi
122 GPa17.7 Msi

Bulk Modulus

265 GPa38.4 Msi
280 GPa40.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

900 MPa131 ksi
1,050 MPa152 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

800 MPa116 ksi
930 MPa135 ksi

Elongation at Break

12%
8%

Reduction in Area

25%
20%

Compressive Strength

900 MPa131 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Shear Strength

550 MPa79.8 ksi
620 MPa89.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

6 J4.4 ft·lbf
5 J3.7 ft·lbf

Hardness, Rockwell C

25 HRC
30 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

265 HV
300 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.32

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

10.2 g/cm³0.37 lb/in³
10.05 g/cm³0.36 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

2,600°C4,712 °F
2,590°C4,694 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 2,620°C4,748 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

110 W/m·K63.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
105 W/m·K60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

260 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
250 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

385 J/g166 BTU/lb
375 J/g161 BTU/lb

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 5.3 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,500°C2,732 °F · Min Service Temperature 20°C68 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

27 % IACS
20 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
8.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.35 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.15 V
-0.2 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 45 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
32 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

30%
35%

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

—
25 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

135 MJ/kg58,040 BTU/lb
210 MJ/kg90,284 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

9 kg CO₂/kg
15 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
900 L/kg108 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

88 kN·m/kg
104 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

31.4 MN·m/kg
31.3 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,000 kJ/m³
1,373 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

41.5 mm²/s
41.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

58
66

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 scaleTZCMHC

Manufacturing and finishing

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

MHC vs TZC — frequently asked

Is TZC stronger than MHC?

Yes. TZC has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) against 800 MPa (116 ksi) for MHC — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).

Which is cheaper, MHC or TZC?

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.

When should I choose MHC over TZC?

Pick MHC when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick TZC when strength drives the design.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MHC and TZC 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.