Refractory Metal MHC vs TZM
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal MHC and TZM are both refractory metal grades. MHC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for TZM, about 5% more. In exchange, TZM is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for MHC. MHC runs hotter in service (1,500°C vs 1,300°C continuous) and TZM conducts electricity better (30 % IACS vs 27 % IACS). On the shop floor, TZM machines more easily (fair vs poor) and MHC sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than TZM (specialty, $$$$$).
MHCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
TZMChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
MHC vs TZM: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.32 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 900 MPa131 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
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)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 5.3 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature 20°C68 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 45 / 100
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
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
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 Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 88 kN·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 | TZM |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Stress Relieved |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
MHC vs TZM — frequently asked
Is MHC stronger than TZM?
Yes. MHC has a typical yield strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for TZM — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which is cheaper, MHC or TZM?
MHC is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while TZM is specialty ($$$$$). 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 TZM?
TZM. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (30/100) for MHC; for welding the order is TZM 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 TZM 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.