Refractory Metal Mo-La vs Pure Mo
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Mo-La and Pure Mo are both refractory metal grades. Pure Mo is the stronger of the two: yield strength 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for Mo-La, about 5% more. Pure Mo is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 8% for Mo-La, and Pure Mo is harder (240 HB vs 228 HB). Mo-La runs hotter in service (1,700°C vs 500°C continuous) and Pure Mo conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K).
Mo-LaChoose it when the part sees heat.
Pure MoChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Mo-La vs Pure Mo: 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
Bulk Modulus
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 320 GPa46.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.31 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 700 MPa102 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 300 MPa43.5 ksi
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 250 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.24 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 25 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | Mo-La | Pure Mo |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Mo-La vs Pure Mo — frequently asked
Is Pure Mo stronger than Mo-La?
Yes. Pure Mo has a typical yield strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for Mo-La — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Mo-La or Pure Mo?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Mo-La or Pure Mo?
Pure Mo, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for Mo-La.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Mo-La and Pure Mo 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.