Refractory Metal Mo-La vs TZM
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Mo-La and TZM are both refractory metal grades, both high heat refractory. TZM is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for Mo-La, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi). TZM is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 8% for Mo-La, and TZM is harder (255 HB vs 228 HB). Mo-La runs hotter in service (1,700°C vs 1,300°C continuous). On the shop floor, TZM machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
Mo-LaChoose it when the part sees heat.
TZMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Mo-La 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 122 GPa17.7 Msi · Compressive Strength 800 MPa116 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
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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 30 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 40% · Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | TZM |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Stress Relieved |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Mo-La vs TZM — frequently asked
Is TZM stronger than Mo-La?
Yes. TZM has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) for Mo-La — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 700 MPa (102 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Mo-La or TZM?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, 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 TZM?
TZM, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for Mo-La.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Mo-La 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.