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Refractory Metal N1 vs Zr 704C

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal N1 and Zr 704C are both refractory metal grades. Zr 704C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for N1, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). In exchange, N1 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 13% for Zr 704C, and Zr 704C is harder (190 HB vs 150 HB). N1 conducts heat better (18 W/m·K vs 13 W/m·K). On the shop floor, N1 welds better (very good vs good).

N1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

Zr 704CChoose it when strength drives the design.

N1 vs Zr 704C: properties

N1Zr 704C

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

97 GPa14.1 Msi
99 GPa14.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

98 GPa14.2 Msi
97 GPa14.1 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.35
0.34

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

420 MPa60.9 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

30%
13%

Reduction in Area

50%
20%

Compressive Strength

270 MPa39.2 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Shear Strength

270 MPa39.2 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

60 J44.3 ft·lbf
20 J14.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

150 HB
190 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

82 HRB
89 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

158 HV
200 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 200 MPa29 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

6.55 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³
6.56 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,850°C3,362 °F
1,800°C3,272 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,870°C3,398 °F
1,845°C3,353 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

18 W/m·K10.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
13 W/m·K7.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.9 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F
6 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-75°C-103 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 155 J/g66.6 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

3.1 % IACS
2.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m21.7 µΩ·in
6.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m26.8 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.1 V
-0.15 V

Corrosion Resistance

92 / 100
90 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

32 / 100
30 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
28%

Weldability

75 / 100
65 / 100

Formability (cold)

75 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

25 / 100
55 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

30 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

72 kg CO₂/kg
75 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

10%
25%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 1,200 MJ/kg515,908 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

64 kN·m/kg
69 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

14.8 MN·m/kg
15.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

348 kJ/m³
455 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

9.6 mm²/s
7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

13
10

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 scaleZr 704CN1

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityN1Zr 704C
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

N1 vs Zr 704C — frequently asked

Is Zr 704C stronger than N1?

Yes. Zr 704C has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for N1 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, N1 or Zr 704C?

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.

Which welds better, N1 or Zr 704C?

N1. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (65/100) for Zr 704C.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in N1 and Zr 704C 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.