Refractory Metal NbTi vs R04251
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal NbTi and R04251 are both refractory metal grades. NbTi is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for R04251, about 150% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, R04251 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 25% for NbTi, and NbTi is harder (170 HV vs 100 HV). NbTi is lighter (6.05 g/cm³ vs 8.6 g/cm³ for R04251) and R04251 is stiffer (100 GPa vs 65 GPa). On the shop floor, R04251 welds better (very good vs fair).
NbTiChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
R04251Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
NbTi vs R04251: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Bulk Modulus
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °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 85 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
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 | NbTi | R04251 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
NbTi vs R04251 — frequently asked
Is NbTi stronger than R04251?
Yes. NbTi has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for R04251 — about 150% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, NbTi or R04251?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, NbTi or R04251?
R04251, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 28/100 against 20/100 for NbTi; for welding the order is R04251 first (very good, 80/100) then NbTi (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in NbTi and R04251 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.