Refractory Metal Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) vs TZM
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) and TZM are both refractory metal grades. TZM is the stronger of the two: yield strength 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1), about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 445 MPa (64.5 ksi). In exchange, Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 15% for TZM, and TZM is harder (255 HB vs 160 HB). TZM is lighter (10.22 g/cm³ vs 13.31 g/cm³ for Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1)) and TZM is stiffer (315 GPa vs 140 GPa). On the shop floor, TZM machines more easily (fair vs poor), Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) welds better (good vs poor), and Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than TZM (specialty, $$$$$).
Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
TZMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) | TZM |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Stress Relieved |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) vs TZM — frequently asked
Is TZM stronger than Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1)?
Yes. TZM has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 445 MPa (64.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) or TZM?
Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while TZM is specialty ($$$$$). 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, Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) or TZM?
TZM. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (30/100) for Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1); for welding the order is Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) first (good, 60/100) then TZM (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Nuclear Grade Hafnium (R1) 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.