Refractory Metal Pure Nb vs R04261
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Pure Nb and R04261 are both refractory metal grades. R04261 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for Pure Nb, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi). In exchange, Pure Nb is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 25% for R04261, and R04261 is harder (105 HB vs 80 HB). R04261 runs hotter in service (1,200°C vs 400°C continuous) and Pure Nb conducts heat better (53.7 W/m·K vs 41 W/m·K). On the shop floor, R04261 welds better (excellent vs very good) and R04261 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Pure Nb (specialty, $$$$$).
Pure NbChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
R04261Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Pure Nb vs R04261: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 103 GPa14.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 37.5 GPa5.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 170 GPa24.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.4
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 8.57 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
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
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 92 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 12 MN·m/kg
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 | Pure Nb | R04261 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Vacuum Annealed | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pure Nb vs R04261 — frequently asked
Is R04261 stronger than Pure Nb?
Yes. R04261 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for Pure Nb — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pure Nb or R04261?
R04261 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Pure Nb is specialty ($$$$$). 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, Pure Nb or R04261?
R04261, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 33/100 against 28/100 for Pure Nb; for welding the order is R04261 first (excellent, 90/100) then Pure Nb (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pure Nb and R04261 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.