Refractory Metal Pure Re vs TZM
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Pure Re 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 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Pure Re, about 153% more. In exchange, Pure Re is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 15% for TZM, and TZM is harder (255 HB vs 235 HB). TZM is lighter (10.22 g/cm³ vs 21.02 g/cm³ for Pure Re) and Pure Re is stiffer (463 GPa vs 315 GPa). On the shop floor, TZM machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and Pure Re welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).
Pure ReChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
TZMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Pure Re 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Reduction in Area 45%
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).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
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 | Pure Re | TZM |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Vacuum Annealed | Stress Relieved |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pure Re vs TZM — frequently asked
Is TZM stronger than Pure Re?
Yes. TZM has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Pure Re — about 153% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pure Re or TZM?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Pure Re or TZM?
TZM. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (10/100) for Pure Re; for welding the order is Pure Re first (poor, 30/100) then TZM (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pure Re 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.