Refractory Metal R04251 Annealed vs R04251-CW
Refractory Metal · R04251 temper comparison
R04251 Annealed and R04251-CW are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, R04251: Annealed versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. R04251-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for R04251 Annealed, about 3.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, R04251 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 7% for R04251-CW, and R04251-CW is harder (190 HV vs 100 HV). On the shop floor, R04251-CW machines more easily (fair vs poor) and R04251 Annealed welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100).
R04251 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
R04251-CWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
R04251 Annealed vs R04251-CW: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 100 GPa14.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 37 GPa5.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 170 GPa24.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38 · Reduction in Area 80% · Shear Strength 160 MPa23.2 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.6 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 2,410°C4,370 °F · Liquidus Temperature 2,450°C4,442 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 270 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 7.2 µm/m·K4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 288 J/g124 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 25% · Castability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 55 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
R04251 Annealed vs R04251-CW — frequently asked
Is R04251-CW stronger than R04251 Annealed?
Yes. R04251-CW has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for R04251 Annealed — about 3.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or CW?
Annealed is the default R04251 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, R04251 Annealed or R04251-CW?
R04251-CW. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (28/100) for R04251 Annealed; for welding the order is R04251 Annealed first (very good, 80/100) then R04251-CW (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in R04251 Annealed and R04251-CW 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.