Refractory Metal R04251-CW vs R04251-SR
Refractory Metal · R04251 temper comparison
R04251-CW and R04251-SR are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, R04251: CW (cold worked) versus SR (stress relieved). 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 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for R04251-SR, about 81% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, R04251-SR is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 7% for R04251-CW, and R04251-CW is harder (190 HV vs 140 HV).
R04251-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
R04251-SRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
R04251-CW vs R04251-SR: 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, 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
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: 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-CW vs R04251-SR — frequently asked
Is R04251-CW stronger than R04251-SR?
Yes. R04251-CW has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for R04251-SR — about 81% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CW or SR?
Annealed is the default R04251 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither CW nor SR). 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-CW or R04251-SR?
R04251-CW. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (32/100) for R04251-SR; for welding the order is R04251-SR first (very good, 78/100) then R04251-CW (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in R04251-CW and R04251-SR 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.