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Refractory Metal R04261 Annealed vs R04261-CW

Refractory Metal · R04261 temper comparison

R04261 Annealed and R04261-CW are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, R04261: Annealed versus CW (cold worked). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. R04261-CW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for R04261 Annealed, about 150% more; tensile strength follows at 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, R04261 Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 8% for R04261-CW, and R04261-CW is harder (185 HB vs 105 HB). R04261 Annealed runs hotter in service (1,200°C vs 800°C continuous). On the shop floor, R04261 Annealed welds better (excellent vs very good).

R04261 AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

R04261-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.

R04261 Annealed vs R04261-CW: properties

R04261 AnnealedR04261-CW

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

310 MPa45 ksi
560 MPa81.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

200 MPa29 ksi
500 MPa72.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

25%
8%

Reduction in Area

60%
35%

Shear Strength

190 MPa27.6 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

105 HB
185 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

60 HRB
92 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

110 HV
195 HV

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 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 150 MPa21.8 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 8.57 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 2,410°C4,370 °F · Liquidus Temperature 2,460°C4,460 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,200°C2,192 °F
800°C1,472 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 41 W/m·K23.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 270 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 7.1 µm/m·K3.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 320 J/g138 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 8.6 % 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) -0.05 V · Corrosion Resistance 85 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

33 / 100
42 / 100

Weldability

90 / 100
80 / 100

Formability (cold)

92 / 100
40 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 1,100 MJ/kg472,915 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 65 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%

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.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleR04261

R04261 Annealed vs R04261-CW — frequently asked

Is R04261-CW stronger than R04261 Annealed?

Yes. R04261-CW has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for R04261 Annealed — about 150% more. Tensile strength is 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, Annealed or CW?

Annealed is the default R04261 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, R04261 Annealed or R04261-CW?

R04261-CW. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against poor (33/100) for R04261 Annealed; for welding the order is R04261 Annealed first (excellent, 90/100) then R04261-CW (very good, 80/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in R04261 Annealed and R04261-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.