Refractory Metal R04261-CW vs R04261-SR
Refractory Metal · R04261 temper comparison
R04261-CW and R04261-SR are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, R04261: CW (cold worked) versus SR (stress relieved). 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 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for R04261-SR, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). In exchange, R04261-SR is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 8% for R04261-CW, and R04261-CW is harder (185 HB vs 143 HB). R04261-SR runs hotter in service (1,000°C vs 800°C continuous).
R04261-CWChoose it when strength drives the design.
R04261-SRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
R04261-CW vs R04261-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, 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.
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: 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.
R04261-CW vs R04261-SR — frequently asked
Is R04261-CW stronger than R04261-SR?
Yes. R04261-CW has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) for R04261-SR — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CW or SR?
Annealed is the default R04261 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.
When should I choose R04261-CW over R04261-SR?
Pick R04261-CW when strength drives the design. Pick R04261-SR when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in R04261-CW and R04261-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.