Refractory Metal Re (Pure Rhenium) vs Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Re (Pure Rhenium) and Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) are both refractory metal grades. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for Re (Pure Rhenium), about 4.9 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) vs 1,130 MPa (164 ksi). In exchange, Re (Pure Rhenium) is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 4% for Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re), and Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is harder (560 HV vs 250 HV). Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is lighter (19.5 g/cm³ vs 21.02 g/cm³ for Re (Pure Rhenium)) and Re (Pure Rhenium) is stiffer (463 GPa vs 395 GPa).
Re (Pure Rhenium)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Re (Pure Rhenium) vs Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re): 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.
Re (Pure Rhenium)Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)
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
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 30 / 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 | Re (Pure Rhenium) | Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Re (Pure Rhenium) vs Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) — frequently asked
Is Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) stronger than Re (Pure Rhenium)?
Yes. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) has a typical yield strength of 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for Re (Pure Rhenium) — about 4.9 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) vs 1,130 MPa (164 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Re (Pure Rhenium) or Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Re (Pure Rhenium) over Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)?
Pick Re (Pure Rhenium) when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Re (Pure Rhenium) and Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) 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.