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Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr-ANN vs Reactor Grade Zr CWSR

Refractory Metal · Reactor Grade Zr temper comparison

Reactor Grade Zr-ANN and Reactor Grade Zr CWSR are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, Reactor Grade Zr: ANN (annealed) versus CWSR (cold worked and stress relieved). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Reactor Grade Zr CWSR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Reactor Grade Zr-ANN, about 90% more; tensile strength follows at 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). In exchange, Reactor Grade Zr-ANN is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 16% for Reactor Grade Zr CWSR, and Reactor Grade Zr CWSR is harder (145 HB vs 95 HB). Reactor Grade Zr-ANN runs hotter in service (350°C vs 320°C continuous). On the shop floor, Reactor Grade Zr-ANN welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100).

Reactor Grade Zr-ANNChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

Reactor Grade Zr CWSRChoose it when strength drives the design.

Reactor Grade Zr-ANN vs Reactor Grade Zr CWSR: properties

Reactor Grade Zr-ANNReactor Grade Zr CWSR

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

200 MPa29 ksi
380 MPa55.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

30%
16%

Reduction in Area

45%
30%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
145 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

50 HRB
78 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

100 HV
155 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 91 GPa13.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Compressive Strength 220 MPa31.9 ksi · Shear Strength 215 MPa31.2 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 70 J51.6 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 6.51 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,852°C3,366 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,852°C3,366 °F

Thermal

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

350°C662 °F
320°C608 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 5.8 µm/m·K3.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 153 J/g65.8 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 4.1 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m16.5 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V · Corrosion Resistance 88 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

35 / 100
40 / 100

Weldability

80 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

75 / 100
40 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 25% · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 1,300 MJ/kg558,900 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 80 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%

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 scaleReactor Grade Zr

Reactor Grade Zr-ANN vs Reactor Grade Zr CWSR — frequently asked

Is Reactor Grade Zr CWSR stronger than Reactor Grade Zr-ANN?

Yes. Reactor Grade Zr CWSR has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Reactor Grade Zr-ANN — about 90% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or CWSR?

ANN is the default Reactor Grade Zr 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, Reactor Grade Zr-ANN or Reactor Grade Zr CWSR?

Reactor Grade Zr CWSR, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for Reactor Grade Zr-ANN; for welding the order is Reactor Grade Zr-ANN first (very good, 80/100) then Reactor Grade Zr CWSR (very good, 70/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Reactor Grade Zr-ANN and Reactor Grade Zr CWSR 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.