Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr-ANN vs Reactor Grade Zr Sponge
Refractory Metal · Reactor Grade Zr temper comparison
Reactor Grade Zr-ANN and Reactor Grade Zr Sponge are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, Reactor Grade Zr: ANN (annealed) versus Sponge (kroll-process reactor grade zirconium sponge). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 200 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (annealed versus kroll-process reactor grade zirconium sponge). Reactor Grade Zr-ANN is harder — 95 HB against 85 HB for Reactor Grade Zr Sponge — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, Reactor Grade Zr-ANN machines more easily (fair vs not recommended), Reactor Grade Zr-ANN welds better (very good vs not recommended), and Reactor Grade Zr-ANN forms better (very good vs not recommended).
Reactor Grade Zr-ANNChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part is machined in volume.
Reactor Grade Zr-ANN vs Reactor Grade Zr Sponge: 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.
Reactor Grade Zr-ANNReactor Grade Zr Sponge
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 200 MPa29 ksi · Elongation at Break 30% · Reduction in Area 45% · Compressive Strength 220 MPa31.9 ksi · Shear Strength 215 MPa31.2 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 180 MPa26.1 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.
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
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.
Reactor Grade Zr-ANN vs Reactor Grade Zr Sponge — frequently asked
What is the difference between Reactor Grade Zr-ANN and Reactor Grade Zr Sponge?
Reactor Grade Zr-ANN and Reactor Grade Zr Sponge are two conditions of the same refractory metal grade, Reactor Grade Zr: ANN (annealed) versus Sponge (kroll-process reactor grade zirconium sponge). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 200 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (annealed versus kroll-process reactor grade zirconium sponge).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, ANN or Sponge?
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 Sponge?
Reactor Grade Zr-ANN. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against not recommended (0/100) for Reactor Grade Zr Sponge; for welding the order is Reactor Grade Zr-ANN first (very good, 80/100) then Reactor Grade Zr Sponge (not recommended, 0/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Reactor Grade Zr-ANN and Reactor Grade Zr Sponge 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.