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Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 700

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr and Zr 700 are both refractory metal grades. Reactor Grade Zr is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Zr 700, about 5% more. Zr 700 is harder — 120 HB against 95 HB for Reactor Grade Zr — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.

Reactor Grade ZrChoose it when strength drives the design.

Zr 700Choose it when surface hardness matters.

Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 700: properties

Reactor Grade ZrZr 700

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

91 GPa13.2 Msi
92 GPa13.3 Msi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

200 MPa29 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

30%
32%

Compressive Strength

220 MPa31.9 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Shear Strength

215 MPa31.2 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

70 J51.6 ft·lbf
80 J59 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
120 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

50 HRB
72 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

100 HV
125 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Reduction in Area 45%

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Liquidus Temperature

1,852°C3,366 °F
1,855°C3,371 °F

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

Thermal

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.8 µm/m·K3.2 µin/in·°F
5.9 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

153 J/g65.8 BTU/lb
155 J/g66.6 BTU/lb

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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 350°C662 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

4.1 % IACS
4.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

4.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m16.5 µΩ·in
4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m15.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.15 V
-0.2 V

Corrosion Resistance

88 / 100
90 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
30%

Weldability

80 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

75 / 100
80 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 35 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,300 MJ/kg558,900 BTU/lb
1,400 MJ/kg601,892 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

80 kg CO₂/kg
90 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

900 L/kg108 gal/lb
1,500 L/kg180 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

5%
20%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Modulus of Resilience

202 kJ/m³
182 kJ/m³

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

13
12

Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 51 kN·m/kg · Specific Stiffness (E / density) 15.2 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 11.9 mm²/s

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 scaleZr 700Reactor Grade Zr

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityReactor Grade ZrZr 700
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 700 — frequently asked

Is Reactor Grade Zr stronger than Zr 700?

Yes. Reactor Grade Zr has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Zr 700 — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Reactor Grade Zr or Zr 700?

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.

Which welds better, Reactor Grade Zr or Zr 700?

Reactor Grade Zr. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (75/100) for Zr 700.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Reactor Grade Zr and Zr 700 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.