Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 702C
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr and Zr 702C are both refractory metal grades. Zr 702C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Reactor Grade Zr, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). In exchange, Reactor Grade Zr is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 16% for Zr 702C, and Zr 702C is harder (150 HB vs 95 HB). Zr 702C runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous).
Reactor Grade ZrChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Zr 702CChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 702C: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 80 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Reactor Grade Zr | Zr 702C |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 702C — frequently asked
Is Zr 702C stronger than Reactor Grade Zr?
Yes. Zr 702C has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Reactor Grade Zr — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Reactor Grade Zr or Zr 702C?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 702C?
Reactor Grade Zr. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (75/100) for Zr 702C.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Reactor Grade Zr and Zr 702C 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.