Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 704C
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Reactor Grade Zr and Zr 704C are both refractory metal grades. Zr 704C is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Reactor Grade Zr, about 50% 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 13% for Zr 704C, and Zr 704C is harder (190 HB vs 95 HB). Zr 704C runs hotter in service (400°C vs 350°C continuous) and Reactor Grade Zr conducts heat better (22 W/m·K vs 13 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Reactor Grade Zr welds better (very good vs good).
Reactor Grade ZrChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
Zr 704CChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 704C: 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.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb
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 | Reactor Grade Zr | Zr 704C |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Reactor Grade Zr vs Zr 704C — frequently asked
Is Zr 704C stronger than Reactor Grade Zr?
Yes. Zr 704C has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Reactor Grade Zr — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Reactor Grade Zr or Zr 704C?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Reactor Grade Zr or Zr 704C?
Reactor Grade Zr. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Zr 704C; for welding the order is Reactor Grade Zr first (very good, 80/100) then Zr 704C (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Reactor Grade Zr and Zr 704C 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.