Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-26Re
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-26Re are both refractory metal grades. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) for W-26Re, about 42% more; tensile strength follows at 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi). In exchange, W-26Re is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re), and Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is harder (560 HV vs 480 HV). Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) conducts heat better (70 W/m·K vs 45 W/m·K).
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)Choose it when strength drives the design.
W-26ReChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-26Re: 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.
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)W-26Re
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 2,320°C4,208 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 8 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 5% · Weldability 30 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) | W-26Re |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-26Re — frequently asked
Is Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) stronger than W-26Re?
Yes. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) has a typical yield strength of 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) for W-26Re — about 42% more. Tensile strength is 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) or W-26Re?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) over W-26Re?
Pick Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) when strength drives the design. Pick W-26Re when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-26Re 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.