Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-3Re
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-3Re are both refractory metal grades. Both yield at about 1,700 MPa — strength does not separate them. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for W-3Re. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) runs hotter in service (2,320°C vs 2,000°C continuous) and W-3Re conducts heat better (120 W/m·K vs 70 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-3Re: 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-3Re
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
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, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 395 GPa57.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 305 GPa44.2 Msi · Hardness, Vickers 560 HV
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 5%
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-3Re |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-3Re — frequently asked
What is the difference between Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-3Re?
Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-3Re are both refractory metal grades. Both yield at about 1,700 MPa — strength does not separate them. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for W-3Re.
Which is cheaper, Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) or W-3Re?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) or W-3Re?
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re). Its weldability rates poor (30/100) against poor (20/100) for W-3Re.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-3Re 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.