Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-5Re
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-5Re are both refractory metal grades. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) against 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) for W-5Re, about 5% more. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for W-5Re, and W-5Re is harder (620 HV vs 560 HV). W-5Re conducts heat better (82 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 strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-5Re: 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-5Re
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 1,700 MPa247 ksi
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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 8 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 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-5Re |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) vs W-5Re — frequently asked
Is Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) stronger than W-5Re?
Yes. Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) has a typical tensile strength of 2,000 MPa (290 ksi) against 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) for W-5Re — about 5% more.
Which is cheaper, Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) or W-5Re?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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-5Re?
Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re). Its weldability rates poor (30/100) against poor (20/100) for W-5Re.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Type C Thermocouple (W5Re/W26Re) and W-5Re 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.