Refractory Metal W-26Re vs W-3Re
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal W-26Re and W-3Re are both refractory metal grades. W-3Re is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) against 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) for W-26Re, about 46% more; tensile strength follows at 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi). In exchange, W-26Re is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for W-3Re, and W-3Re is harder (560 HV vs 480 HV). W-26Re runs hotter in service (2,320°C vs 2,000°C continuous) and W-3Re conducts heat better (120 W/m·K vs 45 W/m·K). On the shop floor, W-26Re welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).
W-26ReChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
W-3ReChoose it when strength drives the design.
W-26Re 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.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
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, Rockwell C
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
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
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | W-26Re | W-3Re |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
W-26Re vs W-3Re — frequently asked
Is W-3Re stronger than W-26Re?
Yes. W-3Re has a typical yield strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) against 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) for W-26Re — about 46% more. Tensile strength is 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi).
Which is cheaper, W-26Re or W-3Re?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, W-26Re or W-3Re?
W-26Re. 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 W-26Re 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.