Refractory Metal W-26Re vs W-5Re
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal W-26Re and W-5Re are both refractory metal grades. W-5Re 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 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi). In exchange, W-26Re is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for W-5Re, and W-5Re is harder (620 HV vs 480 HV). W-5Re conducts heat better (82 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 it will be welded.
W-5ReChoose it when strength drives the design.
W-26Re 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.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
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, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 310 GPa45 Msi · 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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 8 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
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-5Re |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
W-26Re vs W-5Re — frequently asked
Is W-5Re stronger than W-26Re?
Yes. W-5Re has a typical yield strength of 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) against 1,200 MPa (174 ksi) for W-26Re — about 42% more. Tensile strength is 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) vs 1,500 MPa (218 ksi).
Which is cheaper, W-26Re or W-5Re?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, W-26Re or W-5Re?
W-26Re. 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 W-26Re 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.