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Refractory Metal Zircaloy-2 vs Zr 702C

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal Zircaloy-2 and Zr 702C are both refractory metal grades. Zircaloy-2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Zr 702C, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). Zircaloy-2 is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 16% for Zr 702C, and Zircaloy-2 is harder (180 HB vs 150 HB). Zr 702C conducts heat better (22 W/m·K vs 13.5 W/m·K).

Zircaloy-2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Zircaloy-2 vs Zr 702C: properties

Zircaloy-2Zr 702C

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

97 GPa14.1 Msi
99 GPa14.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

96 GPa13.9 Msi
90 GPa13.1 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.37
0.34

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

490 MPa71.1 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

320 MPa46.4 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

27%
16%

Reduction in Area

40%
25%

Compressive Strength

330 MPa47.9 ksi
—

Shear Strength

300 MPa43.5 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

60 MPa·√m54.6 ksi·√in
55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

45 J33.2 ft·lbf
25 J18.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

180 HB
150 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

89 HRB
88 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

190 HV
—

Same in both: Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

6.56 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³
6.51 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,760°C3,200 °F
1,852°C3,366 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,850°C3,362 °F
1,855°C3,371 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

13.5 W/m·K7.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
22 W/m·K12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

6 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F
5.9 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

225 J/g96.7 BTU/lb
155 J/g66.6 BTU/lb

Min Service Temperature

-200°C-328 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.3 % IACS
4.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m15.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.15 V
-0.25 V

Corrosion Resistance

90 / 100
92 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

25%
32%

Weldability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

20 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
65 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,300 MJ/kg558,900 BTU/lb
1,250 MJ/kg537,404 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

85 kg CO₂/kg
80 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

5%
25%

Embodied Water

—
600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

75 kN·m/kg
69 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

14.8 MN·m/kg
15.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

528 kJ/m³
316 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

7.2 mm²/s
11.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
17

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.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleZr 702CZircaloy-2

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityZircaloy-2Zr 702C
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Zircaloy-2 vs Zr 702C — frequently asked

Is Zircaloy-2 stronger than Zr 702C?

Yes. Zircaloy-2 has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for Zr 702C — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Zircaloy-2 or Zr 702C?

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, Zircaloy-2 or Zr 702C?

Zr 702C. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for Zircaloy-2.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zircaloy-2 and Zr 702C 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.