Refractory Metal Zircaloy-4 vs Zr 704C
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal Zircaloy-4 and Zr 704C are both refractory metal grades. Zircaloy-4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Zr 704C, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). Zircaloy-4 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 13% for Zr 704C, and Zr 704C is harder (200 HV vs 180 HV).
Zircaloy-4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Zircaloy-4 vs Zr 704C: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Shear Strength 300 MPa43.5 ksi · Hardness, Rockwell B 89 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 6.56 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 13 W/m·K7.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 285 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 6 µm/m·K3.3 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.5 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 30 / 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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 15.1 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 7 mm²/s
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 | Zircaloy-4 | Zr 704C |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Zircaloy-4 vs Zr 704C — frequently asked
Is Zircaloy-4 stronger than Zr 704C?
Yes. Zircaloy-4 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Zr 704C — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Zircaloy-4 or Zr 704C?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Zircaloy-4 or Zr 704C?
Zircaloy-4. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for Zr 704C.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zircaloy-4 and Zr 704C 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.