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Refractory Metal ZIRLO vs Zr 704C

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal ZIRLO and Zr 704C are both refractory metal grades. ZIRLO is the stronger of the two: yield strength 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Zr 704C, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). ZIRLO is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 13% for Zr 704C. ZIRLO conducts heat better (14.5 W/m·K vs 13 W/m·K).

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

ZIRLO vs Zr 704C: properties

ZIRLOZr 704C

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

98 GPa14.2 Msi
97 GPa14.1 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.37
0.34

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

650 MPa94.3 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

530 MPa76.9 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

16%
13%

Reduction in Area

50%
20%

Compressive Strength

560 MPa81.2 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Shear Strength

390 MPa56.6 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

55 MPa·√m50.1 ksi·√in
50 MPa·√m45.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

45 J33.2 ft·lbf
20 J14.8 ft·lbf

Hardness, Rockwell B

93 HRB
89 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

14 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

205 HV
200 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Hardness, Brinell 190 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,840°C3,344 °F
1,800°C3,272 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,870°C3,398 °F
1,845°C3,353 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

14.5 W/m·K8.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
13 W/m·K7.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-75°C-103 °F

Same in both: 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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 155 J/g66.6 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

2.4 % IACS
2.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.6 µΩ·in
6.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m26.8 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.25 V
-0.15 V

Corrosion Resistance

92 / 100
90 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

32 / 100
30 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

22%
28%

Weldability

68 / 100
65 / 100

Formability (cold)

45 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

30 / 100
55 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

25 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

1,500 MJ/kg644,885 BTU/lb
1,200 MJ/kg515,908 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

95 kg CO₂/kg
75 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

700 L/kg83.9 gal/lb
900 L/kg108 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

15%
25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

99 kN·m/kg
69 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,419 kJ/m³
455 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

7.8 mm²/s
7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

16
10

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 15.1 MN·m/kg

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 704CZIRLO

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityZIRLOZr 704C
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

ZIRLO vs Zr 704C — frequently asked

Is ZIRLO stronger than Zr 704C?

Yes. ZIRLO has a typical yield strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for Zr 704C — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 650 MPa (94.3 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, ZIRLO 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.

When should I choose ZIRLO over Zr 704C?

Pick ZIRLO when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZIRLO 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.