Tungsten Alloy Class 3 Tungsten vs W-25Re
Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison
Tungsten Alloy Class 3 Tungsten and W-25Re are both tungsten alloy grades. W-25Re is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,850 MPa (268 ksi) against 900 MPa (131 ksi) for Class 3 Tungsten, about 106% more; tensile strength follows at 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi). W-25Re is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 2% for Class 3 Tungsten, and W-25Re is harder (620 HV vs 460 HV). Class 3 Tungsten is lighter (19 g/cm³ vs 19.7 g/cm³ for W-25Re) and W-25Re runs hotter in service (2,400°C vs 500°C continuous). On the shop floor, W-25Re welds better (fair vs not recommended).
Class 3 TungstenChoose it when weight is the constraint.
W-25ReChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Class 3 Tungsten vs W-25Re: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all tungsten alloy 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 tungsten alloy 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.
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 400 GPa58 Msi · Shear Modulus 156 GPa22.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 310 GPa45 Msi
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
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 tungsten alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Class 3 Tungsten | W-25Re |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Class 3 Tungsten vs W-25Re — frequently asked
Is W-25Re stronger than Class 3 Tungsten?
Yes. W-25Re has a typical yield strength of 1,850 MPa (268 ksi) against 900 MPa (131 ksi) for Class 3 Tungsten — about 106% more. Tensile strength is 2,100 MPa (305 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Class 3 Tungsten or W-25Re?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Class 3 Tungsten or W-25Re?
W-25Re. Its weldability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (10/100) for Class 3 Tungsten.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Class 3 Tungsten and W-25Re 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.