Refractory Metal MHC-RX (Recrystallized)
Heat-treated state
Choose for parts that will anyway see service above the recrystallization temperature — stable microstructure and best creep behaviour, but lower RT strength and more notch sensitivity.
Values for the RX condition
Other MHC tempers and conditions
MHC is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at MHC.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RXThis page Recrystallized | Choose for parts that will anyway see service above the recrystallization temperature — stable microstructure and best creep behaviour, but lower RT strength and more notch sensitivity. | 460 | 620 | 8 | 15 HRC | 118 W/m·K |
SRDefault Stress relieved | Standard commercial supply condition for MHC bar, rod and plate: best combination of room-temperature strength, some ductility and dimensional stability. | 800 | 900 | 12 | 25 HRC | 110 W/m·K |
Stress relieved, centerless ground / machined bar | Same metallurgical condition as SR but supplied ground to close tolerance and free of the oxidised/decarburised surface layer — for precision electrodes, pins and die inserts. | 800 | 900 | 12 | 25 HRC | 27 % IACS |
As hot worked / as forged | Pick for maximum as-worked strength in large forged blanks where residual stress and slight distortion during machining are acceptable. | 860 | 960 | 10 | 28 HRC | 27 % IACS |
What is MHC-RX?
MHC-RX is MHC heat treated to RX — choose for parts that will anyway see service above the recrystallization temperature — stable microstructure and best creep behaviour, but lower RT strength and more notch sensitivity. MHC-RX has a yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 70% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 320 GPa (46.4 Msi). MHC-RX has a density of 10.2 g/cm³ (0.368 lb/in³), heavier than 63% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,600°C (4,712 °F). SR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; RX is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 93% of refractory metal grades
- High service temperature — 1,600°C (2,912 °F), better than 90% of refractory metal grades
- Stiff — 320 GPa (46.4 Msi), better than 84% of refractory metal grades
- Conducts heat well — 118 W/m·K (68.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 81% of refractory metal grades
- High electrical conductivity — 27 % IACS, better than 80% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 93% of refractory metal grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 86% of refractory metal grades
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 84% of refractory metal grades
- Limited ductility — 8%, worse than 75% of refractory metal grades
MHC-RX properties
Typical room-temperature values for MHC-RX; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are MHC reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
MHC-RX has a density of 10.2 g/cm³ (0.368 lb/in³), heavier than 63% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,600°C (4,712 °F).
Mechanical15
MHC-RX has a yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 70% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 320 GPa (46.4 Msi).
Thermal6
MHC-RX is rated for continuous service to 1,600°C (2,912 °F). It conducts heat at 118 W/m·K (68.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 81% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 5.3 µm/m·K (2.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
MHC-RX conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 80% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 86% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MHC-RX takes about 135 MJ of energy and emits 9 kg of CO₂ — less than 91% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
MHC-RX's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 81% of refractory metal grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with MHC-RX
Is MHC easy to machine?
Machine with sharp positive-rake carbide or CBN tooling, rigid setups, generous coolant and low feeds — the HfC dispersion is abrasive and the alloy is notch sensitive, so avoid sharp internal corners and grind rather than turn for fine finishes.
Can MHC be welded?
Fusion welding (EB/GTAW in high-purity Ar or vacuum) is possible but recrystallizes and embrittles the fusion zone; vacuum brazing or mechanical fastening is preferred for structural joints.
Can MHC be formed, bent or molded?
Formed only warm/hot (typically 300–1200 °C depending on section) because the ductile-brittle transition lies near or above room temperature; parts are usually machined from PM-forged bar or plate.
What surface finishes work on MHC?
Do not anodize; use chemical/electro-polishing, and for oxidising service apply MoSi₂ (silicide pack) or aluminide/CVD coatings — bare MHC oxidises rapidly above ~600 °C in air.
MHC chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Hfforms fine HfC dispersion | 1 – 1.4 | 1.2 |
| C | 0.05 – 0.12 | 0.1 |
| O | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| N | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Mo | balance | — |
MHC-RX — frequently asked
What is MHC-RX used for?
MHC-RX is typically used for rocket engine thrust chambers, nuclear reactor components, extreme hot-work tooling and high-temperature fasteners. In short: highest-creep-strength Mo alloy; stronger than TZM; recrystallization resistant to 1500 °C.
What is the yield strength of MHC-RX?
MHC-RX has a typical yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 70% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is MHC-RX easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 81% of refractory metal grades). Machine with sharp positive-rake carbide or CBN tooling, rigid setups, generous coolant and low feeds — the HfC dispersion is abrasive and the alloy is notch sensitive, so avoid sharp internal corners and grind rather than turn for fine finishes.
Can MHC-RX be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Fusion welding (EB/GTAW in high-purity Ar or vacuum) is possible but recrystallizes and embrittles the fusion zone; vacuum brazing or mechanical fastening is preferred for structural joints.
What surface finishes work on MHC-RX?
Do not anodize; use chemical/electro-polishing, and for oxidising service apply MoSi₂ (silicide pack) or aluminide/CVD coatings — bare MHC oxidises rapidly above ~600 °C in air.
Can MHC-RX be formed, bent or molded?
Formed only warm/hot (typically 300–1200 °C depending on section) because the ductile-brittle transition lies near or above room temperature; parts are usually machined from PM-forged bar or plate.
What is the maximum service temperature of MHC-RX?
MHC-RX is rated for continuous use to about 1,600°C (2,912 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between MHC-SR and MHC-RX?
SR is the default condition — standard commercial supply condition for MHC bar, rod and plate: best combination of room-temperature strength, some ductility and dimensional stability. RX: choose for parts that will anyway see service above the recrystallization temperature — stable microstructure and best creep behaviour, but lower RT strength and more notch sensitivity. Yield strength is 800 MPa in SR versus 460 MPa in RX.
Sources
- ASTM B387 — Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Bar, Rod and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
- Molybdenum alloys — MHC, TZM, ML datasheet — Plansee SE (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials (Molybdenum) — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.