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Refractory Metal R04210-SR (Stress relieved)

Heat-treated state

UNS R04210 · ASTM B393 Type 2

Pick when dimensional stability and moderate strength are needed without losing all cold-work strengthening.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SR condition

Other R04210 tempers and conditions

R04210 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at R04210.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
AnnealedDefault
fully recrystallized (vacuum annealed)
Default stock condition for sheet, plate, rod and tube; maximum ductility for deep drawing, spinning and forming.1152004070 HB—
SRThis page
Stress relieved
Pick when dimensional stability and moderate strength are needed without losing all cold-work strengthening.25032020105 HB11.5 % IACS
Cold worked
Highest room-temperature strength for springs, fasteners and thin foil where no recrystallization anneal follows.4204708140 HB—

What is R04210-SR?

R04210-SR is R04210 heat treated to SR — pick when dimensional stability and moderate strength are needed without losing all cold-work strengthening. R04210-SR has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) — weaker than 72% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). R04210-SR has a density of 8.57 g/cm³ (0.31 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,468°C (4,474 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Low embodied carbon — 22 kg CO₂/kg, better than 83% of refractory metal grades

R04210-SR properties

Typical room-temperature values for R04210-SR; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are R04210 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.

Physical3

R04210-SR has a density of 8.57 g/cm³ (0.31 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,468°C (4,474 °F).

Density8.57 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)2,468°C4,474 °F
Liquidus Temperature2,468°C4,474 °F

Mechanical13

R04210-SR has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) — weaker than 72% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus103 GPa14.9 Msi
Shear Modulus37.5 GPa5.4 Msi
Bulk Modulus170 GPa24.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.39
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)320 MPa46.4 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)250 MPa36.3 ksi
Elongation at Break20%
Reduction in Area55%
Shear Strength200 MPa29 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)150 MPa21.8 ksi
Hardness, Brinell105 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B62 HRB
Hardness, Vickers110 HV

Thermal6

R04210-SR is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 52 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 63% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 7.3 µm/m·K (4.06 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity265 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)7.3 µm/m·K4.1 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion290 J/g125 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)400°C752 °F
Min Service Temperature-269°C-452 °F

Electrical3

R04210-SR conducts electricity at 11.5 % IACS, better than 65% of refractory metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity11.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.91 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (88/100), better than 64% of refractory metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.1 V
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent88/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExcellent in most mineral acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, phosphoric, organic acids) and liquid metals; attacked by HF, fluoride-bearing media, hot concentrated alkalis, and oxidizes rapidly in air above ~400 °C; absorbs hydrogen above ~250 °C causing embrittlement.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of R04210-SR takes about 320 MJ of energy and emits 22 kg of CO₂ — less than 83% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)22 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

R04210-SR's machinability is poor (33/100, better than 71% of refractory metal grades); weldability good (62/100); formability good (65/100).

MachinabilityPoor33/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)28%
WeldabilityGood62/100
Formability (cold)Good65/100
CastabilityPoor20/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood55/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsegood — Nb anodizes to stable Nb2O5 interference-colour films (used for jewellery and capacitor dielectrics), but the film is thin and non-load-bearing, not comparable to hard-anodized aluminium

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with R04210-SR

Is R04210 easy to machine?

Gummy and galling-prone: use sharp, positive-rake carbide or HSS tooling, slow speeds, heavy feeds, flood chlorinated or sulfurized coolant, and avoid dwelling to prevent smearing and work hardening.

Can R04210 be welded?

GTAW/EBW/laser weld readily but must be done in a vacuum chamber or with complete trailing/backing inert gas — any O, N or H pickup above ~250 °C embrittles the weld; use Nb or Nb-1Zr filler.

Can R04210 be formed, bent or molded?

Outstanding cold formability — deep drawing, spinning and >90 % cold rolling reduction are routine with intermediate vacuum anneals at 1100–1300 °C; use non-galling tooling coatings or lubricated interleaf.

What surface finishes work on R04210?

Pickle in HF-HNO3 or buffered chemical polish, electropolish for SRF/UHV surfaces; anodizing gives decorative Nb2O5 interference colours; avoid iron contamination during grinding.

R04210 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Tarelaxed vs reactor grade Type 1≤ 0.30.1
W≤ 0.050.01
Mo≤ 0.020.01
Zr≤ 0.020.01
Ti≤ 0.030.01
Hf≤ 0.020.01
Fe≤ 0.010
Ni≤ 0.010
Si≤ 0.010
C≤ 0.010
O≤ 0.030.01
N≤ 0.010
H≤ 05×10⁻⁴
Nbbalance; Nb+Ta commonly reported ≥99.8 %balance—

R04210-SR — frequently asked

What is R04210-SR used for?

R04210-SR is typically used for chemical process vessels, superconducting RF components, electronic capacitor anodes and corrosion-resistant liners. In short: most formable refractory metal; baseline commercial niobium; excellent acid corrosion resistance.

What is the yield strength of R04210-SR?

R04210-SR has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) — weaker than 72% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is R04210-SR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (33/100, better than 71% of refractory metal grades). Gummy and galling-prone: use sharp, positive-rake carbide or HSS tooling, slow speeds, heavy feeds, flood chlorinated or sulfurized coolant, and avoid dwelling to prevent smearing and work hardening.

Can R04210-SR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (62/100). GTAW/EBW/laser weld readily but must be done in a vacuum chamber or with complete trailing/backing inert gas — any O, N or H pickup above ~250 °C embrittles the weld; use Nb or Nb-1Zr filler.

What surface finishes work on R04210-SR?

Pickle in HF-HNO3 or buffered chemical polish, electropolish for SRF/UHV surfaces; anodizing gives decorative Nb2O5 interference colours; avoid iron contamination during grinding.

Can R04210-SR be formed, bent or molded?

Outstanding cold formability — deep drawing, spinning and >90 % cold rolling reduction are routine with intermediate vacuum anneals at 1100–1300 °C; use non-galling tooling coatings or lubricated interleaf.

What is the maximum service temperature of R04210-SR?

R04210-SR is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between R04210 Annealed and R04210-CW?

Annealed is the default condition — default stock condition for sheet, plate, rod and tube; maximum ductility for deep drawing, spinning and forming. CW: highest room-temperature strength for springs, fasteners and thin foil where no recrystallization anneal follows. Yield strength is 115 MPa in Annealed versus 420 MPa in CW.

Sources

  1. ASTM B393 — Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate — ASTM International (2020)
  2. ASTM B392 — Niobium and Niobium Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire — ASTM International (2020)
  3. ASTM B394 — Niobium and Niobium Alloy Seamless and Welded Tubes — ASTM International (2019)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
  5. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics — Physical Properties of the Elements — CRC Press (2023)
  6. Commercially pure niobium (Nb1 / R04210) mill product datasheet — Refractory-metal producers (ATI / Plansee / ) (2023)

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.