Refractory Metal TZC
A carbide-strengthened molybdenum alloy (Mo-1.2Ti-0.3Zr-0.15C) offering higher recrystallization temperature and creep strength than TZM, used for the most demanding high-temperature structural applications.
Reference datasheet — TZC is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the SR condition
TZC tempers and conditions
TZC is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. SR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recrystallized | Only used where full microstructural stability at very high service temperature outweighs the loss of room-temperature toughness (DBTT rises well above RT). | 560 | 700 | 4 | 20 HRC | 22 % IACS |
SRDefault Stress relieved | The standard stocked condition: retains most worked strength while removing residual stress for dimensional stability during machining and thermal cycling. | 930 | 1,050 | 8 | 30 HRC | 105 W/m·K |
As-welded deposit | Highest as-fabricated strength; pick for heavy sections where residual stress is acceptable and machining follows. | 1,030 | 1,150 | 6 | 32 HRC | 19.5 % IACS |
Cold worked | Small-diameter rod, wire and thin sheet delivered in the worked state for maximum strength and best low-temperature ductility. | 1,180 | 1,300 | 5 | 35 HRC | 19 % IACS |
What is TZC?
A carbide-strengthened molybdenum alloy (Mo-1.2Ti-0.3Zr-0.15C) offering higher recrystallization temperature and creep strength than TZM, used for the most demanding high-temperature structural applications. TZC has a density of 10.05 g/cm³ (0.363 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,590°C (4,694 °F). TZC has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) — stronger than 93% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 315 GPa (45.7 Msi).
What is TZC used for?
- Hot-work forging dies
- Extrusion tooling for superalloys
- Rocket/aerospace hot-section parts
- Glass-forming molds
Advantages
- High strength — 930 MPa (135 ksi), better than 93% of refractory metal grades
- High service temperature — 1,500°C (2,732 °F), better than 86% of refractory metal grades
- Low embodied carbon — 15 kg CO₂/kg, better than 86% of refractory metal grades
- Stiff — 315 GPa (45.7 Msi), better than 78% of refractory metal grades
- High electrical conductivity — 20 % IACS, better than 78% 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 ductility — 8%, worse than 75% of refractory metal grades
TZC properties
Typical room-temperature values for TZC-SR; bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
TZC has a density of 10.05 g/cm³ (0.363 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 2,590°C (4,694 °F).
Mechanical15
TZC has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) — stronger than 93% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 315 GPa (45.7 Msi).
Thermal6
TZC is rated for continuous service to 1,500°C (2,732 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 77% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 5.3 µm/m·K (2.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
TZC conducts electricity at 20 % IACS, better than 78% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 86% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of TZC takes about 210 MJ of energy and emits 15 kg of CO₂ — less than 84% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
TZC's machinability is poor (32/100, better than 67% of refractory metal grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the refractory metal family
Yield strength against density for every refractory metal grade FabDigit runs. TZC is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with TZC
Is TZC easy to machine?
Use sharp, rigid setups with carbide or CBN tools, positive rake, generous coolant and light finishing passes; hard TiC/ZrC particles abrade edges and the alloy tends to chip rather than form continuous chips.
Can TZC be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended — the heat-affected zone recrystallizes and grain-boundary embrittlement causes cracking; join by vacuum brazing, mechanical fastening or electron-beam welding with strict pre/post-heat.
Can TZC be formed, bent or molded?
Form only warm (typically 300–800 °C) with heated tooling; cold bending or blanking of thick sections cracks because the ductile–brittle transition is near room temperature.
TZC 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ti | 1 – 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Zr | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Cforms TiC/ZrC strengthening dispersion | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.15 |
| O | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| N | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Mo | balance |
What surface finishes work on TZC?
Grind or lap for tight tolerance, then apply silicide (MoSi₂), aluminide or Pt-group coating for air service above 500 °C; no anodizing route exists.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Refractory Metal TZC in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Similar grades
- R03605B387
How much does TZC cost?
TZC is a high-cost refractory metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
TZC — frequently asked
What is TZC used for?
TZC is typically used for hot-work forging dies, extrusion tooling for superalloys, rocket/aerospace hot-section parts and glass-forming molds. In short: stronger, more creep-resistant than TZM; highest-temperature Mo tooling alloy; not fusion weldable.
What is the yield strength of TZC?
TZC has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,050 MPa (152 ksi) — stronger than 93% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is TZC easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, better than 67% of refractory metal grades). Use sharp, rigid setups with carbide or CBN tools, positive rake, generous coolant and light finishing passes; hard TiC/ZrC particles abrade edges and the alloy tends to chip rather than form continuous chips.
Can TZC be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Fusion welding is not recommended — the heat-affected zone recrystallizes and grain-boundary embrittlement causes cracking; join by vacuum brazing, mechanical fastening or electron-beam welding with strict pre/post-heat.
What surface finishes work on TZC?
Grind or lap for tight tolerance, then apply silicide (MoSi₂), aluminide or Pt-group coating for air service above 500 °C; no anodizing route exists.
Can TZC be formed, bent or molded?
Form only warm (typically 300–800 °C) with heated tooling; cold bending or blanking of thick sections cracks because the ductile–brittle transition is near room temperature.
What is the maximum service temperature of TZC?
TZC is rated for continuous use to about 1,500°C (2,732 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between TZC-SR and TZC-RX?
SR is the default condition — the standard stocked condition: retains most worked strength while removing residual stress for dimensional stability during machining and thermal cycling. RX: only used where full microstructural stability at very high service temperature outweighs the loss of room-temperature toughness (DBTT rises well above RT). Yield strength is 930 MPa in SR versus 560 MPa in RX.
How much does TZC cost?
TZC is a high-cost refractory metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B387 — Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (refractory metals) — ASM International (1990)
- Molybdenum alloys (TZM/TZC/MHC) technical data — Plansee SE (2023)
- Refractory Metals and Alloys — mechanical and creep property compilations — International Molybdenum Association / TMS literature (2015)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.