Refractory Metal W-26Re-REX
Heat-treated state
ASTM B387 Grade WRe26
REX = recrystallized / fully annealed
Use where dimensional and EMF stability after long high-temperature service matters more than strength; the Re content keeps useful ductility even recrystallized.
Values for the REX condition
Other W-26Re tempers and conditions
W-26Re is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at W-26Re.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
REXThis page Recrystallized / fully annealed | Use where dimensional and EMF stability after long high-temperature service matters more than strength; the Re content keeps useful ductility even recrystallized. | 700 | 1,100 | 15 | 41 HRC | 5.6 % IACS |
SRDefault Stress relieved | The standard commercially stocked condition: worked stock stress-relieved below the recrystallization temperature for the best combination of strength and handling ductility. | 1,200 | 1,500 | 8 | 480 HV | 45 W/m·K |
Thermocouple wire, Type C negative leg | Order this when EMF calibration to Type C (W-5Re/W-26Re) tolerances, matched spools and cleanliness matter, not mechanical properties. | 1,650 | 1,800 | 4 | 52 HRC | 5.4 % IACS |
Cold worked | Choose for maximum strength and springiness in fine wire, filaments and probe legs where the part will not be exposed long enough to recrystallize. | 1,950 | 2,200 | 3 | 55 HRC | 5.1 % IACS |
What is W-26Re-REX?
W-26Re-REX is W-26Re heat treated to REX — use where dimensional and EMF stability after long high-temperature service matters more than strength; the Re content keeps useful ductility even recrystallized. W-26Re-REX has a yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) — stronger than 87% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 405 GPa (58.7 Msi). W-26Re-REX has a density of 19.7 g/cm³ (0.712 lb/in³), heavier than 97% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,120°C (5,648 °F). SR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; REX is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High service temperature — 2,320°C (4,208 °F), better than 98% of refractory metal grades
- Stiff — 405 GPa (58.7 Msi), better than 97% of refractory metal grades
- High strength — 700 MPa (102 ksi), better than 87% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Heavy — 19.7 g/cm³ (0.712 lb/in³), worse than 97% of refractory metal grades
- Difficult to machine — 10/100, worse than 89% of refractory metal grades
W-26Re-REX properties
Typical room-temperature values for W-26Re-REX; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are W-26Re reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
W-26Re-REX has a density of 19.7 g/cm³ (0.712 lb/in³), heavier than 97% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,120°C (5,648 °F).
Mechanical8
W-26Re-REX has a yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) — stronger than 87% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 405 GPa (58.7 Msi).
Thermal6
W-26Re-REX is rated for continuous service to 2,320°C (4,208 °F). It conducts heat at 47 W/m·K (27.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 60% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 4.8 µm/m·K (2.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
W-26Re-REX conducts electricity at 5.6 % IACS, worse than 51% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 72% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of W-26Re-REX takes about 750 MJ of energy and emits 50 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
W-26Re-REX's machinability is not recommended (10/100, worse than 89% of refractory metal grades); weldability poor (32/100); formability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with W-26Re-REX
Is W-26Re easy to machine?
Treat like a hard ceramic-metal: grind, EDM or laser-cut; if turning is unavoidable use rigid setups, negative-rake carbide/CBN, low speeds and preheat to reduce chipping.
Can W-26Re be welded?
Join by electron-beam, laser or resistance/spot welding in vacuum or inert gas; the weld and HAZ recrystallize and lose ductility, so avoid welds in bending or fatigue locations.
Can W-26Re be formed, bent or molded?
Made by pressing and sintering W/Re powders then rolling, swaging and drawing at 1200–1600 °C; only thin wire and foil take meaningful room-temperature bending, and all forming must be interstage stress-relieved.
What surface finishes work on W-26Re?
Chemically clean or electropolish; not anodizable — for use above ~500 °C in air it needs a protective coating or an inert/vacuum enclosure.
W-26Re 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Resingle-phase solid solution target; higher Re risks sigma/chi phase | 25 – 27 | 26 |
| Ctypical impurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Otypical impurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Ntypical impurity limit | ≤ 0 | 0 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Al | ≤ 0 | 0 |
| W | balance | — |
W-26Re-REX — frequently asked
What is W-26Re-REX used for?
W-26Re-REX is typically used for type C thermocouple wire, vacuum/inert atmosphere temperature sensing and high-temperature furnace instrumentation. In short: type C negative leg; stable to 2320 °C; most ductile W-Re thermocouple alloy.
What is the yield strength of W-26Re-REX?
W-26Re-REX has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) — stronger than 87% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is W-26Re-REX easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (10/100, worse than 89% of refractory metal grades). Treat like a hard ceramic-metal: grind, EDM or laser-cut; if turning is unavoidable use rigid setups, negative-rake carbide/CBN, low speeds and preheat to reduce chipping.
Can W-26Re-REX be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (32/100). Join by electron-beam, laser or resistance/spot welding in vacuum or inert gas; the weld and HAZ recrystallize and lose ductility, so avoid welds in bending or fatigue locations.
What surface finishes work on W-26Re-REX?
Chemically clean or electropolish; not anodizable — for use above ~500 °C in air it needs a protective coating or an inert/vacuum enclosure.
Can W-26Re-REX be formed, bent or molded?
Made by pressing and sintering W/Re powders then rolling, swaging and drawing at 1200–1600 °C; only thin wire and foil take meaningful room-temperature bending, and all forming must be interstage stress-relieved.
What is the maximum service temperature of W-26Re-REX?
W-26Re-REX is rated for continuous use to about 2,320°C (4,208 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between W-26Re-SR and W-26Re-CW?
SR is the default condition — the standard commercially stocked condition: worked stock stress-relieved below the recrystallization temperature for the best combination of strength and handling ductility. CW: choose for maximum strength and springiness in fine wire, filaments and probe legs where the part will not be exposed long enough to recrystallize. Yield strength is 1,200 MPa in SR versus 1,950 MPa in CW.
Sources
- ASTM B387 — Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire (tungsten/tungsten-alloy analogues and WRe grades) — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM E230/E230M — Standard Specification and Temperature-EMF Tables for Standardized Thermocouples (Type C) — ASTM International (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (refractory metals) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Alloy Phase Diagrams Database — W-Re system — ASM International (2016)
- Tungsten-rhenium alloy wire and rod technical data — Rhenium Alloys / Plansee (2022)
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.