What is Inconel Alloy?
Inconel alloy is a group of nickel-based superalloys. It is a family of nickel-chromium-based superalloys known for their excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and oxidation. This nickel alloy has significant amounts of chromium and iron. This nickel alloy also has smaller quantities of other elements, such as molybdenum, cobalt, and aluminum.
The name ‘Inconel’ is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation, which was acquired by Huntington Alloys Corporation.
Inconel is one of the best nickel alloys that has exceptional properties. Inconel alloys have a wide range of industrial applications. It is particularly used in environments where materials are subjected to extreme conditions. Some common applications include aerospace engineering, gas turbine blades, chemical processing, nuclear reactors, and high-temperature hardware.
The high nickel content in Inconel alloy provides them with good strength and resistance to both corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures. It makes them suitable for use in aggressive and demanding environments. They retain their strength even at very high temperatures. This makes them ideal for applications that involve exposure to intense heat.
Inconel alloys are available in different grades. Each of these grades comes with specific compositions and properties tailored for particular applications. Some well-known grades include Inconel 600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, and Inconel 825. In this blog, we will take a look at the various types of Inconel Alloy:
Various Types of Inconel Alloy: -
Inconel 600: Inconel alloy 600 is one of the most widely used alloys of nickel. It has excellent resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. It is used in applications such as furnace components, chemical processing equipment, and heat exchangers.
Inconel 625: This nickel alloy is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Inconel 625 is used in marine and offshore applications, aerospace components, and chemical processing equipment.
Inconel 718: This alloy has high strength and excellent creep-rupture properties at elevated temperatures. It finds application in gas turbines, rocket motors, and nuclear reactors. Inconel 718 is one of the most durable alloys of nickel.
Inconel 800 & Inconel 800H: These alloys are designed for high-temperature applications. They have good strength and resistance to oxidation and carburization. They are used in petrochemical and power generation industries.
Inconel 825: Inconel 825 is an alloy of nickel that offers excellent resistance to both reducing and oxidizing acids. It is often used in chemical processing equipment, pollution control systems, and oil & gas well piping.
Inconel 601: Known for its resistance to oxidation and high-temperature strength, Inconel 601 is used in heat-treating equipment, industrial furnaces, and petrochemical applications. Nickel alloy 601 is composed mostly of nickel (58% to 63%). It also contains elements like Chromium (21-25%), Aluminum (1-1.7%), Manganese (1%), Copper (1%), Iron, and more.
Inconel 690: Primarily used in nuclear reactors, Inconel 690 offers high-temperature corrosion resistance and excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking. This nickel alloy has properties that are useful for various applications involving nitric or hydrofluoric acid solutions. It is used in tail-gas reheaters and heating coils and tanks used in the pickling of stainless steel and reprocessing of nuclear fuels.
Inconel 725: This alloy is commonly used for its high strength and resistance to corrosion and is used in applications such as springs and fasteners in high-temperature environments. The chemical composition of Inconel 725 includes Nickel (55-59%), Chromium (19-22%), Iron (9%), Molybdenum (7-9.5%), Niobium (2.75-4%), Titanium (1-1.70%), and more
Inconel 939: This alloy was developed for its aerospace applications. It offers a high-temperature strength and excellent resistance to creep and fatigue.