Which is more expensive Monel or Inconel?
Inconel and Monel
Inconel and Monel are both nickel-containing alloys. However, in addition to containing nickel as their primary alloying agent, they also contain other elements as their secondary alloying agents. Monel, for example, is composed of copper, which makes up 30 to 40 percent of its total weight. Inconel contains chromium as its auxiliary alloying agent. In terms of its properties, Monel is a medium-performance alloy, while Inconel is a high-performance type. Several Inconel alloys are also known as superalloys because they have excellent corrosion resistance and outperform several conventional alloys at high temperatures. Monel is a solid solution binary metal, while Inconel is an austenitic high-temperature alloy.
Inconel and Monel alloy prices
The price of Inconel is very high compared to Monel. Its alloy contains high levels of nickel and chromium, making the metal expensive. Since both alloys contain nickel, they are much more expensive than stainless steel alloys. However, market volatility coupled with the fact that nickel is a commodity metal makes them expensive. Due to the higher nickel content in some Inconel alloys, these alloys will cost more than some Monel alloys.
Nickel content in Inconel and Monel
Both types of alloys are available in multiple grades. Differences in their chemical composition lead to their grading. That is, the nickel content in Inconel varies from 44.2% to over 72%. Although its composition depends on the amount of nickel added. For example, Inconel 600 contains over 72% nickel, while grade 617 contains between 44.2% - 61% nickel. On the other hand, the nickel content in Monel ranges from 52% to 67%, which is why they cost less than Inconel.
The difference in corrosion resistance between Inconel and Monel
While both alloys have excellent corrosion resistance, the copper content in Monel gives it excellent resistance to seawater or salt spray. Although Inconel is also resistant to seawater, it is too expensive for marine engineering applications. However, due to its higher nickel content, Inconel is able to withstand high temperature settings, a feat that Monel cannot achieve. Monel grades have limited resistance to high temperatures. In addition to marine environments, Monel can also be used in environments containing both hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid. In addition, they are resistant to alkalis and strong acids. Inconel is excellent at preventing oxidative corrosion.
