Why use Inconel?
Inconel alloys are one of the most versatile metals around. Their applications cut across a wide range of industries thanks to their high performance and superior properties.
They are a natural choice within the automotive, aerospace, marine, and oil and gas industries since they are specifically optimized to withstand some of the most demanding manufacturing conditions.
What exactly makes Inconel alloys so special? Here's everything you need to know about them.
How Inconel Alloys Are Made
While Inconel alloys vary widely in their composition, they're all made of nickel and chromium as their primary elements. These special metals are not to be confused with duplex stainless steel, austenitic stainless steel, or any other type of stainless steel alloy. Here's a brief overview of the different kinds of Inconel alloys and their respective compositions.
Inconel 600
This nickel chromium alloy is highly resistant to a wide range of corrosive elements. It does not succumb to general oxidation or stress corrosion cracking caused by chloride ions, even in extreme temperature conditions.
Inconel 601
Inconel 601 contains nickel, chromium, and aluminum. The addition of aluminum gives it exceptional mechanical properties even in high temperature environments.
Inconel 625
Inconel 625 contains nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and niobium. The reaction between molybdenum and niobium causes the alloy's matrix microstructure to harden, increasing its overall tensile strength. It is what makes this nickel based alloy extremely resistant to the corrosive elements common in harsh conditions.
Inconel 690
Unlike other metal alloys in the family, Inconel 690 is made of high-chromium and nickel. The use of high-chromium makes this particular variant of the metal alloy highly resistant to the corrosive conditions synonymous with aqueous environments. Its high corrosion resistance also allows it to withstand the sulfidation that occurs in high temperature environments.
Inconel 718
The structure and response of Inconel 718 are quite different from other metals in the family. This nickel-based superalloy is made from nickel and chromium, alongside significant amounts of molybdenum, niobium, and iron. It also contains trace amounts of aluminum and titanium. These alloying elements combined make Inconel 718 quite strong, flexible, and resistant to post-weld cracking.
Applications for Inconel Alloys
Manufacturers and design engineers use Inconel alloys in several industrial applications that call for reliable and technically superior materials. The fact that they offer exceptional corrosion and high temperature resistance makes them quite appealing.
These alloys are best reserved for use in environments where other materials won't hold up as well. Here's an overview of some of the leading industrial applications that rely on Inconel alloys.
