What does Inconel stand for?
What does Inconel mean?
Nickel alloy
The most widely recognized Inconel alloys are Alloy 718 (Inconel 718, UNS N07718, 2.4688), Alloy 625 (Inconel 625, UNS N06625, 2.4856) and their higher strength version Alloy 725 (Inconel 725, UNS N07725).
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As a family of alloys rather than a single material, the composition of Inconel varies from alloy to alloy. Generally speaking, however, each Inconel has the following materials: nickel, silicon, carbon, sulfur, chromium, iron, and manganese. Other elements found in various Inconel alloys include molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, cobalt, copper, aluminum, titanium, phosphorus and boron.
Uses of Inconel
Inconel has a wide range of uses. Inconel's oxidation-resistant properties make it an ideal material for use in extreme environments. For example, various grades of Inconel are frequently found in gas turbine blades, turbocharger rotors and seals, electric submarine engines, firearm silencer blast plates and racing exhaust systems. Inconel has even made its way into space.
In fact, Inconel is at the forefront of space exploration, as North American Aviation uses an undisclosed version of Inconel on the skin of its X-15 rocket-powered aircraft. After the Apollo missions, the U.S. space shuttle used Inconel studs as part of its launch systems. Today, Inconel still has a presence in space, as SpaceX uses the Inconel 718 as part of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle engine.
