Nickel Alloy Grades: Technical Specifications and Procurement Guide
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Shanghai Lion Metal Co., Ltd. Nickel-based Alloy Division
Overview of Nickel Alloys
Nickel alloys represent a critical class of advanced engineering materials, renowned for their exceptional performance in extreme environments. These sophisticated alloys combine nickel with various elements to create materials with outstanding mechanical, thermal, and corrosion-resistant properties.
Key Nickel Alloy Classifications
Alloy Series
Primary Composition
Key Characteristics
Typical Applications
Inconel
Ni-Cr-Fe
High-temperature strength
Aerospace, Chemical Processing
Monel
Ni-Cu
Exceptional corrosion resistance
Marine, Oil & Gas
Hastelloy
Ni-Mo-Cr
Extreme chemical resistance
Chemical Manufacturing
Nimonic
Ni-Cr-Co
Superior high-temperature performance
Gas Turbine Engines
Detailed Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties Comparison
Alloy Grade
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Elongation (%)
Operating Temperature (°C)
Inconel 600
550-760
240-310
30-40
-200 to 1000
Inconel 625
690-980
415-540
20-30
-270 to 980
Monel 400
480-550
170-210
40-50
-200 to 350
Hastelloy C276
690-790
340-380
35-45
-50 to 870
Chemical Composition Ranges
Element
Inconel 600 (%)
Inconel 625 (%)
Monel 400 (%)
Hastelloy C276 (%)
Nickel
72.0-76.0
58.0-63.0
63.0-70.0
55.0-67.0
Chromium
14.0-17.0
20.0-23.0
1.0-2.0
14.5-16.5
Iron
6.0-10.0
2.5-3.5
2.0-3.0
4.0-7.0
Molybdenum
0.5 max
8.0-10.0
0.5 max
15.0-17.0
Copper
0.5 max
0.5 max
28.0-34.0
0.5 max
Performance Characteristics
Corrosion Resistance Evaluation
Environment
Inconel 625
Monel 400
Hastelloy C276
Rating Method
Seawater
Excellent
Good
Excellent
ASTM G48
Sulfuric Acid
Excellent
Poor
Excellent
Weight Loss Test
Hydrochloric Acid
Very Good
Poor
Excellent
Corrosion Rate (mm/year)
Chloride Environments
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Pitting Resistance
Thermal Stability Comparison
Alloy
Thermal Conductivity (W/mK)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10^-6/K)
Melting Point (°C)
Inconel 600
14.3
13.3
1370-1400
Monel 400
22.1
14.2
1300-1350
Hastelloy C276
9.4
12.7
1320-1380
Industrial Applications
Sector-Specific Utilization
Industry
Preferred Alloy
Key Selection Criteria
Typical Components
Aerospace
Inconel 718
High-temperature strength
Turbine blades, exhaust systems
Chemical Processing
Hastelloy C276
Corrosion resistance
Reactors, heat exchangers
Oil & Gas
Monel 400
Seawater resistance
Valves, pump shafts
Nuclear
Inconel 600
Radiation resistance
Reactor components
Procurement Considerations
Cost Analysis
Alloy Grade
Average Price (USD/kg)
Price Volatility
Supply Reliability
Inconel 600
75-95
Medium
High
Inconel 625
120-150
High
Medium
Monel 400
60-80
Low
High
Hastelloy C276
180-220
High
Low
Quality Control Parameters
Inspection Criteria
Acceptance Tolerance
Testing Method
Dimensional Accuracy
±0.1 mm
Coordinate Measuring Machine
Surface Roughness
Ra 0.8 μm
Profilometer
Chemical Composition
±0.05%
Spectroscopic Analysis
Mechanical Properties
As per ASTM Standards
Destructive Testing
Emerging Trends
Advanced Nickel Alloy Developments
Nano-structured Alloys
Enhanced mechanical properties
Improved corrosion resistance
Potential for 30-50% performance increase
Additive Manufacturing
Complex geometry production
Reduced material waste
Customized microstructure control
Procurement Strategy Recommendations
Comprehensive Supplier Evaluation
Technical capabilities
Quality certifications
Delivery performance
Price competitiveness
Risk Mitigation
Multiple supplier qualification
Sample testing
Long-term framework agreements
Conclusion
Selecting the right nickel alloy requires a multifaceted approach, balancing technical requirements, performance characteristics, and economic considerations. Success depends on understanding the intricate relationship between material properties and specific application demands.
Key Strategic Insights:
Precision in material selection
Comprehensive performance assessment
Long-term performance optimization
Continuous technological innovation
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of nickel alloy grades, offering procurement professionals a structured approach to material selection and strategic sourcing.
