Inconel is a great example of a high performance metal specially formulated for some of the most rigorous applications. Because of its generally high price and narrow range of use, people are generally not as familiar with it as steel or aluminum. This article will provide some basics about Inconel and provide answers to some common questions about this unique metal.

What is Inconel?

Inconel is the name of a group of nickel-based superalloys. "Inconel" is a registered trademark of the Special Metals Company of New Hartford, New York. The company acquired the name by acquiring companies that had previously developed various Inconel alloys. The first inconel alloys were originally formulated in the mid-20th century for harsh high-temperature environments.

Chemical Composition of Inconel Alloy

Since inconel alloys are a group of superalloys and not just one superalloy, their chemical composition varies by alloy type. However, all inconel alloys are nickel-based. In addition, chromium is usually the second most abundant element in the chemical composition of nichrome alloys. In fact, every Inconel alloy contains some amount of iron in its composition, almost always greater than 1%. Other elements found in some Inconel alloys include:

• Cobalt

• Molybdenum

• Niobium

• Titanium

What are the properties of Inconel?

Inconel's physical and chemical properties make it so special. Inconel is known for its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures. While materials like steel melt at higher temperatures than nickel, their strength and corrosion resistance begin to deteriorate at higher temperatures. Inconel, on the other hand, maintains excellent strength properties at high temperatures and forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion at high temperatures.

In addition to high temperature properties, Inconel also has excellent strength properties at room temperature. The high chromium content also gives it excellent corrosion resistance at room temperature. The other alloys mentioned in the above components section provide additional properties such as toughness and hardness. Some Inconel alloys, such as Inconel 718, are further strengthened by precipitation hardening.

What is Inconel used for?

Another common use for Inconel is in the nuclear industry. Nuclear reactors require high strength, high corrosion resistance and excellent high temperature properties, which is why Inconel is often used. Alloys commonly used in the nuclear industry include Inconel 600 and Inconel 690.

Other industries where Inconel is less commonly used include automotive, manufacturing equipment/tools, oil and gas, firearms, and more. Any application that requires high strength and corrosion resistance in high temperature environments is usually the ideal choice for Inconel.