The right choice of material is crucial to your success

In the unforgiving, highly corrosive environments of power generation, aerospace, aeronautics, chemical processing, and research and development industries, where equipment routinely performs in corrosive environments at extreme temperatures of up to 1300°C or even higher, choosing the right materials can mean the difference between enduring reliability and premature failure.

 The longevity and reliability of your manufacturing or processing plant often hinge on whether the components, tubing, and piping will stand the test of time under extreme conditions.

 Each type of alloy and stainless steel has been developed to meet specific needs of critical industries, so how do you decide which of the two materials, high nickel alloys or stainless steels, is the best choice for your high-temperature environments?

Special Metal Alloys has extensive experience in the speciality high nickel alloys and stainless steels global markets. 

We are here to assist you in exploring the mechanical properties and development of the exact materials you require, from the most reputable mills around the world.

 Our alloy product line includes fasteners, seamless tubes, welded tubes, bars, strips, precision strips, banding systems, sheets, plates, and forged products.

We will help you understand the differences and strengths of each, to determine which is most suitable for each application in your high-temperature, corrosive environments.

Contact the experts for your nickel alloy and stainless steel requirements. You can call us on +44 (0)161 278 2386 or email sales@specialmetalalloys.co.uk. 

Interested in learning more?

 In this article, we will explore the optimal selections of high-nickel alloys and stainless steels that perform well at elevated temperatures in different application scenarios.

What are high nickel alloys and stainless steels?

High nickel alloys and stainless steels both represent a range of advanced, superior-performance alloyed materials. 

They are created by fusing various materials in exact combinations and proportions to exploit the best features of each constituent metal, thereby meeting the extreme demands of specific applications in extreme environments.

High nickel alloys

High nickel alloys have a large percentage of nickel (often above 30%) as the base element, chosen for its versatility, corrosion resistance, and durability.

Combining nickel with other metals and minerals produces innovative materials with enhanced qualities, such as exceptional resistance to heat without warping or losing strength; outstanding toughness, hardness and tensile strength; superb ductility and formability; cryogenic properties; stress corrosion; and superior creep and wear resistance.

 Some nickel-based alloys have been developed specifically to excel in the most challenging high-heat environments, such as power plants, jet engines, rocket motors, and gas turbines, and marine environments where safety and durability are paramount, and where stainless steel and other materials may fall short in strength and durability.

 The different grades of common nickel alloys are mainly classified according to the other major elements they’re combined with – such as chromium, iron, copper, molybdenum, and aluminium.

 Each unique blend category, defined by its precise alloying composition, can be further divided into distinct subcategories designed to meet specific performance requirements in extreme environments.

 Some of the high nickel alloys that perform best at a high temperature range and maintain exceptional strength, creep resistance, and corrosion resistance include Inconel, Hastelloy, and some high-performance superalloys like Alloy 718 and Waspaloy.

 Stainless Steels

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy created for highly corrosive environments, but it contains a higher chromium (minimum 10.5%) and much lower nickel (typically 7-12%) content than the high nickel alloys.

As the base metal of stainless steel, iron (comprising as much as 60-75% of the chemical composition) provides the fundamental structure and strength of the stainless steel alloys; chromium enhances corrosion resistance by forming a protective, self-healing oxide surface layer that protects the material against corrosion; and nickel enhances its toughness, high-temperature strength, and corrosion resistance.  

 Adding more elements to different grades of stainless steel to enhance unique mechanical qualities include molybdenum (for improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion), manganese (to create a stable austenitic structure for non-magnetic performance, excellent ductility, and high corrosion resistance), titanium (to stabilise the carbon content and prevent inter-granular corrosion, especially in welding), and copper (for increased corrosion resistance).

 The two main groups are austenitic and martensitic stainless steel.

Austenitic stainless steels

They are used extensively in marine applications as well as in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, medical, architectural, and construction sectors due to their superior corrosion resistance and availability of raw materials.

Martensitic stainless steels

They are stronger because more carbon is added, and they are favoured in the automotive, aerospace, medical, oil and gas, and cutting tool industries.

 While still outstanding, their corrosion resistance is lower than that of austenitic stainless steels.

Key high-temperature nickel alloys 

These alloys include nickel-chromium, nickel-chromium-iron, nickel-molybdenum, nickel-chromium-molybdenum, and nickel-based super alloys.

Some examples of high-temperature nickel alloys include:

Inconel alloys

Inconel is the trademarked name for a group of nickel alloys, renowned for their exceptional high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation from very low to very high temperatures. 

They all contain chromium, with iron as a key component in some grades.

Certain grades include other elements like molybdenum, niobium, titanium, and cobalt, to optimise their unique properties for different applications.

 Inconel 718

• It offers exceptional tensile and yield strength at elevated temperatures up to 700°C, making it a staple in aerospace engines and gas turbines.
• It is made from nickel, chromium, iron, molybdenum, niobium, titanium, aluminium, cobalt, manganese, silicon, copper, and sulphur.
• It is distinguished by its precipitation-hardening capability, which allows for significantly higher strength and creep resistance, making it ideal for high-stress applications.
• It is used primarily for:

o   Aerospace: Jet and gas turbine engines, rocket motors, and aircraft components.

o   Oil and gas: Downhole tools, wellhead components, packers and sub-sea valves. 

o   Automotive: High-performance parts, especially for motorsports.

o   Nuclear: Components for nuclear reactors.

o   Chemical processing: Equipment that needs temperature and corrosion resistance.

o   Cryogenics: Storage tanks at extremely low temperatures.

 Inconel 625

• It provides a combination of high strength and outstanding resistance to various forms of corrosion and oxidation, making it suitable for temperatures up to 1093°C.
• It is a superalloy made of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, iron, cobalt, titanium, and carbon, with small amounts of other elements. 
• Its main feature is superior corrosion resistance at all temperatures.
• It is primarily used for:
  • Aeronautics: Engine components, exhaust systems, thrust-reverser systems, seals, and various fasteners. 
  • Chemical processing: Vessels, piping, and various equipment components.
  • Marine, offshore oil and gas: Pipes, valves, and pumps.
  • Shipbuilding: Propeller shafts, fasteners, and other components.
  • Nuclear: Tubing and components in the reactor core and as control rods.
  • Scientific and research: High-pressure optical cells for scientific measurements.
  • Other: Tubing for waste processing and pollution control systems, solar power plants, and steam heaters for processing paper.

Inconel X-750

• It has outstanding mechanical properties and creep resistance at high temperatures up to 1400°C.
• It is primarily made of nickel and chromium, with smaller amounts of aluminium, titanium, manganese, niobium, and silicon.
• It is distinguished by its precipitation-hardening microstructure, which gives it superior strength, creep resistance, and fatigue strength.
• It is primarily used for:
  • Aerospace:  Gas turbines, rocket engines, and aircraft structures.
  • Nuclear applications:  Thermal cycling and reactor components such as valves and pressure vessels. 
  • Oil and gas: Downhole equipment like hangers, pumps, and safety valves.
  • General industrial applications: High-temperature fasteners and springs, tooling and heat-treating fixtures and tools.

Inconel 617

• Features high-temperature (typically 980°C) strength and oxidation resistance.
• It is composed primarily of nickel, chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum, with additions of aluminium and smaller amounts of other elements. The specific combination of these materials gives it high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. 
• It is distinguished by its exceptionally high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and oxidation resistance up to 1100°C.
• It is commonly used for:
  • Gas turbines: Combustion cans, transition liners, and ducting.
  • Power generation: Components for both fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants.
  • Petrochemical processing: Tubing and equipment for petrochemical processing and molybdenum refining.
  • Acid production: Specifically used for catalyst grid supports in nitric acid production.
  • Heat-treating equipment: Industrial furnace components.
  • Welding: It is also used as a filler metal for welding other high-temperature alloys.

Inconel 740H

• Known for its high creep strength and high resistance to oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation at temperatures up to 850°C.
• It has been engineered to withstand the corrosive and oxidising environments inside a boiler. A protective chromium oxide layer resists steam-side oxidation, and it has low metal loss from fireside corrosion, such as from flue gas and ash.
• It is a nickel-base superalloy made primarily from nickel and achieves its extraordinary strength from precipitation hardening with significant additions of elements such as chromium, cobalt, niobium, titanium, and aluminium.
• It also contains smaller amounts of iron, silicon, and other elements, and is age-hardened by the precipitation of a second phase.
• It is distinguished by its superior creep resistance in oxidising environments.
• It is typically used for:
  • Power plants: It was developed specifically for the demanding conditions in modern, ultra-efficient power plants (A-USC power plants) that use steam at very high pressure.
  • Boiler components: It is used for steam superheater and reheater tubes, steam headers, and other transfer piping within the boiler.

Inconel 690 

• Known for its superior performance at high-temperature (up to 980oC.) oxidising gases and stress-corrosion cracking.
• It is made from nickel and chromium, with iron as a major secondary element, and minor amounts of carbon, manganese, silicon, and copper.
• It is distinguished by its superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion, especially in acidic and high-temperature environments.
• It is primarily used for:
  • Nuclear power: Components in steam generators and tube sheets.
  • Petrochemical and chemical processing: Tail gas reheaters, heating coils, storage tanks, furnaces, heat treating equipment, and burners.
  • Gasification and waste processing: Coal gasification units and incinerators for processing radioactive waste.

 Hastelloy alloys

Hastelloy is the trademarked name for a group of nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloys, excelling in extreme conditions.

There are many grades of Hastelloy alloys, with each grade having a different chemical makeup to be optimised for a specific set of properties.

Hastelloy X

• It provides excellent strength and oxidation resistance in high-temperature applications, up to 1200°C. It maintains good ductility after prolonged heat exposure, has excellent forming and welding characteristics, and resists oxidising, reducing.
• It is a nickel-chromium-iron-molybdenum alloy, with smaller amounts of cobalt and tungsten.
• It is distinguished by its exceptionally high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance in high-temperature, high-stress environments and is also noted for its excellent formability and weldability. 
• It is primarily used for:
  • Aerospace: Jet engine tailpipes and afterburner components, aircraft cabin heaters, turbine exhaust components, and transition ducts. 
  • Industrial furnaces: Structural components, rolls and baffles.
  • Petrochemical: Combustion liners, gas turbines, tubing for pyrolysis, and equipment for chemical processing. 
  • Nuclear: Components for reactor systems.
  • Research and development:  Equipment and components for advanced forming processes.

Hastelloy C-276 

• It has excellent oxidation resistance up to 1038°C
• It is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy with exact amounts of iron and tungsten, and small amounts of other elements. Its low carbon content helps maintain this resistance after welding. 
• It is distinguished by its exceptional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in the presence of chlorides.\
• It is used primarily for:
  • Chemical and Petrochemical Processing: Heat exchangers, tanks, pipes, and valves.
  •  Pollution Control: Equipment that handles flue gas desulphurisation and other waste treatment processes.
  • Pulp and Paper Production: digesters, bleaching equipment, and recovery units.
  • Marine Engineering: Components on ships, offshore oil rigs, and submarines, heat exchangers, pumps, and piping systems.
  • Pharmaceutical: Reactors, towers, and other equipment.
  •  Where corrosion resistance is critical.
  • Aerospace: Aircraft components and engine parts.

 High-performance superalloys

These are special metals engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and corrosive environments.

 They are based on nickel, cobalt, or iron and are reinforced with elements like chromium, titanium, and tungsten to maintain high strength and resistance to deformation at high temperatures. 

Waspalloy

• Waspaloy is a precipitation-hardened super alloy that maintains its strength and corrosion resistance in high-stress environments and high temperatures, up to about 900°C.
• It is primarily made of nickel, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, and aluminium, with smaller amounts of carbon and iron.

• It is distinguished by its unmatched resistance to creep rupture strength above 650°C.
• It is used primarily for:

o   Gas turbine engines: Turbine blades, discs, and shafts.

o   Aircraft and aerospace: Engine components, seals, rings, missile systems.

Alloy 600 

• It is known for its excellent resistance to both high-temperature corrosion and heat, as well as its strength and workability.
• With a high nickel and chromium content, it provides excellent resistance to both oxidising and reducing environments and has high-temperature oxidation resistance up to about 1200°C.
• Its key advantage is its versatility and resilience in both high and low temperatures, from cryogenics to up to 1093°C.
• It is primarily used for:
  • Industrial equipment: Heaters, pressurised water reactors, control guide tubes, distillation columns, vessels, and pumps.
  • Chemical processes: Equipment and components to process chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons, vinyl chloride, and caustic alkalis. 
  • Aerospace Industry: High-temperature airframe and engine parts such as combustion-can liners, diffuser assemblies, and exhaust systems.
  • Automotive: Safety wires, components in airbag systems, high-temperature sensors, electrodes for spark plugs, and gaskets. 
  •  Furnaces: Retorts, muffles, roller hearths, and heat-treating baskets and trays.
  • Nuclear: reactor components, boiling water reactors, cladding tubes for control rods, steam dryers, and separators.
  • Oil and gas: Components for extraction plants.
  • Marine engineering: Fixtures and fasteners

 Key high-temperature stainless steels

Many of the stainless-steel grades perform superbly at high temperatures, offering excellent corrosion resistance, but note that the specific maximum temperature is a key factor in choosing the right grade because the intended applications can be vastly different.

Other crucial factors to consider include the presence of chemicals and gases, and whether the high temperature has to be maintained continuously or only intermittently.

Grades 310 and 310S stainless steel

• Containing high levels of chromium and nickel, this austenitic stainless steel has been developed for superior corrosion resistance in high-temperature applications up to 1150°C continuous use and up to 1035°C intermittent use.
• It is primarily made of iron, with a high content of chromium (24.0−26.0%) and nickel (19.0−22.0%) and contains smaller amounts of manganese, silicon, phosphorus and sulphur.
• It is preferred for:
  • Furnace and kilns: Components such as radiant tubes, muffles, burners, and combustion chambers.
  • Power generation:  Boilers, steam turbines, and heat exchangers.
  • Chemical and petroleum refining equipment:  Fluidised bed combustors, retorts, and tube hangers.
  • Food processing: Ovens and some conveyor belts.
  • Other uses: Rotary kilns, annealing covers, and cryogenic structures.

 Grade 309 stainless steel

• Also excellent for high heat, comparable to 310, but at a slightly lower temperature limit.
• Its main component is iron, with significant amounts of chromium (22-24%) and nickel (12-15%), with small amounts of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, and sulphur.
• For its intended high-temperature applications, it could be more economical.
• It is widely used for:
  • Furnaces: Combustion chambers, furnace linings and oven parts, firebox sheets, burners, doors, and recuperators.
  • Industrial: Heat exchangers, industrial boilers, kilns, incinerators, and heating element tubing.
  • Heat exchangers: Various components and equipment that transfer heat in various industrial processes. 

 Grade 330 stainless steel

• It is specifically marketed for high-temperature service, resisting oxidation and scaling up to 1035°C.
• It is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy with a high chromium (17-20%) and nickel content (34-37%), which provides excellent oxidation and carburization resistance. 
• Its particular composition enables it to endure thermal cycling and prevents embrittlement caused by sigma phase formation.
• It is primarily used for:
  • Industrial furnaces: Baskets, retorts, and fixtures for heat-treating furnaces.
  • Petrochemical and chemical processing: Furnace parts, heat exchangers, and components for applications like cracked ammonia.
  • Power generation: Boiler fixtures and gas turbine components.
  • Thermal processing: Heat-treat furnace containers, high-temperature fans, and salt pots.
  • Aerospace: High-temperature jet engine components

 Grade 446 stainless steel

• It is a magnetic ferritic grade stainless steel with high chromium content (up to 27%) and a minute amount of nickel (less than 0.75%).
• It is made primarily of iron, with a high percentage of chromium (23-27%) and additions of silicon and aluminium.
• It offers exceptional resistance to scaling, oxidation, and corrosion at temperatures up to 11000.
• Commonly used for:
  • Combustion equipment: Parts for oil burners, combustion chambers, and boiler baffles.
  • Furnace and kiln components: Furnace and kiln linings, and other parts that are exposed to high heat.
  • High-temperature processing: Glass moulds and parts for equipment that handles molten materials like copper alloys.
  • Chemical and industrial equipment: Soot blowers, recuperators, and parts requiring excellent resistance in oxidizing environments.
  • Instrumentation: Thermocouple protectors and flame rods.

Grade 321 stainless steel

• It resists carbide precipitation, making it suitable for aerospace and chemical processing applications where high temperatures are combined with welding or thermal cycling
  up to 950°C
• It is made of iron, chromium, nickel, and carbon, similar to grade 304, with the addition of titanium to stabilise it against intergranular corrosion in high-temperature applications.
• It is widely used for:
  • Aerospace: Exhaust manifolds.
  • Heat-treating equipment: Furnace parts, heating element tubing, and screens for high-temperature mineral processing.
  • Welded and high-temperature equipment. Heat exchangers, pressure vessels, storage tanks, boilers, and furnace parts
  • Chemical and petroleum processing: Equipment in refineries and other chemical processing plants.

Visit our contact page to get in touch or alternatively, email us at sales@specialmetalalloys.co.uk for more information on nickel alloys and stainless steel and how we can help you make the right choice.

A short description of nickel alloys

Nickel alloys are high-performance metals, created by combining nickel with other elements such as chromium, copper, iron, molybdenum, and cobalt in different ratios and permutations for a variety of demanding applications in harsh environments such as aerospace and aeronautics; medical, science, military, and oil and gas industries; marine and offshore locations; mining; and chemical processing.

Get in touch to discuss your nickel alloy requirements. You can call us on +44 (0)161 278 2386 or email sales@specialmetalalloys.co.uk. 

Why use nickel in these alloys?

Due to its high resistance to heat and corrosion, particularly from alkalis and halogens, pure nickel is highly useful in the chemical industry, as well as for electromagnetic shields and transducers in various sectors.

How are nickel alloys categorised?

The different nickel alloys are classified by their primary alloying elements. The specific type and ratio of alloying with other metals and minerals depend on which of their unique properties are required for dedicated applications, including shape memory, low expansion coefficients, and resistance to high-temperature scaling.

The most common types include nickel-copper, nickel-chromium, nickel-molybdenum, nickel-iron, and nickel-chromium alloys.

What are the special properties of nickel alloys?

For specialist applications with unique characteristics, nickel alloys are created by combining pure nickel in specific ratios and combinations with other minerals. Some of these properties include:

Exceptional corrosion resistance

Nickel does not readily react to corrosive agents and can form a stable oxide layer that forms a surface barrier. 

This quality makes nickel alloys highly resistant to degradation and deterioration in harsh chemical environments, including acids, caustic solutions, and high-temperature gases. 

Chemical, petrochemical, and marine industries, in particular, require nickel alloys that can withstand the corrosive effects of acids, alkali, high-temperature gases, and chlorides in saltwater. This quality is indispensable on equipment like reactors, heat exchangers, and pipelines.

High-temperature strength

This refers to their ability to maintain mechanical integrity, resist creep deformation, and withstand corrosive environments at extreme temperatures. Nickel’s natural resistance to corrosion and oxidation, combined with the ability of alloying elements to form protective oxide layers that shield the surface and strengthen the metal’s crystal structure.

Aerospace, power generation, and nuclear applications demand superior strength and structural integrity under pressure in processing equipment and components like reactors, exhaust systems, and incineration systems, especially at high temperatures.

Ductility and toughness

Aerospace, aeronautics, chemical processing, energy production, manufacturing, and automotive sectors require alloys with exceptional ductility, formability, the capability to endure extreme mechanical stress and pressure without deformation, and toughness when exposed to high temperatures in corrosive conditions.

Ductility describes the material’s ability to be stretched or bent without breaking. Toughness is its ability to absorb energy without fracturing under stress and sudden impact. 

Nickel alloys offer a combination of high tensile strength along with excellent ductility and toughness, enabling them to deform without becoming brittle. This property is essential for avoiding sudden, dangerous component failures in applications such as jet engines and power plants.

Magnetic properties

The magnetic properties of nickel-containing materials are determined by their ferromagnetic nature and indicate how they respond to magnetic fields. Described differently, it is categorised by how easily they can be magnetised and the strength of their magnetic intensity.

Industries such as electronics, medical, automotive, and aerospace need nickel alloys with exceptional magnetic permeability and ease of being magnetised in sensitive magnetic environments. These alloys are used in applications such as inductors, transformers, magnetic shielding, MRI machines, sensors, data storage, transformers, sensitive electronic components, and precise measurements.

Weldability

This is the ability to weld a metal into a satisfactory structure, free of defects like cracks, porosity, or structural weakness,  performing well in its intended service. 

In aerospace, construction, shipbuilding, chemical processing, and power generation, outstanding weldability directly impacts the integrity and performance of components and equipment like pressure vessels, heat exchangers, shipping structures, and turbine or engine components.

It also simplifies manufacturing and the fabrication of complex structures and shapes. Achieving a high-quality weld maintains the crucial mechanical properties of the base metal and prevents costly failures, cracking, porosity, or other defects.

Durability

Nickel alloys have an exceptional ability to withstand harsh conditions, such as high temperatures, extreme pressures, and corrosive environments, for extended periods without weakening or degrading. They maintain their structural integrity and mechanical strength much longer than most other materials, leading to greater longevity of components, increased safety and reliability in critical applications, and reduced maintenance and replacement costs.

Versatility

The excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and thermal stability give nickel alloys the unique ability to perform well across a wide spectrum of demanding environments. By adjusting their compositions, they have unique benefits and applications, ranging from deep-sea mining to technology and aerospace.

What are the main types of nickel alloys?

Nickel alloys are broadly categorised into several types, based on their composition and properties, of which the following are the most common:

Nickel-Copper Alloys

Examples:

Monel, Cupronickel, Constantan, and Alloy 400

Main characteristics:

• Excellent corrosion resistance in alkaline, non-oxidising, chloride, marine environments, and in saltwater.
• Good mechanical strength.
•  Great ductility.
• High thermal stability
• Biofouling resistance.

Main industries:

• Marine engineering,
• Desalination plants,
• Offshore oil and gas, and
• The chemical industry.

Common applications:

• Seawater, chemical, petroleum, oil & gas, and hydraulic pipelines,
• Bilge and ballast water systems,
• Heat exchangers,
• Desalination condensers and evaporators,
•  Coolers,
• High-pressure heaters.

Nickel-Chromium Alloys

Examples:

Inconel, Nichrome, Chromell, Alloy 800, Hastelloy, and certain grades of stainless steel.

Main characteristics:

• Exceptional chemical resistance
• Oxidation and rust resistance,
• Electrical resistance,
• High-temperature performance, and
• High strength.

Main industries:

• Aerospace,
• Chemical processing,
• Power generation,
• Oil and gas, and
• Automotive industries.

Common applications:

•  Heating elements for toasters and electric heaters,
• Chemical processing and transporting,
• Oil & gas production and transportation,
• Marine and offshore equipment,
• Propellers,
• Turbine blades,
• Scrubbers,
• Food and beverage production,
• Surgical and dental restorations. 

Nickel-Iron Alloys

Examples:

Invar, Permalloy, Incoloy, and certain grades of stainless steel. Natural nickel-iron alloys include Kamacite and Taenite (from meteorites).

Main characteristics:

• High magnetic permeability
• Very low thermal expansion,
• Creep resistance, and
• Corrosion resistance.

Main industries:

• Medical,
• Aerospace,
• Electronics,
• Energy,
• Automotive.

Common applications:

• Electronic transformers,
• Magnetic shielding,
• Automotive and aeronautical sensors,
• Aerospace equipment,
• Medical devices such as MRI machines,
• Specialised industrial machinery,
• Nuclear reactors,
• Electroplating.

Nickel-Molybdenum Alloys

Examples:

Hastelloy, Alloy B-2, Alloy B-3, and N-12MV

Main characteristics:

• Outstanding resistance to pitting, stress corrosion, and cracking,
• Corrosion resistance to both reducing and oxidising acids (hydrochloric and sulfuric acids), and
• Less susceptible to weld zone corrosion.

Main industries:

• Oil and gas,
• Chemical processing,
• Medical,
• Aerospace.

Common applications:

•  Pumps,
• Valves,
• Piping,
• Ducting,
• Heat exchangers,
• Marine hardware,
• Pharmaceutical and chemical production, and
• Power generation systems.

Superalloys

Examples:  

Inconel, Hastelloy, and Waspaloy; cobalt-based alloys like Haynes and Stellite; and iron-based alloys such as Incoloy and A286.

Composition:

Designed for extreme environments by alloying nickel and elements such as cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium.

Main characteristics:

• Excellent mechanical properties,
• Superior oxidation resistance,
• Exceptional heat resistance,
• Wear resistance, and
• High strength.

Main industries:

• Manufacturing,
• Aerospace,
• Energy,
• Marine engineering,
• Nuclear,
• Power generation,
• Oil & gas.

Common applications:

• Ducting and piping in jet and gas turbine engines, 
• Ducting, piping and exhaust systems in nuclear reactors,
• Combustion chambers, 
• Turbine blades,
• Heat exchangers,
• Chemical reaction vessels,
• Medical and surgical instruments,
• Automotive parts

Visit our contact page to get in touch or alternatively, email us at sales@specialmetalalloys.co.uk for more information on nickel alloys and how we can help you.