An Inconel alloy is a material that is resistant to corrosion and oxidation and is used in extreme environments that are frequently subjected to heat and pressure. When heated, it will form an oxide layer that is thick and stable, which will protect the surface. It will hold its strength, even when at high temperatures, which means it is better to use in applications where steel or aluminum would creep because of thermally-induced crystal vacancies.
Various Inconels
There are many Inconels, including 600, 617, 625, 690, 718 and X-750. They all include some Nickel, Chromium, Iron, Molybdenum, Niobium, Cobalt, Manganese, Copper, Aluminum, Titanium, Silicon, Carbon, Sulfur, Phosphorus and Boron though they are primarily made with Nickel and Chromium.
Availability
It is available in Bar options, including flat bars, shaped bars, and round bars. However, it is also available in billet, wire, strip, sheet, rod and plate. In bars, it is usually machined into a hollow tube, which can be used for many purposes, including pneumatic tubes, air conditioning water supplies, and more.
Reasons To Consider
This alloy can be difficult to machine and shape when using traditional techniques because it hardens quickly. During the initial machining pass, work hardening can deform the piece being worked on or the tool itself. Therefore, an Inconel 718 bar is machined with a slow, but aggressive cut using a hard tool, which reduces the amount of passes needed. Most of the machining can also be performed when the workpiece is in a solutionized form.
Welding can sometimes be difficult for some alloys in the same family because segregation and cracking can occur. However, this option, as well as the 625 are designed specifically to overcome this problem.
When To Consider
It is often used in extreme environments, such as gas turbine blades, combustors, and seals. It can also be used in turbocharger seals and rotors, motor shafts, high-temperature fasteners, pressure vessels, chemical processing, steam generators, heat exchanger tubing and pressurized water reactors (nuclear). It is also found in natural gas processing, exhaust systems, and firearms. Whenever the temperatures reach more than 1,000 degrees Celsius, it is best to consider this alloy.
It is also used in many aerospace applications, and Tesla Motors uses it in some of their models rather than using steel.
Alternatives to this alloy can be found, as well.
The Inconel 718 bar is an excellent option for high-pressure and high-heat instances. Visit Metalmen today to learn more about this product, how to purchase it, or when to use it.
