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It is specifically designed to handle some of the harshest manufacturing conditions. Compared to stainless steel, Inconel has a very high tolerance for extreme heat, so even at temperatures of 2,000°F, it still has tensile strength, which is still higher than most steel's tensile strength.

However, Inconel is an expensive material, one that should only be used under conditions where other materials won't work as well. Below is a brief description of Inconel's properties, along with a few examples of applications where Inconel is preferred over stainless steel:

What is the strength of Inconel?

The strength of Inconel 625 bar can be determined by measuring its tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and even melt resistance. Inconel 625 bar has a tensile strength range of 103 - 160 ksi compared to the 73.2 ksi of stainless steel.

Although exact measurements vary, reported statistics indicate that Inconel melts between 2,350°F and 2,460°F (1,290°C and 1,350°C). Inconel 625 bar has a lower melting point than stainless steel, but it is stronger at high temperatures and more resistant to oxidation and scaling than stainless steel.

Because it is corrosion-resistant and suited to extreme pressures and heat environments, Inconel is considered a superalloy. However, stainless steel alloys are often more suitable for sterile manufacturing or medical applications. A superalloy such as Inconel tends to be better for heat-treating applications and other high-temperature processes. 

What is Inconel 625 Bar Used For?

With a nickel content between Inconel 330 and 600, Inconel 625 Bar is part of the high-nickel superalloy Inconel family. This combination, along with columbium and molybdenum, allows this type of Inconel to have a high melting point and perform well in high heat. Chloride pitting, fatigue stress, creep rupture strength, and oxalic resistance are among the characteristics of Inconel 625. In addition, Inconel 625 pipe is very easy to weld when compared to other Inconel variations.

The high chemical and temperature resistance of Inconel 625 pipe makes it one of the most popular superalloys, and it is used in jet engine exhausts, flare stacks, seawater equipment, and chemical plant equipment.

Inconel 625 Bar

Benefits of Inconel 625. In addition

Exceptional material strength

Nickel-chromium is the base of Inconel 625, but niobium and molybdenum also contribute to its hardening mechanism. Niobium and molybdenum interact to strengthen the alloy matrix, resulting in high strength without precipitation-hardening. Superalloy 690 MPa has a tensile strength of 690 MPa, while 275 MPa has a yield strength of 275 MPa.

High-temperature resistance

The melting point of Inconel 625 pipe is about 1300°C and the thermal expansion coefficient is 1.28 x 10-5 1/K (at 20°C).

In Inconel 625 plate, the titanium and niobium compositions of the oxide film increase dramatically at high temperatures in the presence of oxidizing agents.

Corrosion resistance

Due to its unique composition, Inconel 625 pipe is highly resistant to corrosion, and this is the reason it works well in milder environments such as fresh water and standard atmospheric conditions.

When exposed to oxidizing agents, Inconel 625 plate is protected naturally by its nickel-chromium matrix. Molybdenum prevents pitting corrosion and corrodes at a rate of 0.188 mm per year in 15% sulfuric acid.

High level of fabricability

Inconel 625 plate was designed to have better weldability than earlier alloys, without cracking when subjected to strain and temperature changes after welding. Because of its high creep resistance and yield strength, this superalloy is suitable for welding tubes, piping, and plant equipment.

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Here are five examples of Inconel use cases

Oil & Gas Extraction

A superalloy metal like Inconel, whose properties include high-temperature resistance and oxidation resistance, is ideal for the oil and gas extraction industries. The oil and gas industry requires a metal that can withstand extreme environments and volatile, corrosive gases.

The superalloy Inconel 625 plate is especially useful for the processing systems required for natural gas production. In addition to its excellent thermal fatigue strength and oxidation resistance, Inconel 625 is often used as a line steel transfer piping or to separately extracted fluids.

Heat Treat Applications

Inconel sheet l is known for its extreme temperature resistance and tensile strength at high temperatures to hold moderate loads (Inconel 625 retains 13.3 ksi tensile strength at 2,000°F). In comparison to stainless steel alloys such as Grade 304, 316, and 330 SS, Inconel sheet is the ideal basket material for heat-treating applications.

When holding parts through a rigorous heat treatment process, an Inconel sheet basket won't lose shape as easily as a stainless steel basket.

Rapid Temperature Changes

During manufacturing processes, high and low temperatures may be combined in rapid succession. Inconel alloys maintain excellent oxidation resistance at both high and low temperatures, allowing a single basket made of Inconel to be used in processes where temperatures range from near-cryogenic lows to highs during heat treatment.

Saltwater Applications

In marine applications, Inconel is often used for parts washing baskets since it has exceptional resistance to sodium chloride (salt) at a variety of temperatures.

While some stainless steel alloys also exhibit excellent resistance to saltwater, when should Inconel be preferred?

Generally, Inconel is more useful than 316 stainless steel if extreme temperatures in excess of 1,000°F are a concern. Inconel plate retains its oxidation resistance better at high temperatures than 316 stainless steel.

Jet Engines

Jet engines and turbines might be constructed using Inconel plate by our manufacturing clients.

As noted on the meteorology training website, jet engines must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures both high and low frequencies while in use. At 36,000 feet (well within the standard cruising altitude of a passenger jet), the average air temperature is -56.3°C (-69.3°F), but the combustion process can reach 1,150°C (2112°F).

Although cooling technologies are used to rapidly reduce temperatures, they can still easily exceed many metals' tolerances. Even though Inconel 600 is rapidly heated and cooled in the aerospace industry, it retains high oxidation resistance and tensile strength.

When extreme temperature and chemical resistance are necessary, and when other metals lose their oxidation resistance due to temperature highs, Inconel plate is a perfect material.

To get the best basket for the job, it's important to compare your manufacturing process and needs compared to the capabilities of numerous types of metal.

Mokshi
Mokshi