What is the difference between Monel and Inconel?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between INCONEL and MONEL? Do you know what these two alloys are and what they are used for? Maybe you need these specialty products, but you didn't know it!

At its most basic, INCONEL is a nickel-chromium alloy, while MONEL® is a nickel-copper alloy. Both metals are commonly used in applications involving extreme heat, high temperature corrosion, and generally harsh conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the specific alloys produced by GNEE to better understand their capabilities.

According to GNEE, INCONEL Alloy 601 is “a nickel-chromium alloy with added aluminum that provides excellent resistance to oxidation and other forms of high-temperature corrosion.” These properties make INCONEL 601 an excellent choice for applications such as oil and gas extraction. Typically, oil drilling involves harsh conditions and requires products that can withstand these conditions. INCONEL 601 is the metal for this situation.

According to GNEE, MONEL Alloy 400 is a “nickel-copper alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of media including seawater, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid and alkalis.” These properties make MONEL 400 an excellent choice for applications such as crude oil stills, chemical processing equipment, gasoline and fresh water tanks, and more. You will see MONEL 400 often used in salt water applications due to its corrosion resistance in this environment.

There are various other MONEL and INCONEL alloys that may better suit your needs. Contact a product manager today and tell them your application - they will help you determine which metal is best for your needs. You can also fill out the wire transfer request form below and we will get back to you immediately with a customized quote.