Is titanium more expensive than Inconel?

Is titanium more expensive than Inconel?
 

Inconel

The trade name for high-quality nickel-chromium alloys is Inconel. This material can also withstand alloy-type high temperatures (up to 2,000°F) with zero strength loss. This material is very suitable even at low temperatures.


The mechanical properties of Inconel at room temperature are excellent. So you know, Inconel grade 725 has a tensile strength of about 180 ksi; that's twice the strength of structural steel. Other alloys, such as Inconel 718, are toughened to withstand precipitation, making them stronger. Corrosion and its kindred: Corrosion, oxidation, corrosion cracking and crevice corrosion do not affect Inconel.


Inconel's excellent properties meet the needs of demanding applications. However, materials like Inconel are more expensive than titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.


Machining Inconel

Due to its high strength, processing is challenging. Inconel is so hard that cutting tools can become damaged during machining and the material can twist and bend.


Immersing Inconel in a solution reduces the material's hardness and prevents cutting tool wear. For machining Inconel, ceramic tools are recommended as it provides fast, uninterrupted cuts, making the workflow more manageable. Pecking should be avoided as this can make the job challenging.


Welding Inconel

Inconel is not easy to weld due to cracks. But Inconel alloys can be welded like Inconel 625 - an alloy that is easy to fill quickly and is usually welded using tungsten inert gas (TIG). This welding technique usually does not require filler but works well for joining Inconel. That's why it's recommended.

Inconel has excellent high temperature and chemical resistance and is used in exhaust systems for racing cars, turbines, jet engines, and in the oil and gas, aerospace, and marine sectors where heavy machinery components are required.


Stainless steel

Stainless steel is strong, non-magnetic and thermochemically stable. It is an easy and affordable material to manufacture. Stainless steel 304 grade is the industry standard for manufacturing exhausts. Grade 304 stands out for high performance and long-lasting durability in affordable bicycle exhaust applications.


Unlike titanium alloys, which are too costly to mass-produce motorcycle exhaust systems, steel alloys are relatively cheap and suitable for everyday use. Steel is cheaper than Inconel. But steel is heavier than titanium and has lower tensile strength, while Inconel is very strong. That's why it's limited in making functional exhaust parts. As for sound, the thick walls of steel produce a rather muffled exhaust note compared to titanium. Sounds metallic!


Likewise, steel is corrosion-resistant and very strong. In most cases, dirt bike head tubes are made of stainless steel.


Stainless steel processing

Certain stainless steel grades are easier to process than others, depending on acceptable mineral content. Generally, austenitic stainless steels are considered difficult to machine. 400 series steel is easier to machine than the 300 series (including 304 and 316 grades). Grade 303 is the easiest stainless steel to work with. Grade 316 steel is challenging and requires special cutting tools.


The addition of selenium and sulfur makes stainless steel easier to machine. But this can corrode the raw material and destroy the weld.


welded stainless steel

The less carbon the steel has, the easier it is to weld. Grade 304 stainless steel has a maximum allowable carbon content of 0.08%, while grade 304L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%.


Uses of stainless steel

Stainless steel's high strength, corrosion resistance, mechanical efficiency and economy make it suitable for the mass production of motorcycle exhausts as well as the food, construction, medical and marine industries.