Is Inconel the same as nickel?

Is Inconel the same as nickel?


 

Is Inconel 625 the same as Nickel 625?

Not surprisingly, the answer is yes and no. Chemical, mechanical properties and range of uses all meet the same quality standards, but Inconel is a trademark that can only be used by one factory (Specialty Metals Corporation).

There remains some confusion among buyers, engineers and machinists when it comes to high-temperature alloy grades. Why does the print say Inconel 600 but the factory test report calls it Nickel 600 or "ATI" 600? Can one be used instead of the other? The answer is yes. ASTM and AMS specifications guide the manufacture of these high-performance alloys. Reputable factories make absolutely sure that the materials they produce meet these strict standards. The important thing in the name is not what precedes the alloy number, but the alloy number itself.

 

Why these names?
Most superalloys were formulated after 1940 to meet the high demands of aerospace engines. Jets need to become more powerful, more reliable and more durable. This requires machined metal parts that go beyond current technology. Nickel superalloys are developed to withstand high pressure, highly corrosive and high kinetic energy use. The factories that developed these alloys trademarked them when they were patented. Although the patents have long since expired, these trade names are still widely used today.

Chaos and concessions
Your print may still show Inconel instead of Nickel. Aircraft have a long service life. End users may be slow to change the language used to purchase accepted components. By convention, alloys may be referred to by their old trademarks.

All of this can cause problems, especially in Department of Defense contracts. DoD contractors often must obtain concessions from customers on alloy designations. For example, Inconel 625 (the trademark) is not available in the metals distribution network. This name is currently owned by Special Metals Corporation, who will only produce the alloy in a minimum mill output of 2000 pounds. If you need less than this, like most machine shops we work with, you must purchase from a metal distribution center.

Final Results
Most other distributors quote generic names such as "Nickel 400" instead of "Monel 400" or "Alloy C-276" instead of "Hastelloy C-276." We do this because the patents on these high-performance nickel alloys are no longer valid.

What really matters is that the materials in the supply chain, the materials used in products that have a huge impact on all of our lives, are manufactured to the highest quality standards. And they are factory tested and certified to internationally recognized specifications.