Nickel Alloy Technical Data & Properties
Compare selected nickel alloy grades by UNS designation, nominal density, melting range, major alloying elements and typical engineering characteristics. Use this guide to narrow your material options, then confirm the exact product standard, delivery condition and test requirements before placing an order.
Nickel Alloy Grades at a Glance
Start with the alloy family and service requirement. Density is useful for preliminary weight estimates; it does not identify a material grade or prove conformance. The melting ranges below are approximate reference ranges, not recommended operating temperatures.
| Alloy / common name | UNS | Density (g/cm³) | Approx. melting range (°C) | General property profile | Common product forms* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCONEL® 600 | N06600 | 8.47 | 1,354–1,413 | Nickel-chromium alloy used where heat resistance and oxidation/corrosion resistance are important. | Sheet, plate, bar, tube, pipe, wire |
| INCONEL® 625 | N06625 | 8.44 | 1,290–1,350 | Nickel-chromium-molybdenum-niobium alloy combining corrosion resistance with useful strength. | Plate, sheet, bar, tube, pipe, wire |
| INCONEL® 718 | N07718 | 8.19 | 1,260–1,336 | Precipitation-hardenable nickel alloy used where high strength and elevated-temperature performance are required. | Bar, plate, sheet, forging, wire |
| HASTELLOY® C-276 | N10276 | 8.89 | 1,323–1,371 | Nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy selected for demanding chemical environments; suitability depends on exact media and conditions. | Plate, sheet, bar, wire, tube, pipe |
| MONEL® 400 | N04400 | 8.80 | 1,300–1,350 | Nickel-copper alloy known for service in selected marine and chemical environments. | Plate, sheet, bar, tube, pipe, wire |
*Availability depends on the applicable product standard, dimensions, condition and mill capability. Trademark names are used only to identify commonly recognized alloy designations.
Selected Chemical Composition Reference
The table highlights major alloying elements and representative limits for orientation. It intentionally is not a full certificate chemistry table. Always check the exact governing product specification and the heat analysis recorded on the MTC/MTR for contractual acceptance.
| Grade | Nickel (Ni) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Other notable elements | How to read the entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCONEL 600 | 72% min. (Ni + Co) | 14–17% | — | Fe 6–10%; C 0.15% max.; Mn 1.0% max. | Nickel-chromium-iron alloy; not precipitation hardenable. |
| INCONEL 625 | 58% min. | 20–23% | 8–10% | Nb + Ta 3.15–4.15%; Fe 5% max.; C 0.10% max. | Molybdenum and niobium contribute to its strength and corrosion-resistance profile. |
| INCONEL 718 | 50–55% (Ni + Co) | 17–21% | 2.8–3.3% | Nb + Ta 4.75–5.50%; Ti 0.65–1.15%; Al 0.20–0.80% | Strengthening depends on the specified heat treatment and product condition. |
| HASTELLOY C-276 | Balance (nominal) | About 16% (nominal) | About 16% (nominal) | W about 4%; Fe about 5%; C 0.01% max. in the referenced datasheet | Nominal values shown for orientation; do not treat these as a complete purchase specification. |
| MONEL 400 | 63% min. (Ni + Co) | — | — | Cu 28–34%; Fe 2.5% max.; Mn 2.0% max.; C 0.30% max. | Nickel-copper alloy; review the exact product standard for all element limits. |
Which Material Properties Should You Compare?
The relevant properties depend on what the component must withstand. Do not select an alloy based on a single headline value such as tensile strength or melting point.
Density and thermal data
Density supports preliminary weight estimation. Thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, specific heat and melting range help engineers screen materials for heat-transfer and thermal-cycling requirements.
Strength and ductility
Review tensile strength, 0.2% proof/yield strength, elongation, hardness and (where relevant) creep or fatigue data. Values must match product form, dimensions, temperature and delivery condition.
Environment resistance
Check the actual fluid or gas, concentration, temperature, pressure, contaminants, flow, crevices and exposure duration. General alloy descriptions are not a corrosion guarantee.
Formability and machining
Cold work, work-hardening rate, machining route, welding procedure, surface condition and available product sizes can affect cost, lead time and component performance.
Annealed, cold-worked or aged
Condition matters. For example, precipitation-hardened grades such as Alloy 718 can have substantially different properties before and after the specified aging treatment.
Standard and inspection
Verify the standard's scope, edition, chemistry limits, mechanical-property requirements, tolerances, heat treatment, test frequency, marking and document requirements.
Mechanical data: what to request
| Data item | What it tells you | What must be specified or checked |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (Rm) | Maximum engineering stress reached in a tensile test. | Product form, test temperature, standard, condition and required minimum/accepted range. |
| Yield strength / 0.2% proof strength (Rp0.2) | Stress associated with the specified onset of permanent deformation. | Test method, test temperature, product size and delivery condition. |
| Elongation | Measure of ductility under the stated test method. | Gauge length, specimen orientation, product thickness/diameter and test standard. |
| Hardness | Indentation resistance; sometimes used as a supplementary production or acceptance check. | Scale (e.g., HBW, HRB, HRC), test location, thickness limits and acceptance criteria. |
| Grain size / microstructure | May be relevant to certain high-temperature, fatigue or quality requirements. | Only request when the governing specification or engineering requirement calls for it. |
| Impact, creep, fatigue or special tests | Addresses specific loading, temperature or service-life concerns. | Temperature, specimen, method, acceptance limits, sampling and any third-party witness requirements. |
How to Narrow Down a Nickel Alloy Grade
Start with the service environment
- Identify the chemical media, concentration, temperature and pressure.
- Define whether oxidation, reducing acids, chlorides, seawater or high-temperature exposure is the main concern.
- Record loads, thermal cycles, fatigue, vibration and expected service life.
Then verify the supply requirement
- Choose the correct product form: bar, plate, sheet, tube, pipe, wire, coil or spring.
- Specify dimensions, tolerances, length and surface/finish requirements.
- Confirm the standard, delivery condition, MTC/MTR and any additional inspection.
| If your priority is… | Grades worth evaluating | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| General high-temperature oxidation/corrosion resistance | INCONEL 600 | Confirm exposure chemistry, temperature, stress and the applicable product form/specification. |
| Corrosion resistance combined with strength in demanding service | INCONEL 625 | Assess the actual corrosion mechanism and design loads; do not infer suitability from alloy name alone. |
| High strength after specified aging | INCONEL 718 | Specify required heat-treatment condition and applicable mechanical-property requirements. |
| Broad resistance to selected aggressive chemical process environments | HASTELLOY C-276 | Compatibility should be verified for the actual chemicals, concentrations and temperatures. |
| Marine or selected nickel-copper chemical applications | MONEL 400 | Check the specific medium, flow, temperature and galvanic interactions in the equipment. |
This is an initial screening guide, not an engineering recommendation. Final material selection should be based on service conditions and qualified technical review.
Using Density for Preliminary Weight Estimation
For a first estimate, weight can be calculated from geometry and nominal density:
For millimetre-based dimensions, calculate volume in mm³ and divide by 1,000,000 to convert it to cm³ before applying density.
Actual shipment weight can differ because of dimensional tolerances, cut lengths, coils, packing materials and the selected density reference. For an order or freight booking, confirm dimensions and the packing list rather than relying only on a web calculator.
What to Include in a Nickel Alloy Technical Inquiry
A complete inquiry allows the supplier to verify the correct specification and quote on a like-for-like basis. Send as many of the following details as are available:
- Grade and designation: commercial alloy name, UNS number and any required equivalent designation.
- Product standard: exact ASTM / ASME / AMS / EN or other specification, including edition or revision if required by your project.
- Product form and dimensions: bar, plate, tube, pipe, wire, coil or spring; include diameter, thickness, wall, width, length and tolerances.
- Condition and finish: annealed, cold-worked, aged or other required condition; surface finish, straightness and end preparation where relevant.
- Quantity and cutting plan: total weight or piece count, cut lengths, permitted dimensional variation and any traceability requirements.
- Testing and documents: MTC/MTR, EN 10204 Type 3.1 where required, PMI, UT, mechanical tests, third-party inspection or other project-specific requirements.
- Delivery details: destination, required delivery date, packaging, marking, Incoterm and any import-document requirements.
Technical Data & Properties FAQs
Can I use the density values on this page for a purchase order or certified weight?
No. These are nominal values for preliminary calculation. Confirm the dimensions, quantity, contractual calculation method and any required weighing or packing-list records for the order.
Why do published mechanical properties for the same alloy differ?
Results can vary with product form, dimensions, specimen orientation, manufacturing route, heat treatment or cold work, test temperature and the governing specification. Compare values only when those conditions are equivalent.
Does a matching UNS number prove that material complies with my specification?
No. A UNS designation identifies an alloy chemistry family; it does not by itself establish the product standard, dimensions, mechanical properties, heat-treatment condition, testing or documentation requirements. Confirm all of these in the purchase specification and inspection records.
Can I select an alloy based only on the chemical composition table?
No. Composition is one part of selection. Service environment, mechanical design, product form, fabrication method, temperature and inspection requirements also matter. For critical service, obtain a qualified engineering assessment.
Can MWalloys provide additional testing or third-party inspection?
Inspection options should be confirmed for each inquiry. The required method, scope, inspection agency, schedule and additional charges need to be agreed before order confirmation. Availability depends on the product and specification.
Which document should I ask for to verify a shipment?
State the documents in your inquiry and purchase order. Depending on the specification and agreed scope, these may include an MTC/MTR, relevant test results, traceability or marking records, and any separately arranged inspection report. Do not assume every optional test or certificate is automatically included.
Technical References
For specification-level decisions, consult the original alloy producer's current datasheet and the actual product standard purchased. The links below are reference sources for the representative information summarized on this page.
- Special Metals — INCONEL alloy 600 technical bulletin
- Special Metals — INCONEL alloy 625 technical bulletin
- Special Metals — INCONEL alloy 718 technical bulletin
- Haynes International — HASTELLOY C-276 alloy datasheet
- Special Metals — Nickel Alloy Handbook (includes MONEL alloy 400)
- Special Metals — Alloy technical bulletins library
Always verify the latest revision and the scope of the referenced document before applying values to engineering design or contractual acceptance.
Need Data for a Specific Alloy or Product Form?
Send MWalloys the alloy grade, UNS number if known, product form, dimensions, required standard, quantity and delivery condition. We can review the inquiry against the stated requirements and confirm the relevant technical data and available documentation before quotation.