UNS No7718, also known as Inconel 718, is a super alloy. It is a favorite for application in some highly demanding industries. Its qualities and properties allow for its use where high temperature and high performance coincide.
Basic Description
This alloy is comprised of nickel (52%) and chromium (19%). A precipitation hardened alloy; it also contains various other metals. Among them are:
- Aluminum
- Iron (18%)
- Molybdenum (3%)
- Niobium (5%)
- Titanium (1%)
The action of precipitation hardening improves durability and strength. This meets specifications making it an attractive fit with the aerospace and nuclear industries.
UNS N07718: Properties
The alloy features a number of properties that make it attractive to engineers. They cite the following qualities as being beneficial:
- High-strength
- Anti-corrosive
- Withstands temperature from -423° to 1300°F
- Age-hardenable
- Easily fabricated
- Superior welding characteristics
- Exceptionally resistant to post-weld cracking
- Good tensile strength
- High fatigue strength
- Solid rupture strength
Overall, engineers note how easy and economically feasible it is to work with alloy 718.
Applications
As noted above, the alloy is particularly appealing to those who supply components to the aerospace and nuclear industries. They use it for a variety of applications including:
- Aircraft – diverse sheet metal parts
- Cryogenic storage tanks
- Fasteners and springs
- Gas turbine engines – engine ducts for the land-based versions
- Instrumentation parts for aerospace projects
- Liquid fueled rockets – particularly the casings and rings
- Mandrels
- Nuclear reactors
- Pollution-control equipment
- Tubing hangers
- Valves
- Well head completion equipment
This alloy has also found use in chemical processing and environmental control agencies.
UNS N07718
For those companies who are looking for a super or high-performance alloy capable of withstanding the harsh environments of their product placement, the answer may well be UNS NO7718. This nickel and chromium alloy provides diverse benefits for those who harden it for applications. As long as it is properly prepared, the alloy will not only meet but can also exceed specifications, code, and standards for several highly demanding industries.
