Is Inconel lighter than stainless steel?

Most customers want their unique wire forms to have the absolute strongest metal. This often leads to comparisons between two different metals - for example, "Is Inconel a type of stainless steel?" (similar but different) and "Is Inconel stronger than steel?" The answer is: "stronger" depending on your considerations. Strength can be assessed by tensile strength, corrosion resistance and even melt resistance.

What's the difference?

On the one hand, Inconel is a much more expensive alloy than stainless steel alloys. At high temperatures, Inconel has better corrosion and pressure resistance. However, steels such as stainless steel 17-4PH have higher strength at lower temperatures than Inconel. When choosing between two different alloys, the key determining factors are cost, temperature and strength. If a lower cost but relatively strong component is required, stainless steel may be the best choice. If air critical components with high temperature requirements are needed, Inconel is a better alloy.

Why Inconel vs Stainless Steel is Complicated

It is important to remember that when comparing stainless steel to Inconel, each material has a different formulation. Stainless steel versions have very different tensile strengths, recommended working temperatures, and corrosion resistance. For example, grade 316 stainless steel appears to have better chlorine resistance than grade 304 stainless steel (but it also costs more on average).

In addition, some treatments and forming methods affect the tensile strength of metals. For example, Inconel 625 ® "rolled" bars have a tensile strength of 120-160 ksi (827-1103 MPa), while "solution-treated" bars have a tensile strength of 103-130 ksi (714-896 MPa). 896 MPa).

It is worth noting that a range is given for the two grades of tensile strength, rather than a specific number. This is because the strength of a metal can vary greatly depending on the specific proportions of its composition - small changes in carbon, nickel or iron content can dramatically alter the strength of the final product.

Here's a quick comparison between Inconel and SS to see which is stronger:

Inconel 625

304 stainless steel

Tensile strength

103-160 ksi (714-1,103 MPa)

73.2 ksi (505 MPa)

Melting point

2,350-2,460°f (1,290-1,350°C)

2,550-2,650°f (1,400-1,455°C)

operating temperature

1,800°F (982°C)

1,697°f (952°C)

Corrosion resistance

oxalic acid resistance

High-temperature oxidation resistance

Excellent all-round resistance

-Despite its vulnerability to chloride

and the effects of high-temperature oxidation

Inconel 625 has higher tensile strength than stainless steel 304 and maintains that strength better at higher operating temperatures.

However, 304 SS has a higher working temperature limit and Inconel 625 has a lower melting point. This is due to the fact that Inconel has better oxidation and fouling resistance than stainless steel at high temperatures.

However, certain chemicals may be more resistant to stainless steel than to inconel alloys, such as sulfuric acid. The choice between these two metal alloys therefore depends on their specific application.

with regards toHeat Treatmentapplications and other high temperature processes, Inconel alloys are often better. Meanwhile, for aseptic manufacturing, medical applications and corrosive applications, stainless steel alloys are often a better choice.