Inconel
Nickel-chromium superalloy (625, 718) with exceptional high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. Critical for aerospace turbine components and extreme-environment applications.
About Inconel
Inconel is a family of nickel-chromium superalloys engineered to maintain exceptional strength and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 1000°C. Where other metals weaken and oxidize, Inconel alloys retain their integrity — making them indispensable in jet engines, gas turbines, and chemical processing.
FabRapid machines Inconel 625 (solid-solution strengthened, excellent corrosion resistance) and Inconel 718 (precipitation-hardened, highest strength). Both alloys are extremely challenging to machine due to their high strength, work-hardening tendency, and low thermal conductivity. Our experienced machinists use ceramic and CBN tooling with optimized parameters.
Despite the machining challenges, Inconel is often the only viable option for components exposed to extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, or high-stress environments. No other material offers the same combination of high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.
Material Properties
Available Alloy Grades
Inconel 625
Solid-solution strengthened alloy with outstanding corrosion resistance in diverse environments. Good weldability.
Chemical processing equipment, marine exhaust systems, flare stacks, pollution control
Inconel 718
Precipitation-hardened alloy with the highest strength of the Inconel family (up to 1240 MPa). Good weldability compared to other high-strength superalloys.
Gas turbine discs, compressor blades, rocket engines, nuclear reactor components
Compatible Manufacturing Processes
Inconel can be processed using these manufacturing methods.
Available Surface Finishes
Surface treatments compatible with Inconel.
Common Applications
Design Guidelines for Inconel
Minimize material removal — Inconel is expensive ($50-100/kg vs $3-5/kg for aluminum)
Use generous corner radii (≥ R1.5 mm) to reduce cutting forces and prevent tool breakage
Avoid deep pockets and thin walls — Inconel work-hardens severely during machining
Consider 3D printing for complex Inconel parts — DMLS can be more cost-effective than subtractive machining for buy-to-fly ratio optimization
Inconel FAQ
Inconel has high strength even at cutting temperatures, severe work-hardening tendency, and very low thermal conductivity (11.4 W/m·K). This means the cutting edge experiences extreme temperatures and forces. Machining speeds are typically 10-20× slower than aluminum, and tooling life is much shorter.
Inconel 625 is solid-solution strengthened and excels in corrosion resistance applications at moderate temperatures. Inconel 718 is precipitation-hardened and offers significantly higher strength (1240 vs 827 MPa) for high-stress, high-temperature structural applications like turbine discs. 718 is more expensive but necessary when strength is the driving requirement.
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