Inconel 706

Precipitation-hardenable nickel-iron-chromium superalloy. Type analysis as printed by CarTech (nominal unless noted): Nickel 39.00 to 44.00 %, Chromium 14.50 to 17.50 %, Columbium plus Tantalum 2.50 to 3.30 %, Titanium 1.50 to 2.00 %, Aluminum 0.40 % maximum, Carbon 0.06 % maximum, Iron balance.

Also known as UNS N09706, AMS 5701, AMS 5702, AMS 5703, AMS 5605, AMS 5606 · 2 more

Alloy 706 (UNS N09706, also sold as Inconel 706) is a precipitation-hardened nickel-iron-chromium superalloy.

10 sources · Updated 2026-11-02 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Ni not statedNickel
  • Cr not statedChromium
  • Nb+Ta not statedColumbium plus tantalum (niobium)
  • Ti not statedTitanium
  • Fe not statedIron

Best for

Large forged gas-turbine discs and shafts that need strength up to about 1200°F (650°C) and easier fabrication than Alloy 718.

Weakest at

The datasheet gives no strength values above its service range, and pitting and stress corrosion cracking are named as concerns in harsh drilling environments.

Risk at a glance

  • People No data. No hazard data recorded
  • If it fails Moderate. Loss of strength above the service range
  • Corrosion Severe. Sulfuric acid is rated Restricted by CarTech, the weakest word on its scale.

Quick facts: Inconel 706

Key properties of Inconel 706
PropertyValueBasis
Density8.05 to 8.08 g/cm³3 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength383 to 930 MPa3 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength757 to 1,170 MPa3 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus205 to 215 GPa2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity12.5 W/(m·K)2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal expansion (CTE)13.5 ppm/K1 sourced value
Melting point1,338 to 1,371 °C2 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat0.11 Btu/lb/°F1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity592 ohm-cir-mil/ft1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature649 °C1 sourced value

What is the density of Inconel 706?

Inconel 706 has a density of 8.05 to 8.08 g/cm³. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of Inconel 706?

Inconel 706 has a thermal conductivity of 12.5 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Inconel 706?

Inconel 706 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 13.5 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the melting point of Inconel 706?

Inconel 706 has a melting point of 1,338 to 1,371 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the yield strength of Inconel 706?

Inconel 706 has a yield strength of 383 to 930 MPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Inconel 706?

Inconel 706 is also written as UNS N09706, AMS 5701, AMS 5702, AMS 5703, AMS 5605, AMS 5606. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Inconel 706 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Gas-turbine discs and shafts (aerospace and industrial); Large forged land-based gas-turbine discs; Aerospace and land-based gas-turbine parts.

Why it exists

Alloy 706 (UNS N09706, also sold as Inconel 706) is a precipitation-hardened nickel-iron-chromium superalloy for hot rotating parts such as gas-turbine discs. CarTech describes it as keeping high strength from cryogenic temperatures to about 1200°F (650°C), with characteristics similar to Alloy 718 but better fabricability, and as suitable for larger ingots and forgings than many superalloys. That combination is why it is chosen for large turbine forgings where ease of making the part matters.

Where it's used

Gas-turbine discs and shafts

CarTech says the alloy has been used for turbine discs in large industrial gas turbines and in aerospace turbines. Other turbine engine parts it lists are shafts, cases, mounts and fasteners.

Land-based turbines

Shibata et al. of the Japan Steel Works say Alloy 706 has recently been used for land-based turbines and is suited to large forgings such as an industrial gas turbine disk.

Oil and gas drilling (candidate use)

CarTech calls the alloy a candidate for non-magnetic drilling parts such as drill collars and logging housings, where pitting and stress corrosion cracking are concerns. The datasheet describes this as a candidate, not as a service history.

Recipe

Precipitation-hardenable nickel-iron-chromium superalloy. Type analysis as printed by CarTech (nominal unless noted): Nickel 39.00 to 44.00 %, Chromium 14.50 to 17.50 %, Columbium plus Tantalum 2.50 to 3.30 %, Titanium 1.50 to 2.00 %, Aluminum 0.40 % maximum, Carbon 0.06 % maximum, Iron balance.

Alloy 706 is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy that is age-hardened by coherent precipitates, gamma prime and gamma double prime, formed in its austenitic nickel matrix during heat treatment (Shibata et al. describe both). Large ingots for forgings are made by vacuum induction melting followed by electroslag remelting. CarTech gives a solution treatment and a two-step precipitation (aging) schedule, which this profile describes in words only.

What Inconel 706 is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Nickel Ni not stated A major element of the alloy, forming the austenitic matrix that the gamma prime and gamma double prime precipitates harden (Shibata et al.).
Chromium Cr not stated A major element. The sources opened describe its nominal range but not its individual role in this grade.
Columbium plus tantalum (niobium) Nb+Ta not stated Shibata et al. give a tensile strength relation that depends on the titanium and niobium contents.
Titanium Ti not stated Shibata et al. give a tensile strength relation that depends on the titanium and niobium contents.
Iron Fe not stated The balance of the composition. Shibata et al. say Alloy 706 has more iron than Alloy 718.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

High-temperature strength

Hold high strength from cryogenic temperatures to about 1200°F (650°C), per the CarTech datasheet.

Machining and welding

Be machined and welded more easily than Alloy 718, per CarTech, which also reports excellent resistance to strain-age cracking of weldments.

Large forgings

Be made as large forged disks. The Shibata et al. trial disks were made by vacuum induction melting and electroslag remelting, and the paper says their tensile properties met the AMS 5703 values quoted there (1170 MPa tensile strength and 930 MPa yield strength).

Room-temperature strength

Reach a tensile strength of 757 MPa and a yield strength of 383 MPa in one AZoM table, but that table prints no test condition for the tensile value.

How it compares

Alloy 706 is a nickel-iron-chromium sibling of Alloy 718. Shibata et al. say it was developed from Alloy 718 with no molybdenum, less niobium, aluminium, chromium, nickel and carbon, and more titanium and iron, and that this gives it better segregation behaviour, hot workability and machinability. CarTech says that in the annealed condition the alloy is softer and easier to deform than Alloy 718. The three compare rows below use the density, tensile strength and modulus rows of this profile. Their sources do not share one test condition, so compare the rows by the condition printed beside each value.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
MeasurementInconel 706IN718 (UNS N07718)IN625 (UNS N06625)FeNi36Ni-MoC-22C-276 (UNS N10276)X (UNS N06002)UNS N07214H230 (UNS N06230)UNS N08800Alloy 825 (UNS N08825)Alloy 600 (UNS N06600, W.Nr. 2.4816)Alloy 601Alloy 617X-750 (UNS N07750)Fe-Ni-CoAlloy 400 (UNS N04400)K-500NiNi3Al, NiAlNiBe2Ni-alloysUNS N07090 (W. Nr. 2.4632)UNS N07001
Thermal behavior and safety
specific heat0.106 Btu/lb/°F3435 J/kg °C410 J/(kg·K)515 J/(kg·K)373 J/kg.°C410 J/(kg·K)427 J/kg.°C486 J/(kg·K)452 J/kg-°C397 J/kg·°C460 J/kg·°C440 J/(kg·K)444 J/kg °C448 J/(kg·K)419 J/(kg·K)0.103 Btu/lb/°F500 J/(kg. K)427 J/kg°C419 J/kg °C456 J/(kg·K)no datano data500 J/(kg·K)446 J/(kg·K)no data
Thermal conductivity87 BTU-in/hr/ft2/°F479 BTU·in/ft²·h·°F9.8 W/m°C72.85 Btu·in/(hr·ft²·°F)11.2 W/m.°C10.1 W/(m·K)10.5 W/m.°C9.2 W/(m·K)12 W/m-°C8.9 W/(m·°C)11.5 W/m°C11.1 W/(m·K)14.9 W/(m·K)11.2 W/(m·K)13.4 W/(m·K)83 Btu/in./hr/sq ft/°F17.5 W/m °K22 W/m°C17.5 W/m °C70.3 W/(m·K)no data48 W/(m·K)13 W/(m·K)11.47 W/(m·K)19.1 W/(m·°C)
melting point2440 to 2500 °F61260 °C1290 to 1350 °C1427 °C1370 to 1418 °C1357 to 1399 °C1323 to 1371 °C1260 to 1355 °C1355 to 1400 °C1301 to 1371 °C1357 to 1385 °C1370 to 1400 °C1354 to 1413 °C1360 to 1411 °C1330 to 1380 °C1393 to 1427 °C1450 °C1300 to 1350 °C1315 to 1350 °C1455 °Cno data1195 to 1325 °C1425 °C1370 °C1330 to 1360 °C
melting point1360 °C101260 °C1290 to 1350 °C1427 °C1370 to 1418 °C1357 to 1399 °C1323 to 1371 °C1260 to 1355 °C1355 to 1400 °C1301 to 1371 °C1357 to 1385 °C1370 to 1400 °C1354 to 1413 °C1360 to 1411 °C1330 to 1380 °C1393 to 1427 °C1450 °C1300 to 1350 °C1315 to 1350 °C1455 °Cno data1195 to 1325 °C1425 °C1370 °C1330 to 1360 °C
Thermal conductivity12.5 W/mK1379 BTU·in/ft²·h·°F9.8 W/m°C72.85 Btu·in/(hr·ft²·°F)11.2 W/m.°C10.1 W/(m·K)10.5 W/m.°C9.2 W/(m·K)12 W/m-°C8.9 W/(m·°C)11.5 W/m°C11.1 W/(m·K)14.9 W/(m·K)11.2 W/(m·K)13.4 W/(m·K)83 Btu/in./hr/sq ft/°F17.5 W/m °K22 W/m°C17.5 W/m °C70.3 W/(m·K)no data48 W/(m·K)13 W/(m·K)11.47 W/(m·K)19.1 W/(m·°C)
Physical and electrical
Density, age-hardened condition0.292 lb/in310.297 lb/in38.44 g/cm³8.05 g/cm³9.22 g/cm³8.69 g/cm³8.89 g/cm³8.22 g/cm³8.05 g/cm³8.97 g/cm³7.94 g/cm³8.14 g/cm³0.306 lb/in38.11 Mg/m38.36 g/cm³8.28 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.8 g/cm³8.45 g/cm³8.89 g/cm³7.5 g/cm³8.27 g/cm³8.2 g/cm³8.18 g/cm³8.19 g/cm³
Density, annealed condition0.291 lb/in320.297 lb/in38.44 g/cm³8.05 g/cm³9.22 g/cm³8.69 g/cm³8.89 g/cm³8.22 g/cm³8.05 g/cm³8.97 g/cm³7.94 g/cm³8.14 g/cm³0.306 lb/in38.11 Mg/m38.36 g/cm³8.28 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.8 g/cm³8.45 g/cm³8.89 g/cm³7.5 g/cm³8.27 g/cm³8.2 g/cm³8.18 g/cm³8.19 g/cm³
electrical resistivity592 ohm-cir-mil/ft7725 ohm circ mil/ft129 µΩ-cm84 µΩ·cm1.37 μohm.m1.14 µΩ·m1.23 μohm.m114.8 µohm-cm135.9 µohm-cm125 µohm-m0.989 µΩ·m112 µΩ·cm1.03 µΩ·m1.18 µΩ·m1.22×10^-4 Ω·cm731 ohm circ mil/ft49 μΩcm0.511 µΩ·m0.615 µΩ·m0.096 µΩ·mno data< 28.7 µΩ·cm45 µΩ·cm1.18 µΩ·m1.24 µΩ·m
Density8.05 g/cm³90.297 lb/in38.44 g/cm³8.05 g/cm³9.22 g/cm³8.69 g/cm³8.89 g/cm³8.22 g/cm³8.05 g/cm³8.97 g/cm³7.94 g/cm³8.14 g/cm³0.306 lb/in38.11 Mg/m38.36 g/cm³8.28 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.8 g/cm³8.45 g/cm³8.89 g/cm³7.5 g/cm³8.27 g/cm³8.2 g/cm³8.18 g/cm³8.19 g/cm³
Other measurements
poissons ratio0.382 -50.294 -0.278 -no datano datano data0.31 -0.32 -no data0.31 -0.339 -no data0.324 -0.272 -no data0.29 -no data0.32 -no datano datano data0.3 -no datano datano data
Maximum service temperature1200 °F81300 °F982 °Cno datano datano data677 °Cno data1260 °Cno datano datano datano data1000 °Cno data1200 °Fno datano data650 °Cno data1373 Kno datano datano data650 °C
elastic modulus210 GPa1129 ksi x 10^3207.5 GPa140 GPa216 GPa206 GPa205 GPa205 GPa218 GPa209 GPa196.5 GPa196 GPa214 GPa206.5 GPa211 GPa31 10^3 ksi138 kN/mm226 10^3 ksi179 GPa205 GPa200 GPa195 to 210 GPano data204 GPa211 GPa
yield strengthMechanical Properties table on the AZoM page383 MPa171 ksi60 to 95 ksi40 ksi421 MPa> 310 MPa356 MPa340 MPa577 MPa417 MPa250 MPa338 MPa170 to 345 MPa292 MPa340 MPa> 105 ksi> 200 N/mm225 to 50 ksi276 to 414 MPa105 to 210 MPano data280 to 480 MPa280 MPa752 MPa586 MPa
ultimate tensile strengthMechanical Properties table on the AZoM page757 MPa201 ksi120 to 150 ksi65 ksi862 MPa690 to 950 MPa792 MPa760 MPa975 MPa837 MPa590 MPa662 MPa550 to 690 MPa675 MPa710 MPa> 165 ksi450 to 585 N/mm275 to 90 ksi621 to 758 MPa380 to 520 MPa2300 MPa660 to 900 MPa500 MPa1175 MPa1027 MPa
Thermal expansion (CTE)13.46 µm/m°C128.91 ppm/°F12.8 ppm/°C1.3 ppm/K10.6 μm/m.°C12.4 ppm/K11.2 μm/m.°C13.9 µm/(m·K)14.6 µm/m-°C11.8 ppm/K14.4 µm/m/°C13.9 ppm/K10.4 ppm/K13.75 µm/m/°C11.6 µm/(m·K)7 10-6 in./in./°F5.86 10-6/°C14.2 µm/m°C13.7 10-6/°C13.3 ppm/Kno data14.5 ppm/K8 ppm/K12.7 µm/(m·K)14.3 µm/m·°C
ultimate tensile strength109.8 ksi14201 ksi120 to 150 ksi65 ksi862 MPa690 to 950 MPa792 MPa760 MPa975 MPa837 MPa590 MPa662 MPa550 to 690 MPa675 MPa710 MPa> 165 ksi450 to 585 N/mm275 to 90 ksi621 to 758 MPa380 to 520 MPa2300 MPa660 to 900 MPa500 MPa1175 MPa1027 MPa
yield strength55.5 ksi15171 ksi60 to 95 ksi40 ksi421 MPa> 310 MPa356 MPa340 MPa577 MPa417 MPa250 MPa338 MPa170 to 345 MPa292 MPa340 MPa> 105 ksi> 200 N/mm225 to 50 ksi276 to 414 MPa105 to 210 MPano data280 to 480 MPa280 MPa752 MPa586 MPa
elongation47 %1626 %30 to 60 %35 %53 %> 45 %61 %48.9 %37.3 %47.3 %17 %45 %35 to 55 %46 %62 %> 20 %> 25 %35 to 60 %20 to 35 %40 to 55 %no data> 30 %35 %30 %43 %
elastic modulus205 to 215 GPa1729 ksi x 10^3207.5 GPa140 GPa216 GPa206 GPa205 GPa205 GPa218 GPa209 GPa196.5 GPa196 GPa214 GPa206.5 GPa211 GPa31 10^3 ksi138 kN/mm226 10^3 ksi179 GPa205 GPa200 GPa195 to 210 GPano data204 GPa211 GPa
size change during aging0.09 %18no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
ultimate tensile strength1170 MPa19201 ksi120 to 150 ksi65 ksi862 MPa690 to 950 MPa792 MPa760 MPa975 MPa837 MPa590 MPa662 MPa550 to 690 MPa675 MPa710 MPa> 165 ksi450 to 585 N/mm275 to 90 ksi621 to 758 MPa380 to 520 MPa2300 MPa660 to 900 MPa500 MPa1175 MPa1027 MPa
yield strength930 MPa20171 ksi60 to 95 ksi40 ksi421 MPa> 310 MPa356 MPa340 MPa577 MPa417 MPa250 MPa338 MPa170 to 345 MPa292 MPa340 MPa> 105 ksi> 200 N/mm225 to 50 ksi276 to 414 MPa105 to 210 MPano data280 to 480 MPa280 MPa752 MPa586 MPa
elongation12 %2126 %30 to 60 %35 %53 %> 45 %61 %48.9 %37.3 %47.3 %17 %45 %35 to 55 %46 %62 %> 20 %> 25 %35 to 60 %20 to 35 %40 to 55 %no data> 30 %35 %30 %43 %

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Large forged hot-section discs that need strength up to about 1200°F (650°C), per CarTech.
  • Parts that must be machined or welded more easily than Alloy 718, per CarTech.

Watch out for

  • The sources do not share one test condition. AZoM prints tensile and yield values with no test condition, and the Aircraft Materials values are for cold-rolled, solution-annealed sheet.
  • Composition differs between sources for titanium. CarTech prints 1.50 to 2.00 %, and AZoM prints a maximum of 0.40 %. This profile uses CarTech.
  • No flight, vacuum or radiation data were found. The uses listed are ground and aviation turbine service.

Alloy 706 is a sound choice for large hot-section forgings that need strength up to about 1200°F (650°C) and easier fabrication than Alloy 718. The evidence is manufacturer datasheets and one conference paper. No test data above the service range were recovered.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSN09706
AMS5701, 5702, 5703, 5605, 5606
Trade nameInconel 706, Pyromet Alloy 706

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density, age-hardened conditionTypical value in the CarTech physical properties tablecondition age-hardened (precipitation-hardened)basis typical value as printed; the datasheet says its data are typical or average values—
2Density, annealed conditionTypical value in the CarTech physical properties tablecondition annealedbasis typical value as printed; the datasheet says its data are typical or average values—
3specific heatTypical value in the CarTech physical properties tablebasis mean specific heat as printed; the temperature range is not stated—
4Thermal conductivityTypical value in the CarTech physical properties tablebasis as printed; the temperature is not stated—
5poissons ratioTypical value in the CarTech physical properties tablebasis as printed; the temperature is not stated—
6melting pointMelting range in the CarTech physical properties tablebasis melting range as printed—
7electrical resistivityTypical value in the CarTech physical properties tablebasis as printed; the temperature is not stated—
8Maximum service temperatureService range stated in the datasheet description, not a test resultbasis service statement: high strength from cryogenic temperatures to about 1200°F (650°C); the datasheet prints no strength values above this range—
9DensityPhysical Properties table on the AZoM page (the page also prints 0.291 lb/in3 in imperial units)basis no condition stated on the page—
10melting pointPhysical Properties table on the AZoM page (imperial 2480 °F printed alongside)basis no condition stated on the page—
11elastic modulusMechanical Properties table on the AZoM page; the test method is printed in its condition columncondition precipitation hardenedtest dynamic method, as printed—
12Thermal expansion (CTE)Thermal Properties table on the AZoM page; the imperial value 7.478 µin/in°F is printed alongsidetemperature range 24 to 100 °C, as printed (24-100°C)—
13Thermal conductivityThermal Properties table on the AZoM page (imperial 86.8 BTU in/hr.ft².°F printed alongside)basis no condition stated on the page—
14ultimate tensile strengthTypical Mechanical Properties table on the Aircraft Materials page; no test temperature is statedform sheet, cold rolledcondition solution annealed—
15yield strengthTypical Mechanical Properties table on the Aircraft Materials page; no test temperature is statedform sheet, cold rolledcondition solution annealed—
16elongationTypical Mechanical Properties table on the Aircraft Materials page; no test temperature is statedform sheet, cold rolledcondition solution annealed—
17elastic modulusProperties list on the Modulus Metal page, printed as Young's modulusbasis page title says Annealed; no test temperature or method is stated—
18size change during agingStatement in the CarTech heat treatment section, not a separate testdirection contractionprocess two-step aging heat treatment described on the page—
19ultimate tensile strengthSpecification value quoted in the paper, which says the trial disk tensile properties were acceptable against it; not a measured value of one lotbasis AMS 5703 specified tensile value quoted in the paper; large forged trial disks—
20yield strengthSpecification value quoted in the paper; not a measured value of one lotbasis 0.2% offset yield value in AMS 5703, as quoted in the paper; large forged trial disks—
21elongationSpecification value quoted in the paper; not a measured value of one lotbasis El. value in AMS 5703, as quoted in the paper; large forged trial disks—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Sea water moderate Sea water rates Moderate on CarTech's comparative four-level scale.1
Nitric acid moderate Nitric acid rates Moderate on CarTech's comparative four-level scale.2
Sulfuric acid severe Sulfuric acid is rated Restricted by CarTech, the weakest word on its scale.3
Humidity and salt spray (NaCl) none CarTech rates humidity and salt spray Excellent, the top word on its scale.4
Harsh oil-drilling environments with pitting and stress corrosion cracking not rated CarTech says Alloy 706 was superior to Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steels in laboratory tests where pitting and stress corrosion cracking are concerns.5
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Sea water CarTech's corrosion table prints Moderate for sea water. The table is for comparison only, and the datasheet says corrosion testing is recommended because temperature, concentration, pH, aeration, crevices and surface finish all change the result. scale CarTech four-level comparative scale, printed word Moderatetemperature not stated
2 Nitric acid CarTech's corrosion table prints Moderate for nitric acid. No concentration or temperature is given, so the rating cannot be tied to a test. scale CarTech four-level comparative scale, printed word Moderateconcentration not stated
3 Sulfuric acid CarTech prints Restricted for sulfuric acid. This profile maps Restricted to severe for the site's rating field, because the datasheet offers no finer scale. Other datasheets for this alloy were not opened, so no test value is given. scale CarTech four-level comparative scale, printed word Restricted, mapped to severeconcentration not stated
4 Humidity and salt spray (NaCl) CarTech prints Excellent for humidity and for salt spray. This profile maps Excellent to none for the rating field, meaning no corrosion expected at this comparative level. The datasheet says testing is still recommended. scale CarTech four-level comparative scale, printed word Excellent, mapped to noneexposure not stated beyond the test names
5 Harsh oil-drilling environments with pitting and stress corrosion cracking The datasheet names pitting and stress corrosion cracking as the concerns in drilling collars and logging housings, and says the alloy 'has been shown to be superior in laboratory tests'. No corrosion rate or test duration is printed. basis laboratory comparison against Cr-Mn-N stainless steels, as described by the datasheet; test duration not stated

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

No source opened classifies the Alloy 706 mill product itself. The PubChem record for nickel, its main element, carries hazard codes for sensitisation, carcinogenicity and organ toxicity.

Dust and fume
If machining or welding makes dust or fume from the alloy, treat it as nickel-bearing. PubChem lists carcinogenicity and sensitisation for nickel metal, so dust should be controlled.
Data gap
No safety data sheet for the alloy was found in the sources opened, so the hazard entries describe nickel and not this grade.

In service

The datasheet gives a service range and names two concerns. It prints no strength values beyond the service range.

Service range
CarTech claims high strength from cryogenic temperatures to about 1200°F (650°C). No strength values are printed above that range.
Corrosion
CarTech names pitting and stress corrosion cracking as concerns in harsh oil-drilling environments, and reports laboratory superiority over Cr-Mn-N stainless steels without a numerical rate.
Aging distortion
The datasheet prints a 0.09% contraction during aging, so finished dimensions must allow for it.

Handling and processing

Machining
CarTech says the alloy machines more easily than Alloy 718 in either the annealed or the age-hardened condition.
Welding
CarTech says Alloy 706 has excellent weldability and resistance to post-weld cracking, and that its welding procedures are the same as those for Alloy 718.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Loss of strength above the service rangemoderate severityExposure above about 1200°F (650°C)CarTech claims high strength only from cryogenic temperatures to about 1200°F (650°C), and prints no strength values above that range. Strength above the range is not established by any source opened.
Dimensional change during aginglow severityTwo-step aging heat treatmentThe datasheet prints a 0.09% contraction during aging, so finished dimensions must allow for it.
Pitting and stress corrosion cracking in harsh drilling environmentsmoderate severityDrilling environments named by the datasheetThe datasheet names pitting and stress corrosion cracking as the concerns and reports laboratory superiority over Cr-Mn-N stainless steels. It gives no failure data, so the margin in service is not known.

Handling and storage

  • Treat machining dust and fume as nickel-bearing material: the PubChem record for nickel lists carcinogenicity and sensitisation, so the alloy's dust should not be breathed.
  • CarTech says the alloy can be machined in either the annealed or the age-hardened condition, and that its machinability is better than Alloy 718's.

Mitigations

  • CarTech recommends corrosion testing for any application, because temperature, concentration, pH, impurities, aeration, velocity, crevices, deposits, metallurgical condition, stress, surface finish and dissimilar metal contact all change the result.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Nickel

Top producers (2025)
Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%, New Caledonia 3.6%, Canada 3.6%, China 3.1%, Brazil 1.8%, Australia 1.2%, United States 0.3%
Critical mineral lists
US: listed, EU: not listed
Recycling
USGS: 'nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption' in 2025.
Substitutes
USGS: titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.

Updated