Inconel 718 IN718 (UNS N07718)

Nickel-chromium-iron superalloy: 50.00 to 55.00 Ni (plus Co), 17.00 to 21.00 Cr, 4.75 to 5.50 Nb (plus Ta), 2.80 to 3.30 Mo, 0.65 to 1.15 Ti, 0.20 to 0.80 Al, balance Fe (wt%)

Also known as UNS N07718, UNS N07719, EN 2.4668, EN name NiCr19Fe19NbMo3, DIN 17742, DIN 17744 · 27 more

Inconel 718 is an age-hardenable nickel-chromium superalloy with iron, niobium and molybdenum.

10 sources · Updated 2026-10-19 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Strength when hot

171 ksi

Cold toughness

201 ksi

Stiffness

29 ksi x 10^3

Density

0.297 lb/in3

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Ni 50 to 55%Nickel
  • Cr 17 to 21%Chromium
  • Fe balance (the rest)Iron
  • Nb 4.75 to 5.5%Niobium plus tantalum
  • Mo 2.8 to 3.3%Molybdenum
  • Ti 0.65 to 1.15%Titanium
  • Al 0.2 to 0.8%Aluminium

Best for

Hot and cryogenic structural parts that must keep strength and fatigue resistance, such as rocket engine shells, rings, casings and fasteners

Weakest at

The datasheet service limit is 1300 F, and long exposure between about 700 and 1000 C lets delta phase form and weaken the alloy

Risk at a glance

  • People None found. Not classified as a hazard on its own; the nickel record
  • If it fails High. Laves phase formation
  • Corrosion Low. Below 1173 K (900 C) the oxide film slows the oxidation rate with time, and above that the rate follows a diffusion-controlled parabolic law.

Quick facts: IN718 (UNS N07718)

Key properties of IN718 (UNS N07718)
PropertyValueBasis
Density8.22 g/cm³1 sourced value
Yield strength1,179 MPa1 sourced value
Tensile strength1,386 MPa1 sourced value
Young's modulus200 GPa1 sourced value
Thermal conductivity11.4 W/(m·K)1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)16 ppm/K1 sourced value
Melting point1,260 to 1,336 °C1 sourced value
Specific heat435 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity0.0000012 Ω·m1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature704 °C1 sourced value

What is the density of Inconel 718?

Inconel 718 has a density of 8.22 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the thermal conductivity of Inconel 718?

Inconel 718 has a thermal conductivity of 11.4 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Inconel 718?

Inconel 718 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 16 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the melting point of Inconel 718?

Inconel 718 has a melting point of 1,260 to 1,336 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of Inconel 718?

Inconel 718 has a yield strength of 1,179 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What are the other names and codes for Inconel 718?

Inconel 718 is also written as UNS N07718, UNS N07719, EN 2.4668, EN name NiCr19Fe19NbMo3, DIN 17742, DIN 17744. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Inconel 718 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Main combustion chamber shell of the RS-25 (Space Shuttle main engine and SLS core-stage engine); Cryogenic tankage; Rings, casings and formed sheet metal parts for aircraft and land-based gas turbine engines.

Why it exists

Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium superalloy designed to hold strength over a wide temperature range. Its strength comes from fine gamma prime and gamma double prime precipitates, formed by a solution anneal followed by an aging treatment. Niobium is the main age-hardening element. The datasheet describes good tensile, fatigue, creep and rupture strength combined with easy fabrication, which explains its use in rocket engine parts, cryogenic tanks and gas turbine casings.

Where it's used

Rocket engines

The main combustion chamber of the RS-25 engine has a structural shell made of Inconel 718, lined with a copper-silver-zirconium alloy called NARloy-Z. Special Metals lists components for liquid-fuelled rockets among the alloy's uses.

Cryogenic tanks

Special Metals lists cryogenic tankage among the uses, and the datasheet gives a tensile strength of 237 ksi at -320 F for one hot-rolled bar.

Gas turbines and aircraft

Rings, casings and formed sheet parts for aircraft and land-based gas turbine engines are named in the datasheet.

Fasteners and springs

The datasheet says the alloy is specified for many fastener applications, and that its relaxation resistance supports its use for springs up to 1100 F.

Recipe

Nickel-chromium-iron superalloy: 50.00 to 55.00 Ni (plus Co), 17.00 to 21.00 Cr, 4.75 to 5.50 Nb (plus Ta), 2.80 to 3.30 Mo, 0.65 to 1.15 Ti, 0.20 to 0.80 Al, balance Fe (wt%)

Inconel 718 is an iron-based nickel-chromium superalloy. Its composition is set by the Special Metals limiting chemical composition table (UNS N07718): about 50 to 55 percent nickel plus cobalt, 17 to 21 percent chromium, 4.75 to 5.5 percent niobium plus tantalum, 2.8 to 3.3 percent molybdenum, and balance iron. It is solution annealed and then age hardened, which forms gamma prime and gamma double prime precipitates.

What IN718 (UNS N07718) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Nickel Ni 50 to 55% The matrix of the alloy. Cobalt, up to 1.00 percent, is counted with nickel in the datasheet table.
Chromium Cr 17 to 21% Chromium is the element that gives the alloy its oxidation and corrosion resistance, which the datasheet rates as superior.
Iron Fe balance (the rest) The balance of the alloy, forming the austenitic matrix with nickel and chromium.
Niobium plus tantalum Nb 4.75 to 5.5% Main age-hardening element. Niobium forms the gamma double prime precipitate, which gives most of the strength.
Molybdenum Mo 2.8 to 3.3% Molybdenum is part of the composition that the datasheet specifies for this alloy.
Titanium Ti 0.65 to 1.15% Forms part of the gamma prime precipitate with aluminium.
Aluminium Al 0.2 to 0.8% Forms part of the gamma prime precipitate with titanium.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Strength when hot

171 ksi

measured

The yield strength of one hot-rolled bar is 171 ksi at room temperature, 145 ksi at 1200 F and 133 ksi at 1300 F (Table 22).

Cold toughness

201 ksi

measured

The same family of heat treatments gives a tensile strength of 237 ksi at -320 F in Table 20, so the strength rises when cold.

Stiffness

29 ksi x 10^3

measured

Young's modulus is 29.0 x 10^3 ksi at 70 F and 23.0 x 10^3 ksi at 1300 F (Table 4).

Density

0.297 lb/in3

measured

Density is 0.297 lb/in3 for the annealed and aged material (Table 2).

How it compares

Inconel 718 is the nickel-based alloy in this collection. Its datasheet gives tensile data from -320 F to 1300 F and rates its oxidation resistance as superior. Cost and machining difficulty are not covered by the sources read here.

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
MeasurementIN718 (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
melting pointTable 2, printed in C as 1260-13361260 °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
specific heatTable 2, metric value in parentheses as printed435 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 conductivityTable 5, column Ann. + Aged at 70 F, as printed79 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)
Thermal conductivity148 BTU·in/ft²·h·°F29.8 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
Density0.297 lb/in318.44 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 resistivityTable 5, column Ann. + Aged, as printed725 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
Temperature behavior
curie temperatureTable 2, metric value in parentheses as printed-112 °C< -196 °C279 °Cno datano datano datano datano datano data-115 °C< -196 °C-124 °Cno datano datano data435 °C21 to 49 °C-65 °C360 °Cno datano data450 °Cno datano data
Other measurements
Thermal expansion (CTE)8.91 ppm/°F312.8 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
elastic modulus29 ksi x 10^34207.5 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
elastic modulus23 ksi x 10^35207.5 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
poissons ratio0.294 -60.278 -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
ultimate tensile strengthTable 22, Hot-Rolled 0.625-in-Diam., Room row201 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 strengthTable 22, same row as above171 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 strengthTable 22, same bar, 1200 F row164.5 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 strengthTable 22, same bar, 1200 F row145 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 strengthTable 22, same bar, 1300 F row145.5 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 strengthTable 22, same bar, 1300 F row133 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
elongationTable 22, same bar, Room row26 %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 %
elongationTable 22, same bar, 1300 F row22 %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 %
ultimate tensile strength237 ksi7120 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 strengthTable 20, same row as above173.5 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
Minimum service temperature-423 °F8no datano datano datano datano datano data-200 °Cno datano datano datano data-184 °Cno datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Maximum service temperature1300 °F9982 °Cno datano datano data677 °Cno data1260 °Cno datano datano datano data1000 °Cno data1200 °Fno datano data650 °Cno data1373 Kno datano datano data650 °C

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Strength at high temperature. Yield strength is 133 ksi at 1300 F for one hot-rolled bar, against 171 ksi at room temperature.
  • Cryogenic structures. Tensile strength is 237 ksi at -320 F in the Table 20 test.
  • Welded and aged hardware. The datasheet describes outstanding resistance to postweld cracking.

Watch out for

  • The datasheet service limit is 1300 F, and its main tensile tables stop at 1300 F (Special Metals).
  • Long exposure between about 700 and 1000 C forms delta phase, which removes the strengthening phase (Wikipedia).
  • Above about 1000 C, Laves phase forms and weakens the alloy significantly (Wikipedia).
  • The sources read here give no corrosion rates; the corrosion entries are qualitative.

Inconel 718 is the default nickel superalloy for hot and cryogenic structural hardware. Its strength and stability are well documented up to about 1300 F, and the main risks are phase changes above that range.

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
UNSN07718, N07719
EN2.4668
EN nameNiCr19Fe19NbMo3
DIN17742, 17744, 17750 (plate, sheet and strip), 17751 (pipe and tube), 17752-17754 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock)
ASTMB637 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock), B670 (plate, sheet and strip), B906 (plate, sheet and strip), B983 (seamless pipe and tube)
ASMESB 637 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock), SB 670 (plate, sheet and strip), SB 906 (plate, sheet and strip)
AMS5589 (seamless tubing), 5590 (seamless tubing), 5596 (sheet, strip and plate), 5597 (sheet, strip and plate), 5662 (bars, forgings and rings), 5663 (bars, forgings and rings), 5664 (bars, forgings and rings), 5832 (wire), 5914 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock), 5962 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock)
ISO6208 (plate, sheet and strip), 9723 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock), 9724 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock), 9725 (rod, bar, wire and forging stock)
Trade nameINCONEL alloy 718, ATI 718, HAYNES® 718

Notes

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

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1DensityTable 2, Physical Constants, printed in lb/in3 and kept as printed; the importer converts to g/cm3basis annealed and aged material (annealed alone is 0.296 lb/in3)—
2Thermal conductivityTable 5, column Ann. + Aged at 1200 F, as printedbasis annealed and aged, at 1200 F—
3Thermal expansion (CTE)Table 5 prints 8.91 in/in/F x 10^-6; 10^-6 in/in/F is the same as ppm/F, so the number is unchangedbasis mean linear expansion from 70 F to 1400 F, annealed and aged—
4elastic modulusTable 4 prints 29.0 in ksi x 10^3; recorded as printed, in ksi x 10^3basis Young's modulus at 70 F, hot-rolled flat heat treated 1800 F/1 hr, A.C. plus 1325 F/8 hr, F.C.unit in source ksi x 10^3 (printed 29.0, the column header)—
5elastic modulusTable 4 prints 23.0 in ksi x 10^3; recorded as printed, in ksi x 10^3basis Young's modulus at 1300 F, same heat treatment as Table 4unit in source ksi x 10^3 (printed 23.0, the column header)—
6poissons ratioTable 4, Poisson's Ratio column, computed by the datasheet from E and G as printedbasis at 70 F—
7ultimate tensile strengthTable 20, Effect of Temperature on Tensile Properties, -320 F rowbasis -320 F, hot-rolled 5/8-in diameter round, annealed 1800 F/1 hr and aged (a different test set from Table 22)—
8Minimum service temperatureIntroduction, printed as used at -423 to 1300 F; a typical service range, not a specification limitbasis temperature range stated for use in the datasheet introduction—
9Maximum service temperatureIntroduction, printed as used at -423 to 1300 F; a typical service range, not a specification limitbasis temperature range stated for use in the datasheet introduction—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Air oxidation between about 973 K and 1573 K (700 to 1300 C) low Below 1173 K (900 C) the oxide film slows the oxidation rate with time, and above that the rate follows a diffusion-controlled parabolic law.1
General oxidation and corrosion service not rated The datasheet rates the oxidation and corrosion resistance as superior, but it gives no corrosion rates.2
Oil-field tubular service under NACE MR0175 not rated Oil-field material is made to a maximum hardness of 40 HRC so that it meets the NACE MR0175 limit.3
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Air oxidation between about 973 K and 1573 K (700 to 1300 C) Brookhaven National Laboratory weighed Inconel 718 samples in air and found that below 1173 K the oxidation rate fell with time, which the authors attribute to the oxide film passivating the surface and slowing oxygen transport. From 1173 K to 1573 K the mass gain was parabolic, which means the oxide growth was limited by diffusion through the scale. The report gives the rate coefficients in its tables, but the printed exponents in the text extract were not clear enough to copy, so only the qualitative result is recorded here. temperature 973 K to 1573 K in air (BNL report title range)test mass gain of samples heated in air, weighed after cooling
2 General oxidation and corrosion service Special Metals says Inconel 718 combines good mechanical properties over a wide temperature range with superior oxidation and corrosion resistance, which is why it is specified for many fastener applications. Wikipedia attributes the oxidation and corrosion resistance to the gamma double prime and gamma prime precipitates that form during age hardening, mainly from niobium. basis qualitative statements, no test medium or exposure time given
3 Oil-field tubular service under NACE MR0175 Special Metals produces Inconel 718 for oil-field use under NACE MR0175, which requires solution annealing and aging to a maximum hardness of 40 Rockwell C. The usual route is a solution treatment at 1850 to 1900 F and aging at 1450 F for six to eight hours. The bulletin gives mechanical properties for this material but no corrosion test result. standard NACE MR0175, maximum 40 HRCheat treatment solution treated 1850 to 1900 F, aged 1450 F for 6 to 8 hours (typical)

Risks and side effects

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

For people

The alloy is a solid metal. The sourced hazard record is PubChem's entry for nickel, and no safety data sheet for the finished alloy was read in this run. Not classified as a hazard on its own; the nickel record carries the hazard flags

The metal
PubChem's aggregated record for nickel lists skin sensitisation (H317, 99.9 percent of reports that give a code), suspected cancer (H351, 72.9 percent) and organ damage from repeated exposure (H372, 99.7 percent).
Dust and fume
Nickel is about half of this alloy, so grinding, cutting and welding fume should be controlled. The datasheet does not give fume limits.

If a part is held in the wrong temperature range

These results come from the datasheet and from the Wikipedia summary of phase stability, not from field incidents.

Delta phase
Between about 700 and 1000 C, delta phase (Ni3Nb) forms and takes niobium away from the strengthening gamma double prime, which weakens the alloy.
Laves phase
Above about 1000 C, Laves phase forms in large aggregates and depletes the strengthening phases significantly.

Handling and heat treatment

Fabrication
Special Metals says the material is usually bought in the mill-annealed or stress-relieved condition, fabricated in that condition, and then heat treated to specification.
Weld cracking
The datasheet describes the alloy's resistance to postweld cracking as outstanding, so welding before the final age is a standard route.

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

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Delta phase precipitationmoderate severityExposure between about 700 and 1000 C, with peak precipitation near 900 CDelta phase (Ni3Nb, orthorhombic) forms. Because it is more stable than gamma double prime, the gamma double prime is lost and the alloy weakens.
Laves phase formationhigh severityTemperatures above about 1000 CLaves phase, (Ni, Fe, Cr)2(Nb, Mo, Ti), forms in large globular aggregates richer in niobium than the strengthening phases. This depletes gamma prime and gamma double prime, which weakens the material significantly.

Handling and storage

  • Special Metals says the material is usually bought in the mill-annealed or stress-relieved condition, fabricated in that condition, and then heat treated to the specification. Solution anneal at 1700 to 1850 F, then age at 1325 F for 8 hours, furnace cool to 1150 F and hold for 18 hours in total.
  • Special Metals says the alloy's resistance to postweld cracking is outstanding.

Mitigations

  • Use the 1700 to 1850 F anneal when rupture life, notch rupture life and fatigue strength are the main concern; use the 1900 to 1950 F anneal when tensile-limited ductility and low-temperature notch strength matter more, though it can cause notch brittleness in stress rupture.

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%, Canada 3.6%
Recycling
USGS: nickel recovered from scrap accounted for about 60 percent of apparent consumption in 2025. Most secondary nickel is in the form of stainless-steel scrap.
Substitutes
USGS: low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels replace austenitic grades in some uses; titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.

Chromium

Top producers (2025)
South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%
Substitutes
USGS: chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use, or in superalloys, the major strategic end use.

Niobium

Top producers (2025)
Brazil 92.9%, Canada 5.4%
Recycling
USGS: niobium was recycled with niobium-bearing steels and superalloys, but scrap recovery was negligible; the recycled amount may have been as much as 20 percent of apparent consumption.
Substitutes
USGS: ceramic matrix composites, molybdenum, tantalum and tungsten can replace niobium in high-temperature superalloy applications, with a performance loss or higher cost.