Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Differences and Applications

Inconel and stainless steel are the two most common types of materials. If you want to use them in your projects and have no knowledge about them, the guide below is for you. It features detailed information on the Inconel vs stainless steel.

Che cos'è l'Inconel?

Inconel is an alloy that belongs to the family of nickel and offers excellent oxidation, corrosion, and heat resistance.

Inconel, being a superalloy, is composed of 50 to 70% of nickel. It has molybdenum, chromium, and iron as well. It also has traces of titanium and aluminum.

Inconel is suitable for use in high-temperature environments and surroundings that are chemically aggressive. The properties of Inconel make it suitable for industries like marine, aerospace, and chemical processing.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is composed of 10.5% chromium and around 1.2% carbon, followed by other elements.

The versatility of stainless steel makes it highly resistant to corrosion and offers seamless mechanical properties. To enhance its properties, elements like molybdenum, titanium, and manganese are added.

Differences Between Inconel and Stainless Steel

Acciaio inox e Inconel differ in various ways. A detailed comparison between these two materials is as follows:

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Color

Inconel has a gray and dull appearance, whereas the appearance of stainless steel is polished and shiny.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Density

The density of Inconel is high, ranging between 8.4 to 8.6 g/cm3, whereas the density of stainless steel is low, which is around 7.8 g/cm3.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Hardness

The material of Inconel is hard as it has nickel, and stainless steel is soft, but it can be hardened if required.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Strength

Inconel offers superior strength at high and room temperature. However, stainless steel is strong but cannot maintain strength at high temperatures.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Melting Point

The melting point of Inconel is high, which ranges between 1390 to 1425 degrees Celsius. Whereas, stainless steel has a low melting point, which is around 1370 degrees Celsius.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Heat-conducting Property

Inconel is a poor conductor of heat, and hence, it is suitable for applications that need resistance. However, stainless steel offers improved heat conductivity, which makes it suitable for use in cookware and heat exchangers.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Electrical Conductivity

Inconel has a low electrical conductivity, stainless steel offers moderate electrical conductivity.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

Inconel has a better resistance against corrosion, and hence, it is suitable for chemical and high-temperature environments.

Stainless steel also offers good resistance against corrosion and it offers effectiveness against extreme conditions.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Magnetic

Inconel lacks magnetism. Stainless steel has certain grades that are magnetic, like martensitic and ferritic, whereas austenitic is non-magnetic.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Weldability

Inconel is weldable but to save it from cracking, it needs some techniques during the process. Whereas stainless steel is easy to weld.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Recyclability

Inconel is a recyclable material but needs special facilities. However, stainless steel is also highly recyclable and can be recycled in almost all systems.

Inconel vs Stainless Steel: Cost

Inconel is expensive as it has nickel in its composition. Stainless steel on the other hand, is affordable and is suitable for low-budget applications.

Quick Comparison Chart of Inconel and Stainless Steel

Inconel 625 vs 304 Stainless Steel

Inconel 625 offers high tensile strength compared to 304 stainless steel and hence can be suitable for high-temperature exposure.

However, Inconel 625 has a low melting point compared to 304 stainless steel, and Inconel is stranger than stainless steel.

Stainless steel can resist chemicals, like sulfuric acid, in a better way compared to Inconel.

Benefits of Inconel vs Stainless Steel

The benefits of Inconel vs stainless steel are as follows:

Inconel

• Inconel maintains a high mechanical strength and offers oxidation resistance.
• The corrosion resistance of Inconel is high in harsh environments.
• It offers high strength at high temperatures.
• Inconel is non-magnetic and, hence, is suitable for applications that do not need any magnetic interference.

Acciaio inox

• The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is good, and it is compatible with most of the environments.
• It is easy to weld and shape.
• Stainless steel offers a polished and shiny appearance making it a choice suitable for decorative applications.

Applications of Inconel and Stainless Steel

There are many applications of Inconel and stainless steel, and some of these applications are as follows:

Aerospaziale

Inconel

Inconel offers high resistance against oxidation and strength, so it is suitable for withstanding high temperatures. It is used in rocket motors in aerospace.

Acciaio inox

Stainless steel is used in aerospace for moderate strength and high resistance against corrosion. It is used in landing gear, aircraft frames, and exhaust systems.

Oil and Gas

Inconel

In the oil and gas sector the pumps and valves are manufactured using Inconel as it is capable of being used in harsh conditions.

Acciaio inox

Stainless steel in the oil and gas sector helps to manufacture storage tanks so that they can resist corrosion.

Medico

Inconel

Inconel is biocompatible and resists corrosion, which makes it suitable for prosthetics and implants.

Acciaio inox

Stainless steel is used in medical tools for orthopedic implants and surgical instruments as it offers biocompatibility.

Challenges With Machining Inconel and Stainless Steel

The challenges faced in machining Inconel and stainless steel are as follows:

Inconel

• Inconel hardens quicker during the machining process, which makes it difficult to cut.
• The strength of the material leads to tool wear.
• The thermal conductivity of Inconel is poor which causes high heat at the cutting zone.
• Inconel needs control of the cutting speed to achieve a smooth finish.

Stainless

• Stainless steel is hardened during the machining process, especially the austenitic grade.
• The presence of chromium leads to making it tough to machine which increases tool wear.
• The heat build-up during machining leads to an impact on the tool life.
• The generation of heat during machining increases the chances of deformation.
• Stainless steel is tough and produces chips while machining.

DEK - Your Expert Partner for Inconel or Stainless Steel Parts

Choosing between Inconel and stainless steel could be a tough decision and hence, it is essential to make the right selection.

The parts of these two materials play a vital role in various applications, and if you need them, get in touch with us at DEK. We offer a wide range of Inconel and stainless steel components that can be customized for you.

Conclusione

A clear comparison between Inconel vs stainless steel is featured in the guide above, and it offers a precise understanding. As you have read it, you must now know everything in detail, and it will help you choose the right material.