Overview

When selecting alloys, you must pay attention to their density and melting point. Density determines the actual weight of the alloy. The melting point determines the limit service temperature of the alloy. They are the most important physical properties of alloys.

However, due to the complex composition of superalloys, the density and melting point of different superalloys vary greatly. In this article, we will summarize the density and melting points of Monel, Inconel, Incoloy and Hastelloy. It can be used as a better reference when you choose the alloy.

Density of Alloys

Density is an unavoidable physical quantity for calculating alloy weight. The weight of the material is obtained by multiplying the volume of the material by the density of the material. The most commonly used density units are g/cm3 (metric system) and lb/in3 (imperial system).

In addition to calculating weight, density can also be considered as a factor in material selection. In some applications, components need to be as light as possible. In this case, less dense alloys should be given priority.

Alloys have different densities at different temperatures. Therefore, the density generally referred to is the density at room temperature.

Melting Point of Alloys

The melting point refers to the temperature at which the alloy changes from a solid to a liquid when the temperature increases. This process is also called melting. The units of melting point are °C (metric) and °F (imperial).

Most alloys are used in the solid state. If the alloy has a lower melting point, then it can only be used in a narrower temperature range. Of course, in practical projects, alloys are rarely used at temperatures near the melting point.

You may have noticed that the melting point is actually a temperature range. This is because the alloy does not melt all at once during the temperature rise. When the alloy reaches a certain temperature, it starts to melt. This temperature is called the initial melting temperature. As the temperature continues to increase, more and more parts of the alloy melt. Until a certain temperature, the alloy is completely melted. This temperature is called the full melting temperature.

In fact, the melting point of the alloy decreases with increasing pressure. Therefore, the melting point we generally refer to is the melting point at standard atmospheric pressure.

Curie Point of Alloys

The Curie point is also called the Curie temperature. It refers to the temperature at which the material transitions magnetically. The units of the Curie point are °C (metric) and °F (imperial).

Metal materials will lose their magnetism when the temperature rises. The temperature at which a metal loses its magnetism is the Curie point.

Different alloys have different Curie points. When the Curie point of the alloy is lower than room temperature, the alloy is not magnetic at room temperature. Conversely, alloys are magnetic at room temperature.

In some projects (such as electronic applications), it is required that the material is non-magnetic. In this case, the Curie temperature becomes an important consideration.

FAQ

Can I use the same density to calculate the weight of superalloys?

The composition of superalloys is much more complex than that of stainless steel, so the density of materials varies greatly. We do not recommend using the same density to calculate the weight of different superalloys, which will cause the final material price to deviate from the theoretical price.

If you want to calculate the weight of superalloy more conveniently, we recommend you to use the following weight calculation tools:

Nickel Alloy Weight Calculator (Monel, Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy)

Further Reading

How to Choose Nickel Alloy / Superalloy? [Select from 5 Aspects]

What is the Difference Between Monel, Inconel, Incoloy and Hastelloy in terms of Chemical Composition?

Conclusion

For superalloys, different materials have different densities, melting points, and Curie points. In actual material selection, the influence of these physical properties should be fully considered.

We offer a wide variety of superalloys for you to choose from. Any questions about superalloys can also be contacted and confirmed.