Material Family

Nickel-Chromium-Niobium-Molybdenum Precipitation-Hardenable Superalloy Coil/Strip

The coiled form of the most widely used high-strength, fabricable superalloy.

Supply Condition (Critical)

Solution Annealed (Soft Condition) for all forming and machining operations. Final properties are achieved by a subsequent aging heat treatment after fabrication.

Cannot be supplied in a pre-aged/hard temper coil. All forming must be done in the soft, solution-treated state.

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

Ni: 50.0 - 55.0 (Balance)
Cr: 17.0 - 21.0
Fe: Remainder (~18.5)
Nb (+Ta): 4.75 - 5.50
Mo: 2.80 - 3.30
Ti: 0.65 - 1.15
Al: 0.20 - 0.80

Niobium (Nb) is the primary strengthening element for forming the γ" phase during aging.

Mechanical Properties (Typical)

As-Supplied (Solution Annealed):
• Tensile: 690 - 965 MPa
• Yield: 275 - 550 MPa
• Elongation: 25 - 45%
After Aging (Aged Properties):
• Tensile: ≥ 1240 MPa
• Yield: ≥ 1035 MPa
• Elongation: ≥ 12%

The dramatic increase in strength after aging is the core value. Parts are formed easily when soft, then become extremely strong.

Coil Physical Specifications (Typical)

Thickness: 0.10mm - 2.0mm (0.004" - 0.080")
Width: 10mm - 600mm (0.4" - 24")
Coil I.D.: 300mm, 405mm, 508mm (12", 16", 20")
Coil Weight: 50kg - 1000kg

Supplied with precise gauge control for progressive die stamping. Often has a mill oxide surface.

Key Performance Attributes

• Ultra-High Strength & Excellent Creep Rupture Strength after aging.
• Superior Resistance to Strain-Age Cracking After Welding (a major advantage over other PH superalloys).
• Good Oxidation Resistance up to ~700°C (1300°F).• Good Formability in the solution annealed condition for stamping, bending, drawing.

The premier alloy for high-volume production of high-strength, heat-resistant components that can be welded.

Key Standards (Strip/Coil)

ASTM B670 (Standard Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Nickel Alloy Sheet, Strip, and Plate for Solution Heat Treated applications), AMS 5596 (Aerospace Sheet/Strip, Solution Treated), AMS 5597 (Aerospace, Solution Treated & Aged).

ASTM B670 is the primary spec for solution-annealed coil. AMS 5596 is the key aerospace procurement standard.

Heat Treatment (Aging Cycle)

Standard aging: 720°C for 8 hours, furnace cool at 55°C/hr to 620°C, hold 8 hours, air cool. This is performed by the parts manufacturer after all fabrication is complete.

This two-step aging treatment is essential to develop the full γ" and γ' precipitate strengthening.

Typical Coil Applications

• Aerospace: Jet engine seal rings, shims, spring clips, fastener blanks, honeycomb seals, lock washers.
• Automotive (High-Performance): Turbocharger components, high-temperature springs, race engine fasteners.
• Industrial: High-strength springs for valves, fasteners for high-temperature fixtures.
• Oil & Gas: Downhole tool components requiring high strength in sour service.

The dominant material for high-volume, precision-stamped parts in jet engines and other high-stress, moderate-temperature environments.