Inconel 800H

Inconel 800H is a high-performance alloy with superior strength, oxidation resistance, and excellent stability at temperatures up to 760°C.

About Inconel 800H Superalloy

Inconel 800H, also known as Incoloy 800H or Alloy 800H, is an advanced nickel-iron-chromium alloy widely recognized for its excellent performance under high-temperature conditions. Its design and chemical composition offer exceptional resistance to oxidation, carburization, and other forms of corrosion at elevated temperatures.

Equivalent materials to Inconel 800H include Nicrofer 3220H, GH800H in Chinese standards, and AMS 5973. It is also called Alloy 800H and has applications across multiple industries, such as chemical processing, nuclear energy, and aerospace.

Inconel 800H Basic Introduction

Inconel 800H is an evolution of the standard Inconel 800 alloy, specifically optimized to retain higher mechanical strength and more excellent resistance to stress rupture and creep. It offers high-temperature stability, making it ideal for applications requiring thermal cycling and exposure to extreme conditions over prolonged periods.

The alloy performs effectively in high-stress environments, particularly up to 760°C, maintaining structural integrity without compromising mechanical properties. Inconel 800H is often employed in furnace equipment, heat exchangers, and petrochemical processing plants, where high resistance to oxidation and scaling is critical.

custom-inconel-800h-vacuum-investment-casting-parts

Alternative Superalloys of Inconel 800H

Alternative materials to Inconel 800H include Incoloy 825, Inconel 625, and Alloy 600, which offer variations in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. For applications where improved strength at higher temperatures is essential, Inconel 617 may be preferred.

Incoloy 825 enhances corrosion resistance in aggressive chemical environments, while Inconel 625 offers better fatigue resistance and oxidation protection. Each alloy caters to specific industrial needs, but Inconel 800H remains a versatile choice due to its mechanical strength and high-temperature performance.

Inconel 800H Design Intention

The primary design goal of Inconel 800H was to improve the strength and thermal fatigue resistance of standard Inconel 800. It offers enhanced creep resistance and stress-rupture properties, making it suitable for continuous exposure to elevated temperatures up to 760°C.

The alloy is tailored for environments where thermal expansion, chemical exposure, and oxidation resistance are critical, such as power generation and heat treatment systems. Inconel 800H also addresses stress relaxation and deformation challenges, ensuring reliable performance in petrochemical reactors and nuclear steam generators.

Inconel 800H Chemical Composition

Inconel 800H contains nickel (30-35%) and chromium (19-23%), providing excellent resistance to oxidation and carburization. A balanced amount of iron (39.5%) enhances mechanical strength. The alloy also contains titanium (0.15%) and aluminum (0.15%), contributing to structural stability and corrosion resistance under high temperatures.

Element

Composition (%)

Nickel (Ni)

30.0 - 35.0

Chromium (Cr)

19.0 - 23.0

Iron (Fe)

Balance (39.5%)

Titanium (Ti)

0.15

Aluminum (Al)

0.15

Silicon (Si)

0.5

Inconel 800H Physical Properties

Inconel 800H demonstrates excellent physical properties, including high density, tensile strength, and thermal conductivity. These properties make it suitable for components exposed to thermal cycling and mechanical stress.

Property

Value

Density (g/cm³)

7.94

Melting Point (°C)

1380

Tensile Strength (MPa)

515

Thermal Conductivity (W/(m·K))

11.2

Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)

204

Metallographic Structure of Inconel 800H Superalloy

Inconel 800H features a stable austenitic structure with evenly distributed chromium and nickel content. This microstructure provides exceptional resistance to scaling and stress cracking, even under continuous exposure to high temperatures.

The alloy’s metallographic structure includes fine precipitates of titanium and aluminum, enhancing its creep resistance and thermal fatigue performance. This refined microstructure ensures that Inconel 800H maintains dimensional stability over extended service periods in challenging environments.

Inconel 800H Mechanical Properties

Inconel 800H offers excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue resistance. It is known for its creep resistance at temperatures up to 760°C, which is ideal for long-term, high-stress applications.

Property

Value

Tensile Strength (MPa)

515 - 600

Yield Strength (MPa)

240 - 310

Creep Strength (Temperature/Duration)

Effective up to 760°C

Hardness (Rockwell B)

75 - 85

Elongation (%)

30 - 40

Key Features of Inconel 800H Superalloy

  1. High-Temperature Stability Inconel 800H performs reliably at temperatures up to 760°C, making it ideal for applications such as heat exchangers and petrochemical reactors exposed to thermal cycling.

  2. Excellent Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance The alloy’s high nickel and chromium content provide outstanding resistance to oxidation, carburization, and chloride-induced corrosion.

  3. Superior Mechanical Strength With tensile strengths ranging from 515 to 600 MPa, Inconel 800H maintains its integrity under high-stress conditions and prevents deformation over prolonged exposure.

  4. Enhanced Creep and Stress Rupture Resistance Inconel 800H is designed to resist creep and stress rupture, providing long-term stability and reliability in high-temperature environments.

  5. Versatile Industrial Applications Inconel 800H is widely used in aerospace, chemical processing, and power generation industries, where resistance to oxidation and mechanical stress is paramount.

Inconel 800H Superalloy’s Machinability

Inconel 800H can be used in Vacuum Investment Casting due to its high-temperature stability and oxidation resistance, ensuring precise, defect-free components. Its mechanical strength makes it ideal for fine-detailing components, such as turbine blades. Learn more about Vacuum Investment Casting.

However, Inconel 800H is unsuitable for Single Crystal Casting since it lacks the specialized composition and directional solidification properties needed to create a single-crystal structure, enhancing creep and thermal resistance. For more details, see Single Crystal Casting.

Inconel 800H performs well in Equiaxed Crystal Casting due to its balance of mechanical properties and uniform grain distribution, making it suitable for applications that require excellent fatigue resistance. Explore Equiaxed Crystal Casting.

Although Directional Casting typically requires single-crystal alloys, Inconel 800H can still be employed when high-temperature resistance is needed, but single-crystal properties are not mandatory. Learn more about Superalloy Directional Casting.

Inconel 800H is not recommended for Powder Metallurgy Turbine Discs because its mechanical properties are optimized for cast and wrought processes rather than powder-based techniques. For more insights, see Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc.

Inconel 800H can be used in Precision Forging, offering excellent thermal fatigue and oxidation resistance, making it ideal for high-stress environments. Check more at Superalloy Precision Forging.

Due to its chemical composition, Inconel 800H is not ideal for Superalloy 3D Printing, which requires more advanced powder formulations to prevent cracking. Discover more about Superalloy 3D Printing.

CNC Machining is suitable for Inconel 800H, as it maintains stability and precision under high temperatures. This makes it an excellent choice for complex components. Explore more about CNC Machining.

Inconel 800H is ideal for Superalloy Welding, with excellent weldability and post-weld heat treatment properties. It performs well in high-stress conditions. Learn more about Superalloy Welding.

It is also compatible with Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), further enhancing its mechanical properties by eliminating internal voids. See more about Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP).

Inconel 800H Superalloy Applications

In Aerospace and Aviation, Inconel 800H is used in exhaust systems and heat exchangers due to its resistance to high temperatures and oxidation. Learn more about its applications in Aerospace and Aviation.

In the Power Generation sector, Inconel 800H is used in steam generators and heat recovery systems, ensuring operational reliability in harsh conditions. Explore its role in Power Generation.

Inconel 800H is used in heat exchangers and reactors for the Oil and Gas industry, providing resistance to thermal fatigue and carburization. Learn more about Oil and Gas.

This alloy is employed in fuel cells and gas turbines in the Energy sector, where high-temperature stability is crucial. Please find out more about its applications in Energy.

In Marine environments, Inconel 800H is utilized in heat exchangers and seawater systems for its corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Discover more at Marine.

Inconel 800H is used in equipment components exposed to abrasive and corrosive conditions for mining applications, ensuring long service life. Learn more about Mining.

In the automotive industry, it is found in exhaust systems and turbochargers, where temperature stability and oxidation resistance are required. Explore its role in Automotive.

In Chemical Processing, Inconel 800H is ideal for reactor vessels and heat exchangers, offering superior corrosion resistance. Learn more about Chemical Processing.

For the Pharmaceutical and Food industries, it ensures safety in high-temperature processing environments, especially in sterilizers and heat exchangers. See more at Pharmaceutical and Food.

In Military and Defense, Inconel 800H is employed in missile components and heat shields due to its reliability under extreme conditions. Learn more at Military and Defense.

Inconel 800H is used in reactor components in the nuclear industry where resistance to stress corrosion and high temperatures is critical. Explore its role in Nuclear.

When to Choose Inconel 800H Superalloy

Inconel 800H is the alloy for applications demanding excellent thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. It is particularly well-suited for use in custom superalloy parts for high-temperature environments, such as heat exchangers, reactor vessels, and aerospace components. Learn more about custom superalloy parts.

This alloy offers exceptional value in sectors where thermal fatigue resistance and mechanical integrity are paramount. Inconel 800H ensures long service life, minimizing downtime and enhancing system reliability, whether for petrochemical processing, power generation, or aerospace applications.

Explore Related Blogs