Hastelloy X

Hastelloy X is a high-performance superalloy known for excellent high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, ideal for petrochemical and aerospace applications.

About Hastelloy X

Hastelloy X, Alloy X, or Nicrofer 5621 is categorized under UNS N06002. It complies with ASTM B435, B572, and DIN/EN 2.4665 standards. The material is recognized for its robust resistance to oxidation and stress corrosion cracking in extreme environments.

Hastelloy X Basic Introduction

Hastelloy X is a nickel-based superalloy with enhanced oxidation and corrosion resistance, suitable for high-temperature environments such as jet engines and gas turbines. Its composition includes chromium, molybdenum, and iron, providing outstanding thermal stability and structural integrity under mechanical stress.

Primarily used in aerospace and chemical industries, Hastelloy X excels in environments exposed to temperatures up to 1100°C. It offers durability, strength, and superior performance, making it an essential material for high-temperature applications requiring mechanical stability and corrosion resistance.

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Alternative Superalloys of Hastelloy X

Alternatives to Hastelloy X include Inconel 718, Haynes 230, and Hastelloy C-22. Inconel 718 offers high fatigue resistance and is suitable for aerospace applications but with slightly lower thermal limits. Haynes 230 is known for similar high-temperature stability and oxidation resistance, often replacing Hastelloy X in gas turbine components. Hastelloy C-22 offers better resistance to aggressive chemical environments, making it a preferred choice for chemical processing over Hastelloy X.


Hastelloy X Design Intention

Hastelloy X was developed to withstand extreme temperatures and mechanical stresses in aerospace and petrochemical industries. Its design focuses on maintaining structural integrity in oxidizing and carburizing environments, especially in jet engines and gas turbines. Hastelloy X resists oxidation with high chromium content, while molybdenum enhances corrosion resistance, ensuring reliable performance in demanding conditions.


Hastelloy X Chemical Composition

The components of Hastelloy X provide a balance of oxidation resistance and strength. Nickel ensures structural integrity, while chromium enhances oxidation resistance. Molybdenum offers corrosion resistance in high-temperature environments, and iron improves overall strength.

Element

Composition (%)

Nickel (Ni)

47.0-52.0

Chromium (Cr)

20.5-23.0

Molybdenum (Mo)

8.0-10.0

Iron (Fe)

17.0-20.0

Tungsten (W)

3.5-5.0

Carbon (C)

0.1 max

Cobalt (Co)

1.5 max


Hastelloy X Physical Properties

Hastelloy X offers excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical stability, maintaining performance under elevated temperatures.

Property

Value

Density (g/cm³)

8.22

Melting Point (°C)

1399

Thermal Conductivity (W/(m.K))

9

Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)

205


Metallographic Structure of Hastelloy X Superalloy

Hastelloy X has a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, contributing to its excellent thermal stability. The microstructure allows high resistance to creep deformation and stress rupture at elevated temperatures. Due to its balanced phase distribution, the alloy remains stable under cyclic stress environments.

The combination of nickel and chromium ensures uniform grain size, while adding molybdenum and tungsten reinforces the grain boundaries, reducing intergranular corrosion and cracking. This structure enables the alloy to perform effectively in aerospace and industrial gas turbines.


Hastelloy X Mechanical Properties

Hastelloy X offers superior mechanical properties at high temperatures, which is ideal for prolonged service in extreme conditions.

Mechanical Property

Value

Tensile Strength (MPa)

825-860

Yield Strength (MPa)

320-420

Hardness (HRC)

Rockwell C25-35

Elongation (%)

~45

Elastic Modulus (GPa)

~210


Key Features of Hastelloy X Superalloy

  1. High-Temperature Stability: Hastelloy X maintains mechanical integrity at temperatures up to 1100°C, making it ideal for jet engines and gas turbines.

  2. Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance: The alloy resists oxidation and corrosion in extreme environments, ensuring durability in petrochemical and aerospace applications.

  3. Thermal Fatigue Resistance: Designed to withstand cyclic thermal stress, Hastelloy X is reliable for components subjected to frequent temperature fluctuations.

  4. Creep Strength: The alloy exhibits excellent resistance to creep deformation under long-term high-temperature exposure, maintaining dimensional stability.

  5. Versatility in Industrial Applications: Hastelloy X is used in aerospace, power generation, and chemical processing, making it a preferred choice for various high-performance applications.

Hastelloy X Superalloy’s Machinability

Hastelloy X can be used in Vacuum Investment Casting due to its excellent fluidity at high temperatures, enabling precision casting for complex parts. However, care must be taken to prevent carbide precipitation.

Hastelloy X is not suitable for Single Crystal Casting as it lacks the required microstructure stability for this process, which demands precise grain alignment.

Hastelloy X performs well in Equiaxed Crystal Casting due to its uniform grain structure, ensuring reliable mechanical properties throughout the cast.

The alloy is not ideal for superalloy directional casting due to its tendency to cause microstructural inconsistencies under directional solidification conditions.

Hastelloy X is typically used in powder metallurgy turbine discs due to its high strength at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for gas turbine applications.

Superalloy Precision Forging can utilize Hastelloy X due to its excellent hot workability, making it suitable for high-temperature structural components.

Hastelloy X can be employed in Superalloy 3D Printing using advanced laser powder bed fusion techniques, maintaining its high-temperature properties after additive manufacturing.

The alloy is compatible with CNC Machining, though machining requires specialized tools and techniques to manage its work-hardening behavior.

Hastelloy X can be joined effectively through Superalloy Welding using TIG and MIG methods, as it resists hot cracking and distortion.

The material also benefits from Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), which enhances density and mechanical strength by eliminating porosity.


Hastelloy X Superalloy Applications

In Aerospace and Aviation, Hastelloy X is used in jet engines and combustion chambers due to its high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.

For Power Generation, the alloy finds application in gas turbines and heat exchangers where thermal stability is critical.

In the Oil and Gas industries, Hastelloy X is employed in reactors and pipelines, withstanding extreme environments and reducing corrosion risks.

The Energy sector uses Hastelloy X in fuel cells and heat recovery systems, leveraging its strength under thermal cycling conditions.

In Marine environments, Hastelloy X serves in exhaust systems and seawater components, ensuring corrosion resistance.

Mining operations rely on Hastelloy X for wear-resistant components, including drill bits and pump housings, ensuring long-lasting performance.

In Automotive applications, the alloy supports turbocharger assemblies and exhaust manifolds, offering heat and corrosion resistance.

The Chemical Processing industry utilizes Hastelloy X for vessels and reactors in harsh chemical environments.

For the Pharmaceutical and Food industries, the alloy ensures contamination-free processing by resisting corrosion and leaching.

In Military and Defense, Hastelloy X is employed in missile and aerospace systems requiring heat resistance.

Nuclear applications leverage the alloy's durability for reactor components exposed to radiation and high temperatures.


When to Choose Hastelloy X Superalloy

Hastelloy X is ideal for custom superalloy parts designed for extreme environments that demand high thermal stability and corrosion resistance. It is well-suited for aerospace components exposed to temperatures above 1000°C, such as jet engines, as well as petrochemical reactors that face aggressive corrosion. Additionally, the alloy performs exceptionally in power generation applications, maintaining strength and resisting oxidation under cyclic thermal loads.

Hastelloy X is an excellent option for additive manufacturing for complex geometries in heat exchangers and turbine components. Its machinability ensures seamless integration into high-precision assemblies, and it is ideal for welding applications where distortion and hot cracking must be minimized.

When corrosion, heat, and stress resistance are critical, Hastelloy X delivers reliable long-term performance, ensuring safety and efficiency across industries like aerospace, defense, energy, and chemical processing.

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