Difference between GH4169 and GH3128 steel pipes
Difference between GH4169 and GH3128 steel pipes
GH4169 and GH3128 are both nickel-based superalloys used in high-temperature applications, but their strengthening mechanisms, temperature ranges, and typical applications differ significantly. GH4169 is a precipitation-strengthened alloy designed to achieve high strength, while GH3128 is a solid solution-strengthened alloy designed to achieve high corrosion resistance and structural stability under extreme temperatures.
What is GH4169 equivalent to?
Inconel 718
GH4169 (equivalent to the American brand Inconel 718) is a precipitation-hardened nickel-based superalloy, widely used in the aerospace industry because of its excellent mechanical properties (Lu et al., 2014).
1. Comparison of chemical composition of GH4169 and GH3128(wt%)
| Element | GH4169 | GH3128 | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 50.0 – 55.0 | Balance (≥ 60.0) | GH3128 has higher Ni |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0 – 21.0 | 19.0 – 22.0 | GH3128 slightly higher Cr |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance (~18-20) | ≤ 1.5 | GH4169 has much higher Fe |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.80 – 3.30 | 7.5 – 9.0 | GH3128 has ~2.5x more Mo |
| Tungsten (W) | – | 7.5 – 9.0 | GH3128 contains high W |
| Niobium (Nb) | 4.75 – 5.50 | – | GH4169 contains Nb |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.65 – 1.15 | 0.15 – 0.35 | GH4169 higher Ti |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.20 – 0.80 | 0.10 – 0.50 | GH4169 higher Al |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.05 | GH3128 lower C |
| Boron (B) | 0.002 – 0.006 | ≤ 0.012 | GH3128 slightly higher B |
| Cerium (Ce) | – | ≤ 0.050 | GH3128 contains Ce |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.50 | – |
2. Comparison of mechanical properties and stability of GH4169 and GH3128
| Feature | GH4169 (The 700°C King) | GH3128 (The 950°C Master) | Industrial Impact |
| Strengthening Method | Precipitation (
γ′′γ′′ ) |
Solid Solution (W, Mo, Al, Ti) | GH3128 matrix doesn't "age out." |
| Max Continuous Load | 650°C - 700°C | 950°C - 1000°C | GH3128 handles +250°C extra heat. |
| Over-aging Risk | High above 750°C | Near Zero (Thermally Stable) | Prevents thermal sagging. |
| Yield Strength at 800°C | ~ 250 MPa (Softens) | **~ 450 - 500 MPa (Elite)** | GH3128 remains structural. |
| Oxidation Resistance | Good | Superior at 950°C+ | GH3128 resists fire scaling. |
| Fabricability | Challenging | Excellent (Superior Weld) | GH3128 reduces assembly costs. |
Click to download the GH4169 alloy PDF file now
3. Comparison of physical properties of GH4169 and GH3128
| Property | GH4169 | GH3128 |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.19 | 8.84 |
| Melting Range (°C) | 1260 – 1336 | 1340 – 1390 |
| Thermal Conductivity (20°C) (W/m·K) | 11.4 | 12.5 |
| CTE (20-100°C) (10⁻⁶/°C) | 13.0 | 11.8 |
| CTE (20-800°C) (10⁻⁶/°C) | ~15.5 | ~16.5 |
| Specific Heat (20°C) (J/kg·K) | 435 | 450 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (20°C) (GPa) | ~200 | ~210 |
| Electrical Resistivity (µΩ·m) | 1.25 | 1.35 |
| Magnetic Properties | Slightly magnetic | Non-magnetic |
4. Typical Application Comparison of GH4169 and GH3128
| Industry | GH4169 | GH3128 |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Turbine discs, compressor blades, fasteners, shafts | Combustion chambers, afterburner components, flame holders |
| Gas Turbines | Turbine wheels (lower temp sections) | Combustor liners, transition ducts, heat shields |
| Industrial Heating | High-strength fixtures | Furnace muffles, radiant tubes, retorts |
| Chemical Processing | High-strength valve stems (limited) | High-temperature reactor components |
| Power Generation | Gas turbine components (lower temp) | High-temperature ducting |
5. Strategic Selection Guide: The Expert's Rule
If your application involves high-speed rotating shafts, turbine rings, or high-pressure fuel lines, and the operating temperature is strictly below 700°C, choose GH4169 seamless steel tubing. It is the most cost-effective solution balancing peak mechanical loads and high cyclic fatigue performance.
If you are manufacturing combustion chamber linings, furnace radiant tubes, nozzle baffles, or static heat shields exposed to high-temperature environments of 900°C to 1000°C, upgrade to GH3128 steel tubing/plate. GH3128 offers structural integrity that GH4169 cannot match.
Why Choose Gnee as Your Nickel-Based Alloy Supplier
As a specialized Superalloy Manufacturer, we eliminate procurement risks through total transparency:
✅️VIM + VAR Melting: Ensuring ultra-pure chemistry for both grades to maximize thermal fatigue life.
✅️MTC 3.1 Traceability: Full EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates documented with every heat analysis.
✅️Wholesale Inventory: Massive stock of standard pipe schedules (Sch 10, 40, 80) ready for Fast Global Shipping.
✅️Custom Fabrication: We offer precision cutting, centerless grinding (h8-h11), and custom bending services.
Gnee Alloy GH4169(inconel 718) Certificate
📦 Packaging and Shipping
All Nickel Based Alloy products are packaged using the following methods:
Wooden pallets or crates
Moisture-proof packaging
Labels with furnace number, standard, and size labels
Shipped worldwide by sea, air, or express
Gnee Alloy GH4169 Product Packing
Contact us for the latest export price quote for GH4169 Alloy
FAQ
Q1: Why is GH3128 better than 310S for 950°C service?
A: While 310S is a basic heat-resistant steel, GH3128 is a nickel-based superalloy reinforced with Tungsten. GH3128 offers significantly higher creep strength and far better resistance to scale flaking at 950°C, providing a much longer Material Life Cycle.
Q2: Can I weld GH3128 directly to GH4169?
A: Yes. Both have excellent weldability. We recommend using specialized filler metals like ERNiCrMo-3 (Alloy 625) to maintain joint stability across the thermal gradient.
Q3: Does GH4169 perform better than GH3128 in any environment?
A: Yes, below 700°C. In lower temperature zones where high yield strength is required, GH4169's precipitation-hardening makes it nearly 3 times stronger than GH3128. Only "upgrade" to GH3128 when the heat exceeds the 718 over-aging threshold.
Q4: Do you offer bulk discounts for petrochemical furnace overhauls?
A: Absolutely. As a direct manufacturer, we provide attractive tiered Wholesale Pricing and dedicated project management for large-scale energy infrastructure programs.
