Is Inconel 625 the same as nickel 625?
Is Inconel 625 the same as Nickel 625?
There is still some confusion among buyers, engineers and machinists when it comes to superalloy grades. Why does the print say Inconel 600, but the mill test report calls it Nickel 600 or "ATI" 600? Are the two interchangeable? The answer is yes. ASTM and AMS specifications guide the manufacture of these high-performance alloys. Reputable mills make absolutely sure that the material they produce meets these stringent standards. What is important in the name is not what precedes the alloy number, but the alloy number itself.
Why are they named this way?
Most high-temperature alloys were formulated after 1940 to meet the high demands of aerospace engines. Jets needed to become more powerful, more reliable and more durable. This required machining metal parts beyond current technology. Nickel-based high-temperature alloys were developed to withstand high pressures, high corrosion and high kinetic energy use. The mills that developed these alloys trademarked them when they were patented. These trademark names are still widely used today, even though the patents have long expired.
Confusion and Concessions
Your print may still say Inconel instead of Nickel. Aircraft have long service lives. It may be difficult for end users to change the language used when purchasing recognized components. Alloys may be referred to by old trademarks out of habit.
All of this can lead to problems, especially in DoD contracts. DoD contractors often have to obtain customer concessions on alloy names. For example, the trademark for Inconel 625 is not available in the metal distribution network.
