Product Description
Invar 36, also known as 4J36, is a nickel-iron alloy notable for its extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). With a composition of approximately 36% nickel and the remainder iron, this alloy maintains its dimensions over a wide temperature range, making it ideal for precision applications requiring dimensional stability.
Key Features
- Low Thermal Expansion: Outstanding dimensional stability across cryogenic to moderate temperatures.
- Good Mechanical Properties: Exhibits high strength and toughness.
- Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to corrosion in a variety of environments, including atmospheric and oxidizing conditions.
- Magnetic Properties: Maintains magnetic properties, especially at lower temperatures.
Chemical Composition
| Element |
Percentage (%) |
| Nickel (Ni) |
35.0 - 37.0 |
| Iron (Fe) |
Balance |
| Carbon (C) |
0.05 max |
| Manganese (Mn) |
0.80 max |
| Silicon (Si) |
0.30 max |
| Chromium (Cr) |
0.25 max |
| Phosphorus (P) |
0.02 max |
| Sulfur (S) |
0.02 max |
| Cobalt (Co) |
0.50 max |
Specifications
- UNS Number: K93600
- Available Forms: Plate, Sheet, Coil, Strip, Bar, Wire, Tube
- Standards:
- ASTM F1684
- ASTM A693
- AMS 2248
Applications
- Aerospace: Precision instruments, gyroscopes, and avionics components.
- Cryogenics: Containers and systems requiring minimal dimensional change under extreme temperatures.
- Electronics: Shadow masks for CRTs and other electronic components.
- Optics: Components for telescopes, cameras, and laser systems.
- Industrial: Tooling and molds for composite materials requiring precise thermal control.
Mechanical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Tensile Strength |
490 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength |
240 MPa (min) |
| Elongation |
35% (min) |
| Hardness |
140 HBW (max) |
Fabrication and Machining
- Weldability: Good weldability with proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment.
- Machining: Can be machined with standard tools; use lower speeds to prevent work hardening.
- Forming: Suitable for both cold and hot forming processes.
Advantages
-
- High Dimensional Stability: Ideal for applications requiring precise measurements or performance over varying temperatures.
- Reliable Performance: Retains properties over a broad temperature range.
- Versatile Applications: Widely used across multiple industries due to its unique properties
Detailed Photos
Company Profile
Shandong Titanium Nickel Special Steel Co., Ltd., registered funds (one thousand yuan for 10,000 yuan), the company is mainly committed to high -tech enterprises that are integrated with special alloy materials, specializing in the research and sales of special alloys such as nickel -based and iron -based. Products include corrosion-resistant alloys, superalloys, precision alloys, Hastelloy, Monel, INCONEL, INCOLOY, copper-nickel alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium and zirconium alloys, nickel and nickel-based alloys, nickel-cobalt-based heat-resistant alloys , Hafnium alloy, etc., more than 60 kinds of alloy materials such as special stainless steel. On the basis of stabilizing the quality of the original products, according to the market demand, it solves the quality problems existing in the traditional metallurgical process, and ensures the low miscellaneous and low deflection of the alloy material products, which has won an excellent reputation in the industry.
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FAQ
1. What is Invar alloy?
Invar is a nickel-iron alloy known for its unique property of extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). This means it does not expand or contract significantly when subjected to temperature changes. Invar typically consists of around 36% nickel and 64% iron, and is often referred to as Invar 36.
2. What are the key properties of Invar alloy?
- Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): The primary feature of Invar is its extremely low CTE, making it ideal for precision instruments and applications where dimensional stability is crucial.
- Magnetic Properties: Invar retains its ferromagnetic properties, making it suitable for applications in magnetic fields.
- Good Strength and Durability: Although not as strong as some other alloys, Invar has good mechanical strength at ambient temperatures and in moderately high temperatures.
- Excellent Dimensional Stability: Invar is known for maintaining its shape and size in a wide temperature range, which is critical for highly precise instruments.
3. What are common applications of Invar alloy?
- Precision Instruments: Invar is widely used in the manufacturing of instruments such as clocks, watches, and measuring devices where thermal stability is vital.
- Aerospace: Used for manufacturing parts of aircraft and spacecraft that are sensitive to thermal expansion.
- Cryogenics: Due to its low thermal expansion, Invar is often used in cryogenic applications, such as in superconducting magnets and in the construction of liquid gas tanks.
- Glass-to-Metal Seals: Used in the electronics and vacuum industries for creating glass-to-metal seals due to its matching thermal expansion properties with glass.
- Medical Devices: Invar is used in precision medical devices where high dimensional stability is required.
4. What is the composition of Invar alloy?
Invar typically consists of:
- Nickel (Ni): 36%
- Iron (Fe): 64%
- Other elements (in trace amounts): Manganese, Carbon, Silicon, Sulfur, and Phosphorus.
5. What are the mechanical properties of Invar alloy?
| Property |
Value |
| Tensile Strength |
500 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength |
300 MPa (min) |
| Elongation |
20-30% |
| Hardness |
170 HBW (max) |
6. What are the advantages of using Invar alloy?
- Exceptional Thermal Stability: Invar maintains its shape across a wide range of temperatures, especially in applications where thermal expansion must be minimized.
- Durability: It exhibits high resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal for long-term use in precision applications.
- Versatility: Invar can be easily machined, welded, and formed, making it suitable for various manufacturing processes.
- Magnetic Properties: Invar's ferromagnetic nature makes it a good choice for use in magnetism-sensitive environments.
7. Can Invar alloy be welded or machined?
Yes, Invar can be welded using standard welding methods, though it requires careful handling to avoid excessive heat, which can impact its unique thermal properties. It is also machinable with conventional tools, and it retains its characteristics even after processing. However, the high nickel content can make it somewhat challenging to machine compared to other alloys.
8. What are the common grades of Invar alloy?
- Invar 36 (UNS K93600): The most commonly used Invar alloy, containing 36% nickel and 64% iron.
- Invar 42 (UNS K94200): A variant with 42% nickel, used in some specialized applications requiring lower thermal expansion.
- Invar 48: Another variant with a slightly different nickel content for applications requiring even lower thermal expansion.
9. What is the difference between Invar and Kovar?
- Invar is primarily used for applications where low thermal expansion is required, such as in precision instruments, cryogenics, and aerospace.
- Kovar is a nickel-iron alloy with similar properties but is often used for metal-to-glass seals in electronic components, as it has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to that of glass.
10. What is the price range for Invar alloy?
The price of Invar alloy can vary depending on factors such as form (sheet, plate, wire, etc.), size, and quantity. Typically, Invar is priced higher than general-purpose steel alloys due to its specialized properties. To get the most accurate pricing, it is best to contact a supplier or manufacturer for a quote based on your specific needs.
11. How can I order Invar alloy?
To order Invar alloy, you can reach out to a reliable alloy supplier or manufacturer who specializes in precision materials. Make sure to specify the required dimensions, form (sheet, plate, rod, etc.), and quantity. It's also helpful to clarify any specific standards or certifications required for your application.
12. What industries benefit from Invar alloy?
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Electronics (Metal-to-Glass Seals)
- Cryogenics
- Precision Measurement and Instruments
- Optics and Lens Manufacturing
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