Everything You Need to Know About Inconel Forgings: Grades, Strength & More

When it comes to high-performance components used in extreme environments, few materials match the capabilities of Inconel forgings. Known for their superior strength, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, Inconel alloys have become the go-to choice across aerospace, marine, nuclear, and chemical industries.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Inconel forgings — from what they are, the types of grades available, to their properties, applications, and why they are preferred in the most demanding environments.

What Are Inconel Forgings?

Inconel is a family of nickel-chromium-based superalloys known for their excellent resistance to heat, oxidation, and corrosion. Forging is a metalworking process where metal is heated and shaped using compressive force, typically with a hammer or die.

So, Inconel Forgings are components made by forging Inconel alloy, giving them enhanced strength, refined grain structure, and improved mechanical properties over cast or machined parts.

These forgings are ideal for:

• High-pressure applications

• Elevated temperature conditions

• Environments with chemical exposure

• Components requiring long-term durability and stability

Why Choose Inconel Forgings?

The answer lies in the unique advantages Inconel alloys offer:

1. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

Inconel forms a protective oxide layer on its surface that shields it from corrosive substances like acids, saltwater, and harsh chemicals. This is why it’s favored in marine and chemical processing industries.

2. High Temperature Strength

Unlike many metals that weaken at elevated temperatures, Inconel retains its strength at temperatures above 1000°C (1832°F). That makes it suitable for jet engines, gas turbines, and exhaust systems.

3. Oxidation Resistance

Inconel resists scaling and oxidation in environments where other materials would degrade quickly.

4. Stress-Corrosion Cracking Resistance

This property is especially useful in nuclear reactors and chemical plants, where materials are exposed to chloride-rich or acidic environments under high stress.

Common Grades of Inconel Used in Forgings

Different Inconel grades are tailored for specific applications based on their composition and properties. Here are the most commonly forged Inconel grades:

? Inconel 600

• Composition: Nickel (72%), Chromium (14-17%), Iron (6-10%)

• Strengths: Excellent resistance to organic and inorganic compounds, especially chlorides.

• Applications: Furnace components, heat exchangers, food processing.

? Inconel 625

• Composition: Nickel (58%), Chromium (20-23%), Molybdenum (8-10%)

• Strengths: Exceptional corrosion and oxidation resistance, especially in marine environments.

• Applications: Submarine parts, offshore platforms, chemical plant equipment.

? Inconel 718

• Composition: Nickel (50-55%), Chromium (17-21%), Iron, Niobium, Molybdenum

• Strengths: High yield strength, fatigue resistance, and weldability.

• Applications: Jet engines, nuclear reactors, automotive turbochargers.

? Inconel X-750

• Composition: Similar to 600, with added Titanium and Aluminum

• Strengths: Excellent creep-rupture strength, especially in high-stress environments.

• Applications: Springs, rocket engines, gas turbines.

Note: Choosing the right Inconel grade depends on the operating environment, required mechanical properties, and corrosion factors.

Manufacturing Process of Inconel Forgings

The process of creating high-quality Inconel forgings involves several critical stages:

1. Material Selection

Based on the end-use, a specific Inconel alloy is chosen — 600, 625, 718, or X-750 — considering factors like temperature, stress, and exposure to chemicals.

2. Heating

The selected Inconel alloy is heated to a temperature between 1800°F to 2200°F, making it malleable for forging.

3. Forging

Using closed die or open die forging, the hot metal is shaped into the desired form — flanges, shafts, rings, or custom components.

4. Heat Treatment

To enhance strength and mechanical properties, the forged part undergoes processes like solution annealing and age hardening.

5. Machining and Finishing

Post-forging, components are precision-machined to meet tight dimensional tolerances and finished based on customer requirements.

Mechanical Properties of Inconel Forgings

The superior performance of Inconel forgings stems from their excellent mechanical and metallurgical properties:

These properties can vary based on forging method, heat treatment, and final component geometry.

Applications of Inconel Forgings

Due to their reliability in harsh conditions, Inconel forgings are found in a wide range of industries:

? Aerospace

• Turbine blades and casings

• Exhaust systems

• Jet engine components

• Fasteners and brackets

? Marine

• Subsea hardware

• Seawater valves and pumps

• Shaft sleeves

• Propulsion systems

? Power Generation

• Nuclear fuel rods and core components

• Steam generators

• Gas turbine parts

? Chemical & Petrochemical

• Heat exchangers

• Reaction vessels

• Pump shafts and impellers

? Automotive

• Turbocharger rotors

• High-performance engine components

Forging vs. Casting: Why Forging Is Better for Inconel

While both forging and casting are used to shape metal, forging offers several critical advantages, especially for high-performance applications:

Inconel forgings are more reliable and durable than cast parts, particularly in high-stress applications.

Custom Inconel Forgings: What to Consider

When sourcing or designing a custom Inconel forging, consider the following:

• Operating Temperature: Determines the right grade (e.g., 625 for corrosion, 718 for strength)

• Corrosive Environment: Involvement of saltwater, acids, or gases

• Mechanical Load: Tensile, compressive, or impact stresses

• Design Complexity: Some complex shapes may require closed die forging

• Certifications Needed: ASME, NACE, ISO, etc.

Working with an experienced forging manufacturer ensures your component is optimized for both performance and longevity.

Benefits of Using Inconel Forgings

Let’s summarize why Inconel forgings continue to dominate in critical industries:

• High strength-to-weight ratio

• Resistance to thermal creep deformation

• Non-magnetic properties

• Excellent weldability (especially Inconel 718)

• Stable mechanical properties over a wide temperature range

Whether it’s deep-sea exploration or aerospace propulsion, Inconel’s robustness makes it indispensable.

Conclusion

Inconel forgings stand at the forefront of engineering materials due to their exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and reliability under extreme conditions. Whether you’re working in aerospace, marine, energy, or chemical sectors, understanding the grades, mechanical properties, and advantages of Inconel can help you make the right material choice for your applications.