Inconel® machining
Inconel® refers to a family of nickel-chromium-based superalloys renowned for their excellent resistance to high temperatures, oxidation and corrosion. These alloys retain their mechanical properties under extreme conditions, making them vital for critical applications (such as in the aeronautics, space, nuclear and chemical industries). At MicroMécanique, our expertise in Inconel® machining allows us to offer high-performance parts that combine strength, longevity and precision and that are compatible with harsh environments.
Examples of products and possible applications
Below are some examples of parts that MicroMécanique can produce with Inconel®:
- Turbines, discs, blades or components of turbine engines or jet engines exposed to high temperatures.
- Combustion parts, combustion chamber components and exhaust ducts.
- Flanges, seals, valve stems, oil and gas well components subject to corrosion/heat.
- Equipment for the chemical industry, reactors, heat exchangers, supports or surfaces exposed to corrosive or oxidising environments.
- Parts for nuclear power plants, steam generators and piping components with stringent thermal/radiation protection requirements.
- Components for space or launch vehicles, where thermal loads, temperature cycles and creep are critical parameters.
- Tools subjected to high temperatures or oxidation (special moulds, inserts, forgings, etc.).
- Prototypes and small series for specialised sectors (aeronautics, defence or research) requiring high-performance alloys.
Properties of Inconel® (and common alloys such as 625, 718 and 600)
Property | Description/Technical data |
High-temperature resistance | Inconel® retains its mechanical properties (strength, creep) at temperatures where many standard metals are weakened. |
Oxidation and corrosion resistance | Very good, even in oxidising or aggressive environments. The alloy forms protective oxide layers. Excellent resistance in corrosive or high-temperature atmospheres. |
Mechanical strength/fatigue resistance | Good tensile strength, resistance to thermal and mechanical fatigue. Alloys like Inconel® 718 or 625 are often used for their durability under high stress and thermal cycling. |
Creep behaviour | Very good, which is vital for parts exposed to high temperatures and sustained or variable loads. |
Low thermal conductivity | Inconel® has relatively low thermal conductivity, which means that the heat generated during machining remains more concentrated and appropriate methods are needed to dissipate it. |
Tendency to work-harden (cutting heats and hardens the workpiece) | During successive passes, the alloy hardens rapidly, which can make subsequent passes more difficult. |
Composition/representative grades | Some common alloys: Inconel 600, 625, 718, X-750, etc. Each one has its advantages (corrosion resistance, weldability, high-temperature resistance). |
Machining techniques required/used at MicroMécanique
At MicroMécanique, we machine Inconel® using the following methods, to guarantee the highest quality:
- CNC milling/turning: using very hard inserts and suitable coatings (e.g., TiAlN and ceramic) to resist heat and abrasion. It is vital to limit vibration, tighten the tool securely and use robust machines.
- Fewer passes and an appropriate feed rate: avoiding overly aggressive deep passes to limit excess heat and local hardening.
- Substantial cooling/lubrication: efficient cutting fluid systems, possibly internal cooling, use of specialised lubricants or additives for Inconel®.
- Grinding and polishing: to obtain precise finishes after machining, especially for parts subject to fatigue or thermal cycling.
- Electrical discharge machining (EDM): for certain shapes, complex geometries or hard-to-access surfaces, or very small internal drilling.
- Machining after annealing/solution heat treatment: to improve machinability, then a final heat treatment if necessary to achieve the final properties.
- Strict dimensional controls: tight tolerances, monitoring distortion, inspecting finishes, flatness or concentricity, etc.
Would you like to work with Inconel®?
Discover its applications
MicroMécanique is positioned to become a specialised supplier in the following sectors where Inconel® is particularly useful:
- Aeronautics and space: turbines, combustion chambers, engine components, exhausts and thermal seals.
- Oil & gas: wells, flanges, valves, breakers, equipment exposed to corrosive environments, high pressure and high temperatures.
- Nuclear power: heat exchangers, steam generators, components exposed to heat and corrosion.
- Chemicals and petrochemicals: reactors, conduits, parts in contact with acids and strong chemicals.
- Energy and thermal power plants: turbine components, parts subjected to intense thermal cycling.
- Defence industry: parts exposed to strong heat, extreme stress and aggressive environments.
- Research & development, prototypes: new geometries, material combinations and extreme environments.