Applications of the INCONEL, INCOLOY alloys for Automotive Industries
The automotive industry relies on the use of top-quality materials to ensure that it meets the rigorous standards within this essential industry. As such, nickel-based alloys are often employed for a range of applications where high performance and reliability are required.
Both INCONEL and INCOLOY alloys are capable of meeting the demands of automotive engineers and designers who want to produce the very best vehicles for consumers and industry use. With legislation controlling environmental and end-of-life factors, as well as a need to create fuel-efficient and pollution-controlled engines, the parts, and materials used at every stage need to ensure that they will meet these specifications now and in years to come. Factors include things like good fabricability and weldability, excellent corrosion resistance to outside factors and high temperatures, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and the ability to last a long time, but be recyclable at the end of its use.
Material selection and applications
INCONEL alloys, blending high levels of nickel and chromium with significant other elements like molybdenum and iron, are proven to provide outstanding corrosion resistance in even the most challenging environments, as well as the ability to more than withstand both the high temperatures and petrochemicals present within an engine. Similarly, the leaner-nickel INCOLOY alloys can help to keep costs down, without compromising the quality needed within this demanding sector.
Such alloys are required for many different automotive parts and products, including exhaust valve heads and stems, ignition systems, sensors, safety devices, and electrical and electronic switch gear. Nickel alloys are also used for spark plugs, diesel valves, thermostats, turbochargers, wheels, and casings.
Choice of alloy will very much depend on the specifications and application of the product being manufactured. For example, INCONEL alloy X-750 is employed in the production of many automotive parts, including engine valve springs. This alloy is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium alloy, which is popular for its high strength, and excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance.
For more high-performance vehicles and in motorsports engines, INCONEL alloy 625 is a suitable option. This versatile Grade is used across a wide range of industries thanks to its high strength, excellent fabricability, and outstanding corrosion resistance. It is known for its ability to help solve a variety of design and application problems, making it a viable option for many uses within the automotive industry. While it is used for a number of different applications in the sector, it is particularly suited to exhaust couplings.
If you’re interested in finding out more about any the INCONEL or INCOLOY alloys available from Corrotherm for your automotive projects, then please Contact Us.
