Nickel-Based Superalloys | Remnants for Sale in San Jose, CA

High-Temperature, Corrosion-Resistant Metals at Discount Prices

Nickel’s Unique Properties

In the San Francisco Bay Area, nickel-based superalloys are widely used in high-tech manufacturing operations. The melting temperature of nickel is 2,647°F (1,453°C), far higher than copper at 1,983°F (1,084°C) and aluminum at 1,220°F (660°C). As a result, the combination of nickel and other elements creates several superalloys that excel in their ability to endure high temperatures and resist corrosion. Some nickel-based superalloys can tolerate temperatures above 2,192°F (1,200°C).​ These superalloys resist creep and oxidation, even at temperatures approaching their melting points. Compared to many other metals and alloys, nickel-based superalloys offer significantly better weldability. 

Industrial Metal Service carries the most commonly used nickel-based superalloys—Cupronickel, Hastelloy, HyMu, Inconel, Invar, Kovar, and Monel. Our “ultimate recycling” method allows us to sell these superalloys at significantly lower prices than those sourced directly from the mills. Below, we briefly describe the superalloys that we carry. Note that several of these include different alloy grades that are determined by varying percentages of nickel and alloying elements.  

Hastelloy    

  • Approximately 57% nickel, 15-17% molybdenum, 14.5-16.5% chromium, 4-7% iron, 3-4.5% tungsten, and 2.5% cobalt, with other elements 1% or less. Molybdenum contributes to hardness and strength at high temperatures.
  • Superior corrosion resistance
  • Excellent weldability 
  • Good ductility facilitates forging and cold working.
  • Used for valves and piping in nuclear and chemical reactors, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and components subject to saltwater environments

HyMu

  • Approximately 80% nickel, 13% iron, and 4-5% molybdenum, with other elements less than 1%
  • Excellent shielding against static or low-frequency magnetic fields
  • Used for transformer cores, telephones, recording devices, and protecting equipment in MRI facilities

Inconel

  • Approximately 44-72% nickel, 14-31% chromium, 3-11% iron, 0-10% molybdenum, and 0-10% cobalt, with other elements less than 1%, depending on grade
  • Excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance in extreme environments
  • Maintains strength over a broad temperature range where steel or aluminum would succumb to creep
  • Used in environments subject to extreme pressure and heat such as aerospace, chemical processing, marine engineering, and nuclear reactors

Invar

  • Approximately 64% iron and 36% nickel
  • Lowest coefficient of thermal expansion among all metals and alloys, from 68°F to 446°F (20°C to 230°C)
  • Ductile and weldable, with machinability similar to austenitic stainless steel 
  • Used in aerospace and cryogenic engineering requiring high dimensional stability across temperature variations

Kovar

  • Approximately 53% iron, 29% nickel, and 17% cobalt, with remaining elements less than 1%
  • Designed to provide a reliable glass-to-metal seal
  • Thermal expansion is similar to glass, allowing the joint to tolerate a broad temperature range.
  • Less expensive and easier to machine compared to molybdenum
  • Holds extremely tight tolerances and geometries
  • Used in temperature-sensitive glass and metal applications such as glass-to-metal seals in scientific apparatuses, conductors entering glass envelopes (vacuum, x-ray, and microwave tubes), and certain light bulb designs

Monel

  • Approximately 52-67% nickel, 28-34% copper, 2.5% iron, and 2% manganese, with other elements less than 1%, depending on grade
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Used for electronics, fasteners, valve parts, oil drilling tools, and pump and marine propeller shafts 

Cupronickel 

  • Approximately 60-90% copper and 2-30% nickel, with varying amounts of manganese, iron, niobium, or chromium added depending on grade
  • High oxidation resistance in humid and steam environments
  • Corrosion and biofouling resistance
  • Used in condensers, heat exchangers, and desalination equipment as well as in piping, pumps, valves, and fittings exposed to saltwater

An Alternative to the Expense of New Nickel-Based Superalloys

Manufacturing activities in the San Francisco Bay Area generate a significant amount of high-quality, usable superalloy remnants with dimensions that are unsuitable for any further use by the manufacturer but are ideal for use by machine shops that don’t require new direct-from-the-mill alloys to meet production requirements. As an established metal recycler, Industrial Metal Service buys these usable alloy remnants, trims the odd angles, and sells them at highly competitive prices, significantly lower than alloys sourced directly from the mill. We use x-ray fluorescence technology to verify the chemical composition of the alloys we sell and ensure you’re receiving the proper alloy grade specified for the job. 

Convenient Pick-Up or Local Delivery

For more than two decades, Industrial Metal Service has been supplying high-quality metal to thousands of customers from our warehouse in San Jose, CA. In addition to nickel-based superalloys, we also carry a wide selection of aluminum, brass, copper, molybdenum, steel, titanium, and tungsten. You’re welcome to visit our warehouse and check out our inventory Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM. We can also deliver to shops in the San Francisco Bay Area

We provide a full range of metal recycling services, making us a one-stop provider for all your nickel-based superalloys and other industrial metal needs. Call us today to discuss your requirements. We’d welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Address
260 Phelan Avenue
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone Number
(408) 294-2334

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