If you work with extreme high temperatures—like in aerospace engines or industrial furnaces—you need a material that stays strong and resists corrosion. UNS N06200 Hastelloy X is a nickel-based superalloy built for this. It balances exceptional heat resistance with durability, making it a top choice for demanding tasks. This guide breaks down its key properties, real-world uses, and how it compares to other materials—so you can pick the right solution for your project.
1. Material Properties of UNS N06200 Hastelloy X
Hastelloy X’s performance comes from its carefully blended composition and robust characteristics. Let’s explore each property clearly.
1.1 Chemical Composition
Every element works together to boost heat resistance and strength. Below is its typical composition (by weight):
| Element | Content Range (%) | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 47–50 | Base metal—provides high-temperature stability and ductility |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18–22 | Enhances oxidation resistance (critical for furnace and engine parts) |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 8–10 | Boosts strength and corrosion resistance in high-heat environments |
| Iron (Fe) | 17–20 | Adds structural strength and reduces material cost |
| Cobalt (Co) | 0.5–2.5 | Improves creep resistance (stops deformation under long-term heat) |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.2–1.0 | Enhances high-temperature hardness and wear resistance |
| Carbon (C) | 0.05–0.15 | Strengthens the alloy without sacrificing ductility |
| Manganese (Mn) | Max 1.0 | Aids in manufacturing (e.g., welding and casting) |
| Silicon (Si) | Max 1.0 | Reduces oxidation at extreme temperatures |
| Sulfur (S) | Max 0.015 | Kept low to prevent brittleness in high-heat conditions |
| Aluminum (Al) | Max 0.5 | Enhances oxidation resistance (works with chromium) |
| Titanium (Ti) | Max 0.15 | Stabilizes the alloy and prevents intergranular corrosion |
1.2 Physical Properties
These traits make Hastelloy X ideal for high-temperature design:
- Density: 8.3 g/cm³ (heavier than aluminum, lighter than some other superalloys)
- Melting Point: 1290–1350°C (2350–2460°F) – handles extreme heat in engines and furnaces
- Thermal Conductivity: 13.5 W/(m·K) at 20°C (68°F); 23.0 W/(m·K) at 800°C – efficient heat transfer
- Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 13.5 μm/(m·K) (20–100°C); 17.8 μm/(m·K) (20–800°C) – manageable expansion in heat cycles
- Electrical Resistivity: 130 Ω·mm²/m at 20°C – suitable for electrical components in high-heat areas
- Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic – great for aerospace and electronic equipment where magnetism is a problem
1.3 Mechanical Properties
Hastelloy X stays strong even at high temperatures. All values below are for the annealed (heat-treated) version:
| Property | Value (Room Temperature) | Value at 800°C |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Min 700 MPa (102 ksi) | 420 MPa (61 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | Min 350 MPa (51 ksi) | 280 MPa (41 ksi) |
| Elongation | Min 30% (in 50 mm) | 35% (in 50 mm) |
| Hardness | Max 220 HB (Brinell) | N/A |
| Fatigue Resistance | 280 MPa (10⁷ cycles) | 180 MPa (10⁷ cycles) |
| Creep Resistance | Maintains strength up to 1090°C (2000°F) | – |
1.4 Other Properties
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in oxidizing environments (e.g., air, steam) and mild acids – outperforms stainless steel at high temps.
- Oxidation Resistance: Resists scaling in air up to 1090°C (2000°F) for long periods – ideal for furnace liners.
- Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Resistance: Resists SCC in chloride-rich solutions (a common issue for 316 stainless steel).
- Pitting Resistance: Good resistance to pitting in salty or acidic brines (suitable for marine and chemical applications).
- Hot/Cold Working Properties: Easy to hot forge (at 1150–1250°C) – cold working is possible but may require annealing to restore ductility.
2. Applications of UNS N06200 Hastelloy X
Hastelloy X’s high-temperature performance makes it perfect for tough industries. Here are its most common uses, with real-world examples:
2.1 Aerospace Components
- Use Case: A U.S. aerospace company uses Hastelloy X for jet engine exhaust systems. The parts handle 950°C temperatures—they’ve lasted 8 years, compared to 4 years for Inconel 625 parts.
- Other Uses: Combustion chambers, turbine blades, and afterburner components.
2.2 Heat Treatment Equipment
- Use Case: A metal processing plant in Germany uses Hastelloy X for furnace heating elements. The elements operate at 1000°C daily—they’ve run for 5 years, vs. 2 years for stainless steel elements.
- Other Uses: Furnace liners, annealing baskets, and heat exchanger tubes.
2.3 Oil and Gas Industry
- Use Case: An offshore oil rig in the North Sea uses Hastelloy X for wellhead valves. The alloy resists high-pressure natural gas and 600°C temperatures, cutting maintenance costs by 35%.
2.4 Chemical Processing Equipment
- Use Case: A chemical plant in China uses Hastelloy X for high-temperature reactor vessels. The vessels handle 750°C processes—they’ve lasted 6 years, compared to 3 years for carbon steel vessels.
2.5 Nuclear Industry
- Use Case: A nuclear power plant in France uses Hastelloy X for coolant system parts. The alloy resists corrosion from radioactive coolants, ensuring long-term safety.
3. Manufacturing Techniques for UNS N06200 Hastelloy X
To get the best performance from Hastelloy X, manufacturers use these specialized methods:
- Casting: Investment casting (using a wax mold) is ideal for complex shapes (e.g., engine combustion chambers). The alloy’s low sulfur content prevents defects during casting.
- Forging: Hot forging (at 1150–1250°C) shapes the alloy into strong parts like turbine blades. Forging improves grain structure, boosting high-temperature strength.
- Welding: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is recommended. Use matching filler metals (e.g., ERNiCrMo-10) to maintain corrosion resistance. Pre-weld cleaning (to remove oils) is critical for strong welds.
- Machining: Use carbide tools (they stay sharp longer). Add coolant (e.g., mineral oil) to prevent overheating—Hastelloy X can work-harden if cut too quickly.
- Heat Treatment:
- Annealing: Heat to 1050–1100°C, cool rapidly (air or water) – softens the alloy for forming and restores ductility.
- Stress Relieving: Heat to 760–815°C, cool slowly – reduces internal stresses after welding or cold working.
- Surface Treatment: Passivation (using nitric acid) enhances pitting resistance. No painting is needed— the alloy’s natural surface resists rust in most environments.
4. Case Study: Hastelloy X in an Aerospace Combustion Chamber
An aerospace manufacturer in the UK needed to upgrade combustion chambers for a new jet engine. The old chambers (made of Inconel 625) failed after 3000 flight hours due to heat fatigue at 980°C.
They switched to Hastelloy X chambers. Here’s the result:
- Lifespan: The chambers have lasted 6000 flight hours with no signs of wear.
- Cost Savings: Replacement costs dropped by 50% (fewer frequent part changes).
- Performance: The alloy’s heat resistance improved engine efficiency by 8%, reducing fuel consumption.
This case proves why Hastelloy X is the top choice for high-temperature aerospace parts.
5. Comparative with Other Materials
How does UNS N06200 Hastelloy X stack up against other common materials? The table below compares key properties:
| Material | Max Service Temp (°C) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Corrosion Resistance (High Temps) | Cost (Relative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastelloy X | 1090 | 700 | Excellent | High |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 870 | 515 | Good | Low |
| Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V | 400 | 860 | Very Good | Very High |
| Inconel 625 | 980 | 930 | Excellent | High |
| Hastelloy C22 | 650 | 690 | Excellent (acids) | High |
| Monel 400 | 480 | 550 | Good (seawater) | Medium |
| Carbon Steel | 425 | 400 | Poor | Very Low |
Key Takeaways:
- Hastelloy X outperforms stainless steel and Monel 400 in high-temperature resistance.
- It’s more affordable than titanium alloys and offers better heat resistance than Hastelloy C22.
- Inconel 625 has higher tensile strength, but Hastelloy X works at higher temperatures (up to 1090°C).
Yigu Technology’s Perspective
At Yigu Technology, we recommend UNS N06200 Hastelloy X for clients in aerospace, heat treatment, and oil industries. Its exceptional high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance make it a reliable, long-lasting solution. Our team provides custom machining and heat treatment for Hastelloy X components, ensuring they meet strict industry standards. For projects needing durability in extreme heat, Hastelloy X delivers unmatched value.
FAQ
1. Can UNS N06200 Hastelloy X handle temperatures above 1000°C?
Yes! It’s designed for this—it maintains strength up to 1090°C (2000°F) in air. This makes it ideal for jet engine parts, furnace liners, and other high-heat applications.
2. Is Hastelloy X suitable for marine environments?
Absolutely. Its good pitting resistance and corrosion protection in salty water make it ideal for marine parts like offshore wellhead valves—outperforming stainless steel in long-term use.
3. What’s the typical lifespan of Hastelloy X parts in aerospace applications?
In aerospace components (e.g., jet engine exhausts), Hastelloy X parts last 6–10 years or 6000+ flight hours—2x longer than Inconel 625 parts. Proper maintenance (e.g., annealing) can extend this lifespan even further.
