Nimonic Alloy PK33: Composition, Properties, and Uses
In the world of advanced engineering materials, the quest for alloys that can withstand extreme conditions is never-ending. Enter Nimonic…
In the fast-evolving world of high-performance materials, Nimonic Alloy 263 stands out as a powerhouse. This nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy is renowned for its exceptional proof stress, creep strength, and ductility, making it indispensable in critical industries like aerospace, power generation, and petrochemicals. But what truly sets Nimonic Alloy 263 apart? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into its unique properties, cutting-edge applications, and advanced fabrication techniques. Additionally, we provide a detailed market analysis, including the latest price trends and key suppliers in India. Whether you’re an engineer, procurement manager, or industry professional, this guide offers invaluable insights to help you leverage the full potential of Nimonic Alloy 263.
Nimonic Alloy 263, also known as Nickel Alloy 263 or UNS N07263, was developed by Rolls-Royce Ltd. in 1971 to create a material that could be easily fabricated and improve ductility in welded assemblies. The alloy was designed to replace Nimonic Alloy 80A, meeting stringent criteria for proof stress and creep strength.
Nimonic Alloy 263 is a nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy with the following typical composition:
Nimonic Alloy 263 offers exceptional physical and mechanical properties:
Nimonic Alloy 263 is highly fabricable and adaptable for various industrial applications:
For optimal properties, Nimonic Alloy 263 requires specific heat treatments:
Nimonic Alloy 263 is widely utilized in high-temperature, high-strength applications:
This alloy’s combination of strength, ductility, and oxidation resistance, along with its ease of fabrication, makes it a top choice for demanding industrial environments.
Nimonic Alloy 263 is celebrated for its outstanding properties, making it ideal for high-stress and high-temperature applications. It retains high strength up to 1500°F (816°C) and maintains good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The alloy exhibits excellent oxidation resistance up to 1800°F (982°C), which is crucial for high-temperature environments. It also shows excellent tensile ductility at intermediate temperatures, making it versatile for different applications. Being non-magnetic adds to its advantages in specialized applications. The alloy has a density of 0.302 lbs/in³ (8.36 g/cm³) and a hardness of 28 HRC, with a machinability rating of 18%, which means it requires robust machining equipment.
Thanks to its robust properties, Nimonic Alloy 263 is used across various industries. Its primary applications include:
Gas Turbines: In gas turbines, Nimonic Alloy 263 is prized for its ability to withstand high temperatures and resist oxidation. Components such as turbine rings, casings, and sheet fabrications are often made from this alloy. Its excellent formability and weldability are advantageous for producing the complex shapes required in turbine engineering.
Aerospace and Land-Based Turbines: The alloy is employed in both aircraft turbine engines and land-based turbine applications, due to its high-temperature tolerance and mechanical strength.
High-Temperature Vessels: Its heat tolerance and strength make it suitable for constructing vessels used in combustion and other high-temperature processes.
Petrochemical Industries: In the petrochemical industry, Nimonic Alloy 263 is used for its ability to endure harsh environments and high temperatures. Applications include reactors, heat exchangers, and other equipment that must maintain structural integrity under extreme conditions.
These characteristics and applications underscore the versatility and reliability of Nimonic Alloy 263 in demanding environments. Its unique combination of high strength, oxidation resistance, and excellent formability makes it a preferred material for various high-temperature and high-stress applications.
Nimonic Alloy 263 is a versatile material used in various high-stress industries. In India, its price varies widely depending on form, quantity, and supplier. Prices for Nimonic Alloy 263 range from ₹1,222/kg to ₹5,550/kg for round bars and around ₹4,000/kg for sheets.
Several factors influence the market dynamics and pricing of Nimonic Alloy 263 in India:
Industries such as gas turbines, power generation, petrochemicals, and offshore oil drilling drive the demand for Nimonic Alloy 263 due to its high strength and oxidation resistance.
Nimonic Alloy 263 is widely available through suppliers and distributors, especially in industrial hubs like Mumbai, ensuring easy procurement for various industries.
The ease of hot working and compatibility with TIG and MIG welding techniques make Nimonic Alloy 263 a preferred choice, boosting its demand and simplifying manufacturing processes.
A detailed price list for Nimonic Alloy 263 in India can provide valuable insights for procurement managers and industry professionals. Here are some indicative prices:
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, supplier policies, and international trade regulations.
The demand for Nimonic Alloy 263 is bolstered by its favorable fabrication and welding characteristics. The alloy’s ability to be hot worked and welded using TIG and MIG processes makes it a preferred choice for various industrial applications. This versatility in fabrication and welding contributes to the alloy’s steady demand.
Nimonic Alloy 263 requires specific heat treatments, including solution treatment and age hardening, to achieve its optimal properties. These treatments are crucial for applications requiring the alloy’s high strength and oxidation resistance. The need for precise heat treatment processes adds to the overall cost but ensures the material’s reliability and performance.
These factors collectively influence the pricing, availability, and demand for Nimonic Alloy 263 in the Indian market.
Nimonic Alloy 263 needs special fabrication methods to perform well in high-temperature and high-stress environments. These methods include hot working and cold working.
Hot working is performed between 950-1150°C (1742-2102°F) to maintain the alloy’s mechanical properties. This process can be applied to different forms such as extruded bars, forged bars, and hot-rolled sheets. Proper temperature control is crucial to avoid overheating, which can lead to grain growth and reduced mechanical properties.
Cold working strengthens Nimonic Alloy 263 through strain hardening, resulting in proof stresses of 343 MPa (0.1%), 355 MPa (0.2%), and 369 MPa (0.5%). The tensile strength can reach up to 788 MPa, with an elongation of 59.7% on 50 mm and a hardness of 195 HV. This process is suitable for producing precise components with tight tolerances and improved surface finish, though intermediate annealing may be necessary to restore ductility.
Heat treatment is essential for developing the desired mechanical properties and enhancing the performance of Nimonic Alloy 263. The alloy typically undergoes solution treatment followed by aging treatment.
Solution treatment heats the alloy to 1100-1180°C (2012-2156°F) to dissolve alloying elements uniformly, followed by rapid cooling (water or oil quenching) to prevent phase separation. The duration depends on the material’s thickness and properties.
Aging treatment follows solution treatment to enhance the alloy’s mechanical properties:
This process precipitates secondary phases that strengthen the alloy, improving its creep resistance and high-temperature performance.
Annealing softens the alloy and restores ductility during fabrication:
Annealing is particularly useful during cold working processes to relieve internal stresses and prevent cracking.
Nimonic Alloy 263 can be welded using various techniques, making it ideal for complex fabrications and repairs.
Proper joint configuration and filler metal selection are crucial to ensure weld integrity and performance. These techniques are selected based on the specific application and component geometry.
AB Steel is a leading exporter, manufacturer, and supplier of Nimonic Alloy 263 in India, offering a wide range of products such as round bars, square bars, and threaded bars. AB Steel’s products meet international standards like ASME, ASTM, EN, BS, and GB. Their Nimonic Alloy 263 is renowned for its high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and high-temperature ductility.
Gaurav Steel is a renowned stockist and supplier of Nimonic alloys in India, offering high-quality materials specifically engineered for high-temperature applications. Their product lineup includes round bars, wires, sheets, plates, coils, and welding rods. Nimonic Alloy 263 from Gaurav Steel is celebrated for its exceptional high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance, making it suitable for critical industrial applications.
Heubach, available on IndiaMART, supplies Nimonic Alloy 263 Round Bars made in India, suitable for applications in offshore oil drilling, power generation, petrochemicals, gas processing, and specialty industries. Heubach ensures that their products meet stringent quality standards, with a minimum order quantity of 5400 kg and competitive pricing.
Though not based in India, Tech Steel & Materials supplies Nimonic Alloy 263 through local distributors. Developed by Rolls-Royce Ltd., this alloy is valued for its improved ductility in welded assemblies and meets high standards for proof stress and creep strength. Tech Steel & Materials provides the alloy suitable for both cold and hot forming, catering to high-temperature and high-strength applications such as the hot section of gas turbines.
These suppliers and manufacturers ensure the availability of high-quality Nimonic Alloy 263 products in India, catering to the diverse needs of industries that require materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
Nimonic Alloy 263 is governed by strict standards to ensure its reliability in high-performance settings. These standards cover its production, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications, ensuring consistency and reliability across various industries.
The Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS) are crucial for the use of Nimonic Alloy 263 in aerospace and related industries. Key specifications include:
Nimonic Alloy 263 is globally recognized under various standards, reflecting its widespread applicability:
The chemical composition of Nimonic Alloy 263 is critical for maintaining its high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. The key components are:
These components ensure the alloy’s performance under extreme conditions. The alloy is non-magnetic and has a density of 0.302 lbs/in³ (8.36 g/cm³).
The rigorous standards and specifications for Nimonic Alloy 263 ensure its compliance with industry requirements, making it a preferred choice for critical applications. For example:
These standards guarantee that Nimonic Alloy 263 consistently meets the demands of high-temperature and high-stress applications, providing confidence in its performance and reliability across diverse industries.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Nimonic Alloy 263 is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy known for its excellent high-temperature stability, thermal fatigue resistance, and high creep strength. With a composition including nickel (52%), cobalt (20%), chromium (20%), and molybdenum (5.9-6.1%), it exhibits superior mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, even at temperatures up to 1650°F (900°C). This alloy is highly formable and weldable, making it ideal for aerospace engine components, gas turbines, steam turbines, and chemical industry equipment. Its robust performance in extreme conditions ensures its widespread use in high-stress, high-temperature applications.
To find the current price list for Nimonic Alloy 263 in India, you can explore listings on platforms like IndiaMART, where prices for Nimonic Alloy 263 Round Bars range from ₹1,222/kg to ₹5,550/kg, and Nimonic 263 Sheets are priced between ₹490/kg to ₹4,000/kg. Contacting suppliers directly, such as Mahalaxmi Steel & Alloys or Prashaant Steel & Alloys, can provide the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. Visiting suppliers’ official websites or their listings on IndiaMART is also recommended for obtaining the latest price information.
For fabricating and heat-treating Nimonic Alloy 263, best practices involve both hot and cold working, and specific welding methods. Hot working should be done between 950-1150°C, while cold working may require intermediate annealing. Welding is best performed using TIG or MIG methods with appropriate filler materials and preheating. Heat treatment involves solution treatment at 1090-1175°C, followed by rapid cooling and age hardening at 720-780°C. Post-weld heat treatment includes solution annealing and aging to relieve stress and enhance properties, as discussed earlier. These practices ensure optimal mechanical properties and durability.
Top suppliers and manufacturers of Nimonic Alloy 263 in India include AB Steel, Special Metal Alloys, Prashaant Steel & Alloys, and Gaurav Steel. AB Steel is a major exporter and supplier of various forms of Nimonic Alloy 263, adhering to international standards. Special Metal Alloys, based in Mumbai, offers a wide range of Nimonic 263 products. Prashaant Steel & Alloys provides Nimonic C263 Sheets and other forms for diverse industrial applications. Gaurav Steel specializes in high-temperature applications, ensuring reliability and quality. These companies are reputable and well-established, catering to various industrial needs.
Nimonic Alloy 263 is governed by several key standards and specifications that ensure its quality and applicability. These include AMS 5872 and AMS 5886, which cover its chemical and mechanical properties for various forms like sheets and plates. The British Standard BS HR10 is also relevant, particularly for heat treatment procedures. Additionally, AMS 5966 provides further specifications for this alloy. These standards are crucial for ensuring the alloy’s performance in high-temperature applications, such as gas turbines, by detailing its chemical composition, mechanical properties, and fabrication guidelines, as discussed earlier in the article.
