Introduction
Invar 36 is a nickel-iron precision alloy known for its extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion. It is widely supplied in sheet, plate, bar and wire forms for applications requiring excellent dimensional stability under temperature changes.
Compared with conventional steels and many engineering alloys, Invar 36 maintains more consistent dimensions when exposed to thermal variations. This makes it an important material for precision manufacturing, aerospace tooling, optical equipment and scientific instruments.
This guide explains Invar 36 alloy products, including available product forms, material characteristics, typical applications, manufacturing considerations and how to select the correct Invar product for industrial projects.
Quick Answer: What Products Are Available in Invar 36 Alloy?
- Invar 36 Sheet:
Used for precision components, covers and dimensional stability applications. - Invar 36 Plate:
Suitable for larger precision structures, tooling and fabricated components. - Invar 36 Bar:
Used for machining precision parts and mechanical components. - Invar 36 Wire:
Used for specialized precision applications requiring controlled expansion.
What Is Invar 36 Alloy?
Invar 36 is a nickel-iron alloy containing approximately 36% nickel and the balance mainly iron. It is one of the most recognized low expansion alloys because of its unique Invar effect.
The alloy was developed for applications where dimensional changes caused by temperature fluctuations must be minimized. Unlike common metals that expand significantly when heated, Invar 36 maintains excellent dimensional stability within its operating temperature range.
| Item | Invar 36 Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Nickel-iron precision alloy |
| Common Designations | Invar 36, FeNi36, Alloy 36, UNS K93600 |
| Nickel Content | Approximately 36% |
| Main Feature | Very low thermal expansion |
Invar 36 Product Forms
Invar 36 can be supplied in different product forms depending on manufacturing requirements. Selecting the correct product form helps improve machining efficiency, fabrication performance and final component accuracy.
| Product Form | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Invar 36 Sheet | Precision covers, instruments, electronic and optical components |
| Invar 36 Plate | Tooling, aerospace structures and precision fabrication |
| Invar 36 Bar | Machined parts, shafts and precision mechanical components |
| Invar 36 Wire | Special precision applications and controlled expansion components |
Need Invar 36 Sheet, Plate, Bar or Wire?
For customized Invar 36 products, provide your required dimensions, product form, quantity and application requirements for material evaluation.
Available solutions include precision alloy sheets, plates, bars, wires and customized Invar components.
Properties of Invar 36 Alloy
The main advantage of Invar 36 is its ability to maintain dimensional stability under temperature changes. This property makes it different from conventional engineering metals that experience greater thermal expansion.
| Property | Typical Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Thermal Expansion | Extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent stability during temperature fluctuations |
| Machinability | Can be machined with suitable tooling and parameters |
| Weldability | Suitable for controlled welding processes |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate; surface protection may be considered depending on environment |
Manufacturing and Processing Considerations for Invar 36
Although Invar 36 is relatively easy to fabricate, its low thermal expansion characteristics require careful processing control. Improper machining or welding conditions may affect dimensional accuracy.
Machining Invar 36
When machining Invar 36, manufacturers usually consider cutting speed, tool selection and heat generation control. Because the alloy is often used for precision components, maintaining dimensional accuracy after machining is critical.
- Use appropriate cutting parameters
- Control heat accumulation during machining
- Consider stress relief requirements for precision parts
- Verify final dimensions after processing
Welding Invar 36
Invar 36 can be welded using suitable welding procedures. For precision applications, welding distortion control is important because even small deformation may affect the final component performance.
Post-weld treatment and dimensional inspection may be required depending on the application requirements.
Invar 36 vs Kovar vs Super Invar
Invar 36, Kovar and Super Invar are all precision alloys designed for controlled thermal expansion, but they are selected for different engineering purposes.
| Material | Main Feature | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Invar 36 | Very low thermal expansion | Precision instruments, aerospace tooling, measurement systems |
| Kovar | Controlled expansion matching glass and ceramics | Electronic packages and glass-to-metal sealing |
| Super Invar | Lower thermal expansion than standard Invar under certain conditions | High precision measurement applications |
How to Select the Right Invar 36 Product
Selecting the correct Invar 36 product form depends on the final application, manufacturing process and dimensional requirements.
| Requirement | Recommended Product Form |
|---|---|
| Precision flat components | Invar 36 Sheet or Plate |
| Machined components | Invar 36 Bar |
| Special precision applications | Invar 36 Wire or Customized Components |
| Large fabricated structures | Invar 36 Plate |
Looking for Customized Invar 36 Material?
For Invar 36 sheet, plate, bar or wire requirements, provide dimensions, quantity, standards and application details to receive a suitable material recommendation.
Related Invar Resources and Products
For customers researching low expansion alloys, the following resources and product options can help with material selection.
- What Is Invar Alloy? Definition, Invar Effect, Composition and Applications
- Invar 36 Sheet, Plate, Bar and Wire Inquiry
- Customized Invar Alloy Components
- Precision Nickel Iron Alloy Solution
If you require a specific Invar 36 product form, please provide dimensions, quantity and application requirements through our contact page.
Post time: Jul-31-2026