In the world of advanced engineering materials, performance, reliability, and resistance to harsh environments are critical. One such material that has gained recognition in the aerospace, energy, and oil & gas sectors is Alloy 716, often referred to as Inconel 716 or Nickel Alloy 716.
But what exactly is 716 material? What makes it special compared to other high-strength alloys? In this article, we’ll explore the composition, properties, applications, and advantages of Alloy 716 — a premium nickel-based superalloy designed to perform under extreme temperature and pressure conditions.
As a professional supplier of specialty metals and nickel alloys, SASAALLOY offers comprehensive expertise and global supply capability for high-performance materials like Alloy 716.
1. What Is 716 Material?
716 material is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy belonging to the family of precipitation-hardenable superalloys. It is closely related to Inconel 718, one of the most famous high-strength nickel alloys, but optimized for specific performance characteristics such as enhanced machinability, weldability, and long-term mechanical stability.
The alloy is typically used in aerospace turbines, nuclear power systems, downhole oil tools, and high-pressure valves, where it must retain strength and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 700°C (1300°F).
2. Chemical Composition of Alloy 716
The precise composition of Alloy 716 may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but it typically includes:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 50–55 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17–21 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.5–3.0 |
| Niobium (Cb) + Tantalum (Ta) | 4.5–5.5 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.6–1.0 |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.2–0.8 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤0.35 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.35 |
This precise combination gives the material exceptional mechanical strength, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance — even under extreme environmental conditions.
3. Key Characteristics of Alloy 716
A. High Strength and Toughness
Alloy 716 maintains excellent tensile, yield, and creep strength at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Its precipitation-hardening mechanism, primarily from γ” (Ni₃Nb) and γ’ (Ni₃(Al,Ti)) phases, gives it superior durability.
B. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
The presence of chromium and molybdenum enhances resistance to oxidation, pitting, and crevice corrosion in both oxidizing and reducing environments — making it suitable for aggressive chemical or marine applications.
C. Excellent Weldability
Compared to traditional superalloys, Alloy 716 offers improved weldability and reduced sensitivity to post-weld cracking. This makes it easier to fabricate complex components without compromising strength.
D. Thermal Stability
Alloy 716 retains mechanical integrity at temperatures up to 700°C, making it ideal for gas turbine and high-pressure systems where thermal fatigue is common.
E. Good Machinability
With optimized alloy balancing and microstructure control, Alloy 716 is easier to machine than conventional Inconel 718, reducing production costs while maintaining performance.
4. Comparison: Alloy 716 vs. Alloy 718
| Property | Alloy 716 | Alloy 718 |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Similar Ni-Cr-Fe base, lower Ti/Al | Standard Ni-Cr-Fe balance |
| Strength | Comparable high strength | Slightly higher tensile strength |
| Machinability | Better | Moderate |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good |
| Temperature Range | Up to 700°C | Up to 650°C |
| Applications | Valves, turbine discs, oil tools | Aerospace, cryogenic tanks, fasteners |
The main advantage of 716 lies in its enhanced processability, which reduces manufacturing difficulty while retaining the essential properties that make Inconel 718 famous.
5. Mechanical Properties of Alloy 716
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.19 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 1200–1400 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 1000–1100 MPa |
| Elongation | 12–18% |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | 35–45 HRC |
| Melting Range | 1260–1330°C |
These values highlight the exceptional strength and ductility of Alloy 716, which remains stable even after long-term exposure to high temperatures.
6. Applications of Alloy 716
Because of its superior combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, Alloy 716 is used across multiple demanding industries:
A. Aerospace and Aviation
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Turbine discs, shafts, and casings
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Jet engine fasteners
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Exhaust and afterburner components
B. Oil and Gas
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Downhole tools and packers
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High-pressure valves and flanges
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Subsea connectors and fittings
C. Power Generation
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Gas turbine blades and seals
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Steam generator tubing
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Combustion systems
D. Nuclear and Chemical Processing
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Reactor components and heat exchangers
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Corrosion-resistant piping
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Pressure vessels and containment units
E. Marine and Offshore Structures
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High-strength corrosion-resistant fasteners
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Propulsion system components
Its ability to maintain mechanical performance under severe pressure and corrosive environments makes 716 material a preferred choice in these sectors.
7. Heat Treatment and Processing
Alloy 716 is typically supplied in solution-annealed or precipitation-hardened conditions.
Solution Annealing:
Heating to approximately 980–1020°C followed by rapid cooling to dissolve precipitates and homogenize the structure.
Aging (Hardening):
Secondary heat treatment at 720–780°C promotes the formation of strengthening γ’ and γ” phases, enhancing yield and tensile strength.
Proper heat treatment ensures optimal mechanical performance and long-term stability.
8. Fabrication and Machining Guidelines
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Welding: Alloy 716 can be welded using TIG, MIG, or electron beam methods. Post-weld heat treatment is recommended to restore strength.
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Machining: Use carbide or ceramic tools; maintain low cutting speeds and high feed rates to prevent work hardening.
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Forming: Best performed in the solution-annealed condition to avoid cracking.
Thanks to improved machinability and weldability, Alloy 716 helps reduce production time compared to older nickel alloys.
9. Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance
Alloy 716 demonstrates resistance to:
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Oxidation up to 1000°C in air
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Chloride stress corrosion cracking
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Hydrogen embrittlement in sour environments
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Acidic corrosion from sulfuric and nitric acids
These properties make it suitable for offshore oil rigs, chemical plants, and power stations exposed to aggressive conditions.
10. Certification and Standards
Alloy 716 typically conforms to or is comparable with the following standards:
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ASTM B637 – Precipitation-hardened nickel-chromium-iron alloys
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AMS 5662 / AMS 5663 – Aerospace specifications for bars and forgings
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NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 – For sour gas service (H₂S environments)
At SASAALLOY, all materials are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 certificates, ensuring full traceability, chemical analysis, and mechanical property verification.
11. Advantages of Choosing Alloy 716
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Excellent combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance
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Superior machinability compared to standard 718
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High fatigue and creep resistance
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Outstanding oxidation protection in high-temperature conditions
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Reliable weldability for complex fabrication
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Proven long-term performance in critical environments
12. SASAALLOY – Your Reliable Partner for High-Performance Alloys
SASAALLOY specializes in the production and export of advanced nickel alloys, stainless steels, and superalloys for aerospace, marine, and energy sectors.
Our Capabilities Include:
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Supply of Alloy 716, 718, 625, and 825 in bars, sheets, tubes, and forgings
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Complete testing and certification services
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Custom heat treatment and machining options
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Global logistics and prompt delivery
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Technical support for material selection and fabrication
With years of experience and an international client base, SASAALLOY ensures every product meets stringent performance and quality standards for the world’s most demanding applications.
Conclusion
716 material is a high-performance nickel-based superalloy engineered for extreme conditions. Its combination of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance makes it a top choice for aerospace engines, offshore platforms, and energy systems.
Compared with traditional alloys, it offers improved manufacturability without compromising mechanical integrity. Whether you need turbine components, high-pressure valves, or critical fasteners, Alloy 716 delivers reliable, long-term performance.
When quality, consistency, and technical expertise matter, choose SASAALLOY — your trusted source for premium nickel and stainless steel alloys used worldwide in high-stress, high-temperature applications.
Post time: Oct-23-2025