Invar 36 Alloy Overview
Invar 36 / 4J36 is an iron-nickel precision alloy containing approximately 36% nickel. Its defining characteristic is a very low coefficient of thermal expansion over a controlled temperature range, making it suitable for components where dimensional stability is more important than conventional structural strength.
Thermal expansion performance is affected by chemical composition, melting practice, heat treatment, cold work and the temperature range used for measurement. The required coefficient of thermal expansion and test range should therefore be stated on the drawing or purchase specification.
Invar 36 Product Specification
| Item |
Supply Reference |
| Grade |
Invar 36 / 4J36 / FeNi36 |
| UNS designation |
K93600 |
| W.Nr. |
1.3912 |
| Common reference standards |
ASTM F1684 and ASTM A658 may be referenced depending on product form and project requirements; confirm the required edition with the inquiry |
| Alloy family |
Low-expansion nickel-iron precision alloy |
| Key purchasing requirement |
Product form, dimensions, condition, CTE test range, tolerances and certification |
Supply Forms and Custom Processing
| Product Form |
Production Review Information |
| Sheet, plate and cold-rolled strip |
Thickness, width, length or coil weight, flatness, surface and edge condition |
| Round bar, rod and forged bar |
Diameter, tolerance, straightness, cut length and machining allowance |
| Wire and flat wire |
Diameter or thickness × width, coil / spool condition, temper and surface |
| Cut or machined components |
Drawing, dimensional tolerances, datum requirements, machining allowance and inspection plan |
Invar 36 Technical Data
Chemical composition reference — final acceptance must follow the ordered specification and material certificate.
| Grade |
Range |
Ni |
Fe |
C |
Mn |
Si |
P |
S |
| Invar 36 |
Min |
35 |
Balance |
— |
0.2 |
— |
— |
— |
| Max |
37 |
0.05 |
0.6 |
0.3 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
Mechanical properties reference at 20°C — values can vary with product form, dimensions and condition.
| Tensile Strength |
0.2% Yield Strength |
Elongation |
| 490 MPa |
240 MPa |
42% |
| Design Factor |
Engineering Note |
| Thermal expansion |
Very low over the controlled service range; specify the required CTE range and test method |
| Cryogenic service |
Used in selected liquefied-gas and cryogenic systems after design, toughness and joining review |
| Machining |
Use rigid tooling, controlled feeds and allowances appropriate for a tough nickel-iron alloy |
| Joining |
Welding and brazing procedures must preserve dimensional and service requirements |
Discuss Invar 36 Dimensions and CTE Requirements
Invar 36 Applications
| Application Area |
Typical Use |
| Precision measurement |
Standards of length, measuring devices, gauges and positioning structures |
| Optical and laser systems |
Supports, mounts and structures requiring dimensional stability |
| Aerospace and composites |
Composite tooling, moulds and precision fixtures |
| Cryogenic equipment |
Selected tanks, piping components and transport systems for liquefied gases |
| Electronics and temperature control |
Electronic components, thermostat rods, relays and bimetallic assemblies |
Quality Inspection and Documentation
| Inspection Item |
Available Review |
| Material identity |
Chemical composition, grade and heat / batch traceability |
| Dimensions |
Thickness or diameter, width, length, straightness, flatness and tolerances |
| Mechanical properties |
Tensile testing according to the ordered product specification when required |
| Thermal expansion |
CTE testing range, orientation, specimen and acceptance criteria must be agreed before production |
| Documents |
Inspection certificate, test report, marking and additional project documentation as specified |
Packaging and Export Delivery
| Sheet and plate |
Surface protection, moisture barrier and reinforced wooden cases or pallets according to size |
| Bar and rod |
Bundled or boxed with end protection and heat / batch identification |
| Strip and wire |
Coils or spools with interleaving and moisture-resistant outer packing where required |
| Identification |
Grade, dimensions, heat / batch number, net weight and purchase-order reference |
RFQ Confirmation Checklist
| Please Provide |
Required Detail |
| Grade and standard |
Invar 36 / 4J36, specification and required edition |
| Product form and dimensions |
Thickness or diameter, width, length, tolerances and quantity |
| Thermal requirement |
CTE limit, temperature range and test method |
| Processing |
Cutting, machining allowance, heat treatment, surface and edge requirements |
| Quality and delivery |
Certificate, inspection, marking, packing and destination |
Request an Invar 36 Quotation
Send the required form, dimensions, CTE range, quantity and certification for quotation review.
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