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Inconel 718, also known as Alloy 718 or UNS N07718, is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium alloy used extensively in high-temperature and high-stress environments. It offers excellent tensile, fatigue, creep, and rupture strength at temperatures up to 700°C. Due to its wide usage in aerospace, nuclear, and oil & gas industries, there is a robust global supply chain of manufacturers, distributors, and stockists. This article highlights the key suppliers of Inconel 718 worldwide, supplier comparison by region, and key factors to consider when choosing a supplier.
Top Global Suppliers of Inconel 718
The following are recognized global manufacturers and distributors known for offering certified Inconel 718 products:
| Supplier Name | Country | Product Forms Offered | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Metals Corporation | USA | Sheet, plate, bar, wire | AMS 5662, ASTM B670, ISO 9001 |
| Haynes International | USA | Plate, coil, forgings | NADCAP, ISO 9001 |
| VDM Metals | Germany | Strip, sheet, tube | EN 10204, ISO 14001 |
| Carpenter Technology | USA | Bar, wire, billet | AMS 5663, AS9100 |
| NeoNickel | UK | Rod, pipe, bar | AS9120, ISO 9001 |
| DM Special Steel Ltd | India | Round bar, tube, pipe | ASTM B637, ISO 9001 |
| Shanghai Alloytech | China | Rod, strip, sheet | GB/T 14992, ISO 9001 |
| Continental Steel | USA | Plate, pipe, wire | ISO 9001, DFARS compliant |
Inconel 718 Product Availability by Form
Different suppliers specialize in different product forms. Below is a summary showing typical availability across forms:
| Product Form | Availability | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bar | High | Aircraft fasteners, gas turbine shafts |
| Sheet/Plate | Moderate | Jet engine parts, rocket motor components |
| Seamless Pipe | Medium | Nuclear reactors, heat exchangers |
| Wire | High | Springs, instrumentation |
| Forgings | Low | Heavy duty engine parts |
Choosing the Right Inconel 718 Supplier
When selecting a supplier for Inconel 718, consider the following factors:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Certifications (AMS, ASTM, ISO) | Ensures material traceability and reliability for critical applications |
| Stock Availability | Reduces lead time for urgent projects |
| Heat Treatment Capabilities | Important for specific mechanical property requirements |
| DFARS Compliance | Mandatory for US defense contracts |
| Mill Test Reports (MTR) | Essential for verifying chemical and mechanical conformity |
Regional Supply Overview
Here is a comparison of availability and service quality by region for Inconel 718 suppliers:
| Region | Supply Level | Lead Time | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | High | 1–4 weeks | Aerospace, power generation |
| Europe | Moderate | 2–6 weeks | Jet engines, turbines |
| Asia | High | 1–5 weeks | Oil & gas, energy |
| Middle East | Low | 4–8 weeks | Petrochemicals |
Top Considerations for Aerospace-Grade Orders
In aerospace, the quality of Inconel 718 must meet extremely tight tolerances. Buyers should always ask for:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| AMS 5662/5663 Certification | Required for most aerospace components |
| Ultrasonic Testing | Detects internal flaws in bar and forging stock |
| Traceability to Melt Lot | Ensures material origin for safety-critical parts |
| Non-Destructive Testing Reports | Verifies surface integrity and mechanical performance |
| Dimensional Control Reports | Important for tight-tolerance machining |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the top suppliers of Inconel 718 globally?
Special Metals, Haynes International, Carpenter Technology, and VDM Metals are among the top suppliers of Inconel 718 worldwide, providing certified materials for critical applications.
2. What forms of Inconel 718 are most commonly supplied?
Round bars and wires are the most commonly supplied forms, followed by plates, sheets, tubes, and forgings.
3. What certifications should Inconel 718 suppliers have?
Suppliers should offer AMS 5662/5663, ASTM B670, ISO 9001, and often AS9100 certifications for aerospace or high-performance industries.