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Invar, known for its low thermal expansion, is a specialty alloy primarily composed of iron and 36% nickel. Due to its unique physical properties and limited production scale, Invar commands a significantly higher market price than ordinary steel. The cost of Invar per kilogram can vary depending on the supplier, form (sheet, bar, plate, etc.), purity, quantity, and country of purchase. This article explores the current market price range of Invar per kg in 2025, the influencing factors, and comparison with similar alloys.
Average Price Range of Invar in 2025
The global market price of Invar alloy in 2025 ranges from approximately $80 to $150 per kilogram. Below is a table outlining the average cost by product form:
| Form | Average Price (USD/kg) | Notes |
| Invar Sheet | $80–$100 | Typically 0.5–5 mm thick |
| Invar Plate | $90–$120 | Thicker than 5 mm |
| Invar Rod/Bar | $100–$130 | Used in precision engineering |
| Invar Strip/Foil | $110–$150 | Ultra-thin, specialty electronics use |
Price Comparison with Other Alloys
Invar is often compared to other nickel-based and low-expansion alloys. Here's how its cost stacks up:
| Alloy | Main Elements | Approx. Price (USD/kg) | Typical Use |
| Invar 36 | Fe-Ni (36% Ni) | $80–$150 | Low thermal expansion |
| Kovar | Fe-Ni-Co | $100–$180 | Glass-to-metal sealing |
| Monel 400 | Ni-Cu (67% Ni) | $30–$50 | Marine, chemical resistance |
| Hastelloy C-276 | Ni-Mo-Cr | $90–$120 | Corrosion resistance |
| Nickel 200 | ~99% Ni | $40–$60 | Pure nickel applications |
Factors Influencing the Price of Invar
Several factors impact the final cost of Invar alloy per kg:
| Factor | Influence on Price |
| Nickel Content | High nickel prices directly increase cost |
| Manufacturing Process | Precision forging and controlled expansion processes add to cost |
| Form and Tolerance | Thin foil and tight tolerances increase fabrication expenses |
| Supply Chain | Shipping, taxes, and import duties can elevate price |
| Order Volume | Larger orders often receive discounts |
Where to Buy Invar
Invar can be purchased from specialty alloy distributors, industrial metal suppliers, or directly from manufacturers. Common global suppliers include:
| Supplier | Region | Availability |
| Carpenter Technology | USA | Full range of Invar grades |
| Imphy Alloys (Aperam) | Europe | High-quality precision Invar |
| Toho Titanium / Nippon Yakin | Japan | High-purity Invar strips |
| Shanghai Tankii Alloy | China | Cost-effective Invar sheets |
Bulk Pricing vs Retail Pricing
Retail pricing applies to small quantity orders, typically up to 100 kg. Bulk pricing is offered for orders over 500 kg and can reduce per kg costs by 10–30%. Example:
| Order Quantity | Invar Sheet Price (USD/kg) |
| 1–50 kg | $95–$100 |
| 51–500 kg | $85–$90 |
| 500+ kg | $75–$80 |
Price Trends of Invar (2020–2025)
Due to nickel price volatility and supply chain disruptions, the price of Invar has experienced fluctuations. Here’s a general trend summary:
| Year | Average Price (USD/kg) | Notes |
| 2020 | $70–$90 | Stable pre-COVID |
| 2021 | $80–$110 | Nickel demand spike |
| 2022 | $90–$140 | Raw material inflation |
| 2023 | $85–$130 | Recovery in supply chain |
| 2025 | $80–$150 | Stable but high due to nickel value |
Tips for Buyers
To get the best value when purchasing Invar:
- Request quotes from multiple suppliers.
- Buy in larger quantities to reduce unit cost.
- Choose the correct grade and tolerance for your need—avoid over-specifying.
- Factor in delivery time and shipping costs, especially for international orders.
Related Questions
Why is Invar so expensive?
Invar is expensive because of its high nickel content and the specialized processing required to maintain its low thermal expansion properties.
Where can I buy Invar metal?
You can purchase Invar from industrial metal suppliers such as Carpenter Technology, Imphy Alloys, or local distributors in your country specializing in high-performance alloys.
Is Invar cheaper than titanium?
Generally, Invar is more expensive than many forms of steel but can be cheaper than titanium, depending on the grade and form. However, titanium's use cases differ significantly from Invar’s.