Inconel Machining

Inconel alloys are typically used in high temperature applications. Inconel alloys are oxidation and corrosion resistant materials well suited for service in extreme environments. When heated, Inconel forms a thick, stable, passivating oxide layer protecting the surface from further attack. Inconel retains strength over a wide temperature range, attractive for high temperature applications where aluminum and steel would succumb to creep as a result of thermally-induced crystal vacancies

Inconel is a difficult metal to machine. For this reason, Inconels are machined using an aggressive but slow cut with a hard tool, minimizing the number of passes required. External threads are machined using a lathe to “single point” the threads. Cutting of plate is often done with a waterjet cutter. Internal threads can also be cut by single point method on lathe, or by threadmilling on a machining center.