Nickel Alloy 718 vs Inconel 718
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy 718 and Inconel 718 are both nickel alloy grades. 718 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for Inconel 718, about 113% more; tensile strength follows at 1,375 MPa (199 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi). In exchange, Inconel 718 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 18% for 718, and 718 is harder (390 HB vs 200 HB). 718 runs hotter in service (650°C vs 540°C continuous). On the shop floor, Inconel 718 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than 718 (high, $$$$).
718Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Inconel 718Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
718 vs Inconel 718: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 8.19 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,260°C2,300 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,336°C2,437 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 11.4 W/m·K6.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 435 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13 µm/m·K7.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 210 J/g90.3 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.4 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.25×10⁻⁶ Ω·m49.2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V · Corrosion Resistance 78 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 3.2 mm²/s
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every nickel alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 718 | Inconel 718 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Solution Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | 1.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 1.6 µm |
| Electropolishing | — | Yes |
| HVOF Coating | — | Yes |
They share 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
718 vs Inconel 718 — frequently asked
Is 718 stronger than Inconel 718?
Yes. 718 has a typical yield strength of 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for Inconel 718 — about 113% more. Tensile strength is 1,375 MPa (199 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 718 or Inconel 718?
Inconel 718 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while 718 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, 718 or Inconel 718?
Inconel 718. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for 718.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 718 and Inconel 718 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.