Nickel Alloy 718 vs Waspaloy
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy 718 and Waspaloy are both nickel alloy grades. 718 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for Waspaloy, about 125% more; tensile strength follows at 1,375 MPa (199 ksi) vs 930 MPa (135 ksi). In exchange, Waspaloy is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 18% for 718, and 718 is harder (390 HB vs 250 HB). On the shop floor, 718 welds better (good vs fair) and Waspaloy sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than 718 (high, $$$$).
718Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
WaspaloyChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
718 vs Waspaloy: 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
Poisson's Ratio
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 8.19 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 650°C1,202 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.4 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 11%
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 Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | Waspaloy |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | 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 Waspaloy — frequently asked
Is 718 stronger than Waspaloy?
Yes. 718 has a typical yield strength of 1,170 MPa (170 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for Waspaloy — about 125% more. Tensile strength is 1,375 MPa (199 ksi) vs 930 MPa (135 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 718 or Waspaloy?
Waspaloy 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 Waspaloy?
718. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against fair (35/100) for Waspaloy.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 718 and Waspaloy 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.