FabDigitFabDigit

Nickel Alloy BNi-1 vs ENi-1

Nickel Alloy · grade comparison

Nickel Alloy BNi-1 and ENi-1 are both nickel alloy grades. BNi-1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for ENi-1, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi). In exchange, ENi-1 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 1% for BNi-1, and BNi-1 is harder (520 HB vs 100 HB). BNi-1 is lighter (7.89 g/cm³ vs 8.9 g/cm³ for ENi-1) and BNi-1 runs hotter in service (900°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, ENi-1 machines more easily (fair vs not recommended) and ENi-1 welds better (excellent vs not recommended).

BNi-1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

ENi-1Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

BNi-1 vs ENi-1: properties

BNi-1ENi-1

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

77 GPa11.2 Msi
76 GPa11 Msi

Bulk Modulus

170 GPa24.7 Msi
180 GPa26.1 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.3
0.31

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

550 MPa79.8 ksi
440 MPa63.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

500 MPa72.5 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

1%
30%

Reduction in Area

1%
40%

Compressive Strength

1,600 MPa232 ksi
450 MPa65.3 ksi

Shear Strength

270 MPa39.2 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

2 J1.5 ft·lbf
80 J59 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

520 HB
100 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

52 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

550 HV
105 HV

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
55 HRB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.89 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
8.9 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

977°C1,791 °F
1,435°C2,615 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,038°C1,900 °F
1,445°C2,633 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

450 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
456 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

12.5 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F
13.3 µm/m·K7.4 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

290 J/g125 BTU/lb
297 J/g128 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

900°C1,652 °F
400°C752 °F

Min Service Temperature

-100°C-148 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

1.6 % IACS
8.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m43.3 µΩ·in
2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.28 V
-0.2 V

Corrosion Resistance

58 / 100
72 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

6 / 100
42 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

5%
30%

Weldability

10 / 100
85 / 100

Formability (cold)

3 / 100
60 / 100

Castability

55 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

90 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

15 kg CO₂/kg
13 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

320 L/kg38.3 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

10%
25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

70 kN·m/kg
49 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.3 MN·m/kg
22.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

625 kJ/m³
156 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

4.5 mm²/s
10.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

4
7

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.

2005001,0006.577.588.59Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleBNi-1ENi-1

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBNi-1ENi-1
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.

BNi-1 vs ENi-1 — frequently asked

Is BNi-1 stronger than ENi-1?

Yes. BNi-1 has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for ENi-1 — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi).

Which is cheaper, BNi-1 or ENi-1?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, BNi-1 or ENi-1?

ENi-1. Its machinability rates fair (42/100) against not recommended (6/100) for BNi-1; for welding the order is ENi-1 first (excellent, 85/100) then BNi-1 (not recommended, 10/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BNi-1 and ENi-1 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.