Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 vs Nimonic 105
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 and Nimonic 105 are both nickel alloy grades. Nimonic 105 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for Inconel 718, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi). In exchange, Inconel 718 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 22% for Nimonic 105, and Nimonic 105 is harder (333 HB vs 200 HB). Nimonic 105 is stiffer (222 GPa vs 200 GPa) and Nimonic 105 runs hotter in service (950°C vs 540°C continuous). On the shop floor, Inconel 718 welds better (very good vs poor) and Inconel 718 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than Nimonic 105 (high, $$$$).
Inconel 718Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
Nimonic 105Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Inconel 718 vs Nimonic 105: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 16 kg CO₂/kg
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 | Inconel 718 | Nimonic 105 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Solution Annealed | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 1.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| HVOF Coating | Yes | — |
They share 3 finishes: Gold Plating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Inconel 718 vs Nimonic 105 — frequently asked
Is Nimonic 105 stronger than Inconel 718?
Yes. Nimonic 105 has a typical yield strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) against 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) for Inconel 718 — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 1,150 MPa (167 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Inconel 718 or Nimonic 105?
Inconel 718 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while Nimonic 105 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 is easier to machine, Inconel 718 or Nimonic 105?
Inconel 718. Its machinability rates poor (18/100) against not recommended (12/100) for Nimonic 105; for welding the order is Inconel 718 first (very good, 70/100) then Nimonic 105 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Inconel 718 and Nimonic 105 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.