Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 vs Nitinol
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 and Nitinol are both nickel alloy grades. Inconel 718 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Nitinol, about 38% more. Inconel 718 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 30% for Nitinol, and Nitinol is harder (250 HV vs 210 HV). Nitinol is lighter (6.45 g/cm³ vs 8.19 g/cm³ for Inconel 718) and Inconel 718 is stiffer (200 GPa vs 75 GPa). On the shop floor, Inconel 718 welds better (very good vs fair).
Inconel 718Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
NitinolChoose it when weight is the constraint.
Inconel 718 vs Nitinol: 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
Compressive Strength
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 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 | Inconel 718 | Nitinol |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Solution Annealed | O |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 5 finishes: Electropolishing, Gold Plating, HVOF Coating, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating.
Inconel 718 vs Nitinol — frequently asked
Is Inconel 718 stronger than Nitinol?
Yes. Inconel 718 has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Nitinol — about 38% more. Tensile strength is 965 MPa (140 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Inconel 718 or Nitinol?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Inconel 718 or Nitinol?
Inconel 718. Its machinability rates poor (18/100) against not recommended (12/100) for Nitinol; for welding the order is Inconel 718 first (very good, 70/100) then Nitinol (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Inconel 718 and Nitinol 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.