Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 vs Waspaloy
Nickel Alloy · grade comparison
Nickel Alloy Inconel 718 and Waspaloy are both nickel alloy grades, both high heat ni. Inconel 718 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for Waspaloy, about 6% more. Waspaloy is harder — 250 HB against 200 HB for Inconel 718 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Waspaloy is stiffer (211 GPa vs 200 GPa) and Waspaloy runs hotter in service (650°C vs 540°C continuous). On the shop floor, Inconel 718 welds better (very good vs fair) and Inconel 718 forms better (good vs fair).
Inconel 718Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
WaspaloyChoose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
Inconel 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)
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elongation at Break 45% · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 18 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 35%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 4
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 | Waspaloy |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Solution Annealed | Solution Annealed |
| 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 Waspaloy — frequently asked
Is Inconel 718 stronger than Waspaloy?
Yes. Inconel 718 has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) for Waspaloy — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 965 MPa (140 ksi) vs 930 MPa (135 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Inconel 718 or Waspaloy?
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 welds better, Inconel 718 or Waspaloy?
Inconel 718. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against fair (35/100) for Waspaloy.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Inconel 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.