Nickel Alloy ENiCrFe-3
UNS W86182 · ASTM A5.11 ENiCrFe-3 · also Inconel Filler Metal 182
ENiCrFe-3 is a Ni-Cr-Fe covered electrode (Inconel Filler Metal 182, UNS W86182) classified to AWS A5.11, used for shielded metal arc welding and overlay of Alloy 600/690, dissimilar metal joints and nuclear piping.
Reference datasheet — ENiCrFe-3 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the AW condition
ENiCrFe-3 tempers and conditions
ENiCrFe-3 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deposit after solution anneal ~1050 °C + rapid cool | Used when a clad or repaired component is fully solution annealed with the base metal (Alloy 600 fabrication route); maximum ductility, lowest strength. | 320 | 570 | 45 | 165 HB | 1.4 % IACS |
Deposit after post-weld stress relief | Pick when the assembly (e.g. dissimilar weld on P-No.1/P-No.5 steel) must receive a code-required stress relief; strength drops slightly, ductility rises. | 380 | 590 | 42 | 180 HB | 1.4 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Standard condition for ENiCrFe-3 deposits: joints and overlays used directly as welded, per AWS A5.11 all-weld-metal test requirements. | 420 | 620 | 38 | 11 HRC | 1.4 % IACS |
nuclear grade, cobalt ≤ 0.02–0.12 % restricted | Specify for reactor-coolant-side work where Co-60 activation must be minimised; identical mechanicals, tighter Co/P/S and traceability per ASME III / RCC-M. | 420 | 620 | 38 | 190 HB | 1.4 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways ENiCrFe-3 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
OVERLAY | Weld cladding / buttering layer on steel | Coating |
What is ENiCrFe-3?
ENiCrFe-3 is a Ni-Cr-Fe covered electrode (Inconel Filler Metal 182, UNS W86182) classified to AWS A5.11, used for shielded metal arc welding and overlay of Alloy 600/690, dissimilar metal joints and nuclear piping. As-welded deposits give about 420 MPa yield, 620 MPa tensile, 38% elongation and 190 HB (90 HRB), with service to 650 °C. Deposits work-harden quickly and are sensitive to iron dilution from steel; low-cobalt lots (NUCL-LOWCO) are stocked for nuclear work. For GTAW/GMAW use the matching bare wire ERNiCr-3 (Alloy 82). ENiCrFe-3 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 52% of nickel alloy grades. It melts at 1,340°C (2,444 °F). ENiCrFe-3 has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 62% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is ENiCrFe-3 used for?
- nuclear reactor dissimilar metal welds
- Alloy 600/690 fabrication
- buttering welds on low-alloy steel
Advantages
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 92% of nickel alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 140 MPa·√m (127.4 ksi·√in), better than 91% of nickel alloy grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 84% of nickel alloy grades
ENiCrFe-3 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ENiCrFe-3-AW; bars are the position among nickel alloy grades.
Physical3
ENiCrFe-3 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 52% of nickel alloy grades. It melts at 1,340°C (2,444 °F).
Mechanical17
ENiCrFe-3 has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 62% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal5
ENiCrFe-3 is rated for continuous service to 650°C (1,202 °F). It conducts heat at 10.5 W/m·K (6.07 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 73% of nickel alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 14.5 µm/m·K (8.06 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ENiCrFe-3 conducts electricity at 1.4 % IACS, worse than 65% of nickel alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (76/100), worse than 59% of nickel alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ENiCrFe-3 takes about 135 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 84% of nickel alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability6
ENiCrFe-3's machinability is poor (28/100, better than 82% of nickel alloy grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability fair (50/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the nickel alloy family
Yield strength against density for every nickel alloy grade FabDigit runs. ENiCrFe-3 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ENiCrFe-3
Is ENiCrFe-3 easy to machine?
Tough, work-hardening deposit — use rigid setups, sharp carbide at low speed/high feed, flood coolant, and avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.
Can ENiCrFe-3 be welded?
DCEP (some grades AC-capable), stringer beads, low heat input, interpass ≤ 150 °C, redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1 h; no preheat needed but clean joint faces and limit dilution from steel.
Can ENiCrFe-3 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; deposit can be lightly peened or ground, hot working of the weld metal is not recommended.
ENiCrFe-3 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cr | 13 – 17 | 15 |
| Fe | ≤ 10 | 7 |
| Mn | 5 – 9.5 | 7 |
| Nb+TaCb+Ta, stabiliser against hot cracking | 1 – 2.5 | 1.8 |
| Ti | ≤ 1 | 0.4 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| C | ≤ 0.1 | 0.04 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.5 | 0.05 |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Corestricted only when nuclear grade is ordered | ≤ 0.12 | 0.03 |
| Other, total | ≤ 0.5 | |
| NiNi + Co reported together in AWS A5.11 | ≥ 59 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on ENiCrFe-3?
Remove all slag between passes; grind/blend, pickle-free cleaning with stainless wire brushes, and electropolish or buff for service-water/nuclear cleanliness requirements.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on nickel alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Nickel Alloy ENiCrFe-3 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W86182
- ASTM
- A5.11 ENiCrFe-3
- Trade names
- Inconel Filler Metal 182
- Also called
- Inconel 182AWS A5.11 ENiCrFe-3
How much does ENiCrFe-3 cost?
ENiCrFe-3 is a high-cost nickel alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
ENiCrFe-3 — frequently asked
What is ENiCrFe-3 used for?
ENiCrFe-3 is typically used for nuclear reactor dissimilar metal welds, alloy 600/690 fabrication and buttering welds on low-alloy steel. In short: standard Alloy 182 electrode; nuclear dissimilar-metal welding; low-cobalt lots available.
What is the yield strength of ENiCrFe-3?
ENiCrFe-3 has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 62% of nickel alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ENiCrFe-3 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, better than 82% of nickel alloy grades). Tough, work-hardening deposit — use rigid setups, sharp carbide at low speed/high feed, flood coolant, and avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.
Can ENiCrFe-3 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). DCEP (some grades AC-capable), stringer beads, low heat input, interpass ≤ 150 °C, redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1 h; no preheat needed but clean joint faces and limit dilution from steel.
What surface finishes work on ENiCrFe-3?
Remove all slag between passes; grind/blend, pickle-free cleaning with stainless wire brushes, and electropolish or buff for service-water/nuclear cleanliness requirements.
Can ENiCrFe-3 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; deposit can be lightly peened or ground, hot working of the weld metal is not recommended.
What is the maximum service temperature of ENiCrFe-3?
ENiCrFe-3 is rated for continuous use to about 650°C (1,202 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ENiCrFe-3-AW and ENiCrFe-3 SOL-ANN?
AW is the default condition — standard condition for ENiCrFe-3 deposits: joints and overlays used directly as welded, per AWS A5.11 all-weld-metal test requirements. SOL-ANN: used when a clad or repaired component is fully solution annealed with the base metal (Alloy 600 fabrication route); maximum ductility, lowest strength. Yield strength is 420 MPa in AW versus 320 MPa in SOL-ANN.
How much does ENiCrFe-3 cost?
ENiCrFe-3 is a high-cost nickel alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- AWS A5.11/A5.11M Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — AWS (2018)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C, SFA-5.11 — ASME (2023)
- INCONEL Welding Electrode 182 product data — Special Metals Welding Products (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (Ni-alloy filler metals) — ASM International (1993)
- GB/T 13814 (ENi6182) — SAC (2008)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.