Superalloys are nickel, cobalt or iron-based alloys with elevated temperature strength, creep properties, and oxidation resistance.  Superalloys can be categorized by the base element that makes up the alloy. The Engineering360 SpecSearch Database contains product information for cobalt, iron, and nickel based alloys.

Cobalt-based alloys are non-ferrous magnetic alloys with high strength and toughness, excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, and high temperature strength. Cobalt can also be magnetized. Cobalt's properties result in the use of cobalt alloys in jet engine super-alloy components, prosthetic devices, magnets, and cutting tool binders. Cobalt is a useful alloying element in tool, maraging, and other alloy steels.

Iron-based alloys contain iron as the base metal. This category includes carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, cast iron, maraging steel, and other specialty iron-based alloys with varying properties. Iron alloys are used industry wide from construction and tool making to specialized medical and chemical synthesis applications.

Nickel-based alloys are non-ferrous metals with high strength and toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior elevated temperature properties. Nickel can also be magnetized. Nickel's properties result in the use of nickel alloys in jet engine super-alloy components, corrosion resistant chemical process equipment (valves, piping, and pumps), magnets and electrical resistance alloys, and heating elements. Nickel is also a useful alloying element in stainless, tool, maraging, and other alloy steels.

Specifications

Selecting metals and metal alloys requires an analysis of the desired specifications. Dimensions to consider include:

• Outer diameter (OD)
• Inner diameter (ID)
• Overall length
• Overall thickness

Other specifications of importance (based on application) include product shape, tensile strength, yield strength, melting point, conductivity, corrosion resistance, ductility, and malleability. These properties differ based on the material or alloy composition.

Image credit:

High Performance Alloys, Inc.