One of the many advantages of metal spinning, beyond its quality and consistency, is its ability to form parts out of diverse materials. A variety of standard and exotic metals and alloys can be used, depending on the requirements of the industry and/or application.
For projects that require strength and resistance to environmental factors that other traditional metals can’t withstand, Hastelloy – considered an exotic metal – is often an admirable choice.
Material Specifics
Hastelloy is a highly corrosion-resistant nickel alloy consisting of varying degrees of other elements, including, but not limited to chromium, iron, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, and manganese. There are 22 different types of Hastelloy alloys.
Material Characteristics
While there are over two dozen different types of Hastelloy alloys, each with different specific characteristic based on their element composition, Hastelloy is generally known as a high-performance alloy, or a “super alloy.”
It can withstand environments ranging from moderately corrosive to extremely corrosive, and works well in environments of high stress and corrosion. In these severe environments, Hastelloy can exceed some of the limitations of stainless steel.
Hastelloy also offers good fabrication characteristics, thermal stability, and is extremely resistant to acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid.
These attributes make it an ideal choice for harsh chemical processing and aerospace applications.
Hastelloy X
Hastelloy X is highly valued in the aerospace industry for its temperature, oxidation, and carburization resistance. The X alloy resists stress cracking due to oxidation and maintains its ductility when exposed to temperatures as high as 1600° F. This unique combination of characteristics makes the alloy an excellent candidate for use in engine turbines, tailpipes, and other aircraft parts. Hastelloy X also finds use in many high-temperature industrial applications, including chemical processing and furnace operations. Mufflers, baffles, and tubing are all commonly made from Hastelloy X due to its unparalleled resistance properties.
The Hastelloy X alloy is highly responsive to hot forming, although machining requires special precautions regarding tooling and temperature regulation. Despite this limitation, the material is workable given a skilled team. Hastelloy X is heat treatable using a solution heat treatment, although annealing at lower temperatures can diminish the material’s strength and ductility.
At Helander, we possess the appropriate expertise and equipment required to work with Hastelloy X.
Hastelloy C276
Hastelloy C276 is one of the most popular corrosion-resistant alloys because of its great versatility. Not only is C276 resistant to corrosion under oxidative and reducing environments, but it also withstands exposure to volatile chemicals such as organic and inorganic chlorine compounds. Unlike comparable alloys, Hastelloy C276 resists precipitation and corrosion at welded joints that might otherwise be susceptible to damage.
Due to these features, pitting and cracking are extremely uncommon in Hastelloy C276 components, which are most typically found in chemical processing plants. Other common applications include components for specialized equipment in the paper, waste treatment, and pharmaceutical industries, among others that routinely handle corrosive chemicals.
Hastelloy C276 is machinable and withstands both hot and cold forming processes, although care must be taken to avoid work hardening. It can also be welded using most standard processes. Helander has significant experience working with Hastelloy C276 to produce components for a variety of industries and applications.
Metal Spinning and Hastelloy
Hastelloy is more expensive than common metals such as stainless steel, but it is a good choice for extremely corrosive, high-stress environments. It is a workable exotic alloy, and therefore responds well to metal spinning, producing strong, rigid, high-quality parts that will serve the most demanding applications.
Helander has the expertise to spin a range of parts using Hastelloy, producing superior products.