INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® — High-Strength Superalloy Specifically Designed for Extreme Environments
Product Description
FUSHUN METAL offers premium quality INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® (UNS N09946), a high-strength, corrosion-resistant superalloy specifically engineered for the most demanding oil and gas applications. This age-hardenable nickel-iron-chromium alloy is enhanced with strategic additions of molybdenum, copper, niobium, titanium, and aluminum to deliver exceptional performance in extreme environments. With superior resistance to stress cracking in hydrogen sulfide-rich environments and outstanding mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® provides downhole dependability, ensures maximum operational uptime, and significantly reduces operational and business risks. FUSHUN METAL supplies this premium material in various forms including round bars, hollow bars, plates, and forged flats, making it the ideal choice for critical components in subsea and deep well operations where reliability is non-negotiable.
Standards and Specifications
INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® meets the following industry standards and specifications:
| Standard | Specification |
|---|---|
| UNS | N09946 |
| NACE | MR0175 / ISO-15156-3 |
| Level VII Certification | All environments |
| Level VI Certification | At 450°F to Max hardness of RC 42 |
| ASTM | B805, B983 |
| API | 5CRA, 6A |
Chemical Composition
FUSHUN METAL produces INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® with the following chemical composition:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 45.0 – 55.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 19.0 – 22.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.0 – 4.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.5 – 3.0 |
| Niobium (Nb) | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.2 – 0.8 |
| Carbon (C) | Max 0.03 |
| Manganese (Mn) | Max 1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | Max 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | Max 0.015 |
| Sulfur (S) | Max 0.010 |
Role of Key Alloying Elements
- Nickel (45.0-55.0%): Provides the alloy’s base matrix, excellent resistance to corrosion and high-temperature stability.
- Chromium (19.0-22.0%): Enhances corrosion resistance particularly in oxidizing environments by forming a protective oxide layer.
- Molybdenum (3.0-4.0%): Significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-containing environments.
- Copper (1.5-3.0%): Works together with niobium, titanium, and aluminum to form strengthening precipitates during age hardening.
- Niobium (2.5-3.5%): Forms primary strengthening precipitates (γ”) during age hardening, contributing to the alloy’s exceptional high strength.
- Titanium & Aluminum: Contribute to the formation of secondary strengthening precipitates (γ’) during heat treatment.
Mechanical Properties
INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® from FUSHUN METAL demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties, making it ideal for demanding applications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Yield Strength | 140 ksi (965 MPa) |
| Available Yield Strength Grades | 140 ksi (965 MPa) and 160 ksi (1103 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | 150-175 ksi (1034-1207 MPa) |
| Elongation | 20% minimum |
| Hardness (age hardened) | Up to 42 HRC |
| Impact Strength at Room Temperature | 30 ft-lbs (41 J) minimum |
| Density | 8.1 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1350-1410°C (2460-2570°F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 29.0 x 10³ ksi (200 GPa) |
Key Advantages of INCOLOY® Alloy 945X®
INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® from FUSHUN METAL offers several significant advantages that make it the material of choice for extreme environments:
- Exceptional High Strength: With minimum yield strength of 140 ksi (965 MPa), this alloy delivers outstanding mechanical performance at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional resistance to stress corrosion cracking in hydrogen sulfide environments, making it ideal for sour gas wells and other corrosive operations.
- NACE MR0175 / ISO-15156-3 Compliance: Certified for Level VII and Level VI at 450°F to a maximum hardness of RC 42, ensuring suitability for the most demanding H₂S-containing environments.
- Excellent High-Temperature Performance: Maintains mechanical properties at elevated temperatures common in deep well operations.
- Age-Hardenable: Can be heat-treated to achieve different strength levels to suit specific application requirements.
- Versatility: Available in multiple product forms including round bars, hollow bars, plates, and forged flats for diverse manufacturing needs.
- Good Fabricability: Can be machined, formed, and welded using conventional techniques with proper procedures.
Applications
Due to its unique combination of properties, INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® from FUSHUN METAL is the ideal choice for numerous critical applications in challenging environments:
Oil and Gas Exploration
- OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods)
- Subsurface safety valves
- Tubing hangers
- Landing nipples
- Packers
- Drill tools
- Tool joints
Production Equipment
- Valves for sour service
- High-pressure pumps
- High-strength piping systems
- Wellhead components
- Completion equipment
Processing Facilities
- Heat exchangers
- Pressure vessels
- Flow control equipment
- Process piping
Other Applications
- Chemical processing equipment
- Components for geothermal energy production
- Critical fasteners for high-stress environments
Available Product Forms
FUSHUN METAL offers INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® in various product forms to meet diverse manufacturing requirements:
Round Bars (Rolled and Forged)
| Diameter Range | Length | Surface Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5″ (12.7mm) to 22″ (558.8mm) | Random lengths or cut to size | Black/As-rolled, Rough-turned, Precision-turned, Ground, Polished |
Hollow Bars
| OD Range | ID Range | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 2″ (50.8mm) to 26″ (660.4mm) | Custom as required | Random lengths or cut to size |
Plates
| Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25″ (6.35mm) to 4″ (101.6mm) | Up to 96″ (2438.4mm) | Up to 240″ (6096mm) |
Forged Flats
| Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5″ (12.7mm) to 12″ (304.8mm) | Up to 40″ (1016mm) | Up to 144″ (3657.6mm) |
Heat Treatment
To achieve optimal properties in INCOLOY® Alloy 945X®, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following heat treatment procedures:
Solution Annealing
- Temperature: 1750-1850°F (954-1010°C)
- Holding Time: Sufficient to achieve uniform temperature throughout
- Cooling: Rapid cooling, preferably water quenching
- Purpose: Dissolves precipitates, homogenizes the structure, and prepares the material for age hardening
Age Hardening (Precipitation Hardening)
- First Stage: 1350°F (732°C) for 6-8 hours
- Cooling: Furnace cool to 1150°F (621°C)
- Second Stage: Hold at 1150°F (621°C) for 8 hours
- Final Cooling: Air cooling to room temperature
- Result: Formation of strengthening precipitates to achieve the desired mechanical properties
Note: Specific heat treatment parameters may be adjusted based on section thickness and desired mechanical properties. FUSHUN METAL’s technical team can provide customized heat treatment recommendations for your specific application requirements.
Fabrication Guidelines
INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® can be fabricated using conventional techniques, but due to its high strength and work-hardening characteristics, special considerations should be taken:
Machining
- Use rigid tooling and machine setups to minimize chatter
- Employ sharp, positive rake angle tools
- Maintain lower cutting speeds compared to stainless steels
- Use adequate cooling with appropriate cutting fluids
- Consider machining in the solution annealed condition where possible
Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) is the preferred method
- Use matching filler metals for optimal corrosion resistance and strength
- Minimize heat input to prevent distortion and maintain properties
- Post-weld heat treatment is recommended for critical applications
- Ensure proper cleaning before and after welding to prevent contamination
Forming
- Perform forming operations in the solution annealed condition
- Greater force is required compared to austenitic stainless steels
- Consider intermediate annealing for complex forming operations
- Age hardening should be performed after forming is complete
Quality Assurance
FUSHUN METAL maintains the highest standards of quality for INCOLOY® Alloy 945X®:
- Chemical Analysis: Each heat is analyzed using state-of-the-art spectrometers to ensure compositional compliance
- Mechanical Testing: Comprehensive testing including tensile, hardness, and impact properties
- Corrosion Testing: Materials are tested for resistance to various corrosive environments
- Non-Destructive Testing: Ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant inspection as required by specifications
- Microstructural Analysis: Examination of grain structure and precipitate distribution
- Traceability: Complete traceability from melt to final product
- Certification: Full certification package provided with each shipment, including material test reports
Why Choose FUSHUN METAL for INCOLOY® Alloy 945X®
Selecting FUSHUN METAL as your supplier for INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® provides numerous advantages:
- Technical Expertise: Our team of metallurgists and engineers has extensive experience with superalloys and their applications
- Manufacturing Excellence: State-of-the-art production facilities and strict process controls ensure consistent quality
- Comprehensive Testing: Rigorous testing at every stage of production guarantees material performance
- Custom Solutions: Ability to provide custom dimensions, mechanical properties, and surface finishes
- Technical Support: Expert assistance with material selection, heat treatment, and fabrication guidance
- Reliable Supply Chain: Global procurement and distribution network ensures timely delivery
- Competitive Pricing: Excellent value proposition for premium superalloy products
Request Information
Contact FUSHUN METAL today to discuss your INCOLOY® Alloy 945X® requirements. Our technical team is ready to assist you with:
- Detailed technical specifications
- Custom size and property requirements
- Heat treatment recommendations
- Fabrication guidance
- Price quotations and delivery schedules
- Application-specific material solutions
