Nickel-Based Cryogenic Alloy Sheets Toughness For Low Temperature

Nickel-Based Cryogenic Alloy Sheets Toughness For Low Temperature

Comprehensive Introduction to Nickel-Based Cryogenic Alloy Plates

Nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates are a type of specialized alloy plate with nickel as the matrix (typically nickel content ≥ 50%), modified by adding alloying elements such as chromium, copper, molybdenum, and titanium. They are specifically designed for cryogenic environments ranging from -40°C to -273°C (near absolute zero). Their core value lies in solving the "brittle failure" issue of conventional metals (e.g., carbon steel, standard stainless steel) at low temperatures, while simultaneously ensuring corrosion resistance and mechanical stability—making them indispensable materials in cryogenic engineering. Below is a detailed introduction across key dimensions:

I. Core Performance Characteristics: Key Advantages for Cryogenic Adaptation
The performance design of nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates is fully centered on "cryogenic adaptability," with main advantages focused on the following three aspects:
1.Exceptional Cryogenic Toughness to Prevent Brittle Fracture
Conventional metals experience a sharp decline in toughness (known as "cold brittleness") at low temperatures due to reduced atomic mobility, and may fracture even under minor impacts. In contrast, nickel-based cryogenic alloys regulate their crystal structure through alloying element adjustment. Even at -196°C or -253°C, they maintain excellent impact toughness, serving as the core guarantee for "brittle fracture resistance" in cryogenic vessels and pipelines.
2.Balanced High Strength and Ductility
In cryogenic environments, materials not only need to be "non-brittle" but also withstand pressure or external forces. These alloy plates exhibit a tensile strength of 500–1000 MPa at room temperature, with further strength enhancement at low temperatures (without accompanying toughness degradation). Meanwhile, their elongation remains at 20%–40%, enabling them to withstand the operating pressure of cryogenic equipment while accommodating forming processes such as welding and bending.
3.Broad-Spectrum Corrosion Resistance for Complex Scenarios
Cryogenic engineering often involves corrosive media. Nickel-based cryogenic alloys achieve corrosion resistance through the synergistic effect of alloying elements:
▶Chromium enhances resistance to oxidation and acids;
▶Copper improves resistance to seawater and dilute sulfuric acid corrosion;
▶Molybdenum enhances resistance to chloride ion corrosion.

II. Typical Alloy Grades and Characteristics
Nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates include multiple grades, with slightly different performance focuses due to varying alloying element ratios. The following three grades are the most commonly used representatives in industry:

III. Core Application Fields: Focus on Critical Cryogenic Engineering Scenarios
The application of nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates is closely tied to fields requiring "stable cryogenic operation" with "high safety and reliability requirements," mainly covering four categories:
1.LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Industry Chain
This is the most core application scenario: used in LNG storage tank liners, "Invar steel replacement/support components" for LNG carriers, and cryogenic pipelines and valve flanges in LNG filling stations—directly determining the safety of LNG storage and transportation.
2.Aerospace and National Defense
Adapted for cryogenic fuel (liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen) systems: such as cryogenic fuel transfer pipelines for rocket engines, cryogenic valve plates for satellite attitude control systems, and cryogenic cooling system components for nuclear submarines. These applications require simultaneous satisfaction of "ultra-low temperature + lightweight + vibration resistance" requirements.
3.Chemical and Energy Industries
Used in low-temperature process equipment: such as low-temperature separation towers (-100°C and below) in ethylene cracking units, low-temperature methanol washing equipment (resistant to methanol and cryogenic corrosion) in coal chemical industry, and liquid hydrogen storage tanks (-253°C) in the hydrogen energy industry. They form the foundation for "continuous operation" of low-temperature chemical processes.
4.Superconducting and Scientific Research Fields
Supporting the cryogenic environment of superconducting equipment: such as cryogenic chamber plates for superconducting magnets (nuclear magnetic resonance MRI, particle accelerators) and sealing components for low-temperature experimental devices. These require maintaining non-magnetism and high sealing performance in environments near absolute zero.

IV. Processing and Manufacturing Characteristics
The processing of nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates is more complex than that of conventional metals, requiring specialized processes. Key characteristics include:
▶Weldability: Controlled Heat Input
Welding may easily cause intergranular corrosion or hot cracking due to high temperatures. Inert gas shielded welding (TIG/MIG) is typically used, with strict control of welding current and interpass temperature (generally ≤ 150°C). For some grades, post-weld low-temperature annealing is required to eliminate internal stress.
▶Formability: Cold Working as the Main Method
Cold working processes such as bending and stamping are feasible at room temperature (due to high elongation). However, "intermediate annealing" is required after cold working to restore ductility and prevent cracking in subsequent processing. Hot working temperatures must be controlled between 1000–1200°C, with slow cooling to avoid the precipitation of harmful phases at grain boundaries.
▶Heat Treatment: Customized Performance Regulation
Heat treatment processes vary by grade: for example, Nickel 201 often undergoes "solution annealing (holding at 900–950°C followed by rapid cooling)" to stabilize purity and toughness; Inconel 625 achieves further cryogenic strength enhancement through "aging treatment" to adapt to high-pressure scenarios.

V. Core Differences from Other Cryogenic Materials
In cryogenic engineering, nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates are often compared with "austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304L, 316L)" and "cryogenic aluminum alloy (e.g., 5083)." Their irreplaceability is reflected in the following:

In short, nickel-based cryogenic alloy plates are the only reliable choice when the ambient temperature is below -196°C, or when strong corrosion or high-pressure requirements exist.

DINGSCO Complete Production Chain:

SMELTING → FORGING → HEAT TREATMENT → MACHINING → HOT EXTRUSION

①Foundational Assurance in Smelting and Forging:

VIM furnaces ensure alloy purity; ESR furnaces further optimize internal structure. Forging yields diverse billets, laying a defect-free foundation for downstream processing and controlling material properties at the source.

②Precision Control in Intermediate Processing:

Heat treatment is customized for alloys. CNC machining enables high-precision forming, yielding semi-finished parts to ensure pre-extrusion billets meet forming specs.

③Synergistic Value of Hot Extrusion with Full Process:

The new hot extrusion press is part of an integrated system: High-purity alloys (VIM/ESR), dense forging microstructures, and heat-treated performance collectively enable stable extrusion of hard-to-form alloys. Produced complex components: seamless pipes, profiles; material utilization up 15-20%. Full-process efficiency cuts standard model lead times to 5-10 days.

④Quality and Delivery Assurance:

Every batch comes with EN 10204 Type 3.1 certification, inspected by our internal QC team. We support third-party audits (BV, SGS, etc.), and offer custom manufacturing per drawings with sample testing available.