Inconel 725 (UNS N07725) is a premium, age-hardenable nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy specifically engineered to deliver exceptional strength and unparalleled corrosion resistance in the world's most challenging environments, particularly sour gas wells containing H₂S.
Unmatched Strength Through Age Hardening
Unlike many alloys that derive strength from cold working, Inconel 725 achieves its remarkable mechanical properties—approximately double the strength of annealed Alloy 625—through a precise thermal age-hardening treatment. This process precipitates the gamma double-prime (ϒ") phase throughout the microstructure.
This method offers critical advantages:
- High Strength in Thick Sections: Achieves uniform, ultra-high strength throughout large, complex, or non-uniform components that cannot be strengthened by cold working.
- Retained Ductility and Toughness: Unlike cold-worked materials, which can become brittle, age-hardened Alloy 725 maintains excellent ductility and impact resistance, essential for critical safety components like wellhead equipment.
- Superior Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Resistance: The combination of high strength and inherent corrosion resistance makes it highly resistant to SCC, a common failure mode in high-stress, corrosive environments.
Chemical Composition
| Cr | Ni | Mo | Co | Nb (+Ta) | Ti | W | Cu | C | Mn | N | Si | P | S | Fe | Al |
| Min | 19.00 | 55.00 | 7.00 |
| 2.75 | 1.00 |
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| Max | 22.50 | 59.00 | 9.50 |
| 4.00 | 1.70 |
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| 0.03 | 0.35 |
| 0.20 | 0.015 | 0.01 | Bal | 0.35 |
Mechanical Properties
| Bars up to 3” (76mm) diameter or section | Bars greater than 10” (254mm) diameter or section | Bars greater than 10” (254mm) diameter or section |
| 0.2% Proof Stress, min | 827 N/mm2 | 120 ksi | 827 N/mm2 | 120 ksi | 827 N/mm2 | 120 ksi |
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| Tensile strength, min | 1034 N/mm2 | 150 ksi | 1034 N/mm2 | 150 ksi | 1034 N/mm2 | 150 ksi |
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| Elongation, 5.65√S0 and 4D | 20% |
| 20% |
| 20% |
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| Reduction of Area | 35% |
| 35% |
| 35% |
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| Hardness (Rockwell C) | <43 |
| <43 |
| <43 |
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| Impact Strength (-60oC) Longitudinal, Typical | 54J av (47J min) | 40 ft.lb av (35 ft.lb min) |
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| Impact Strength (-60oC) Transverse, Typical |
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| 50J av (43J min) | 37 ft.lb av (32 ft.lb min) | 43J av (37J min) | 32 ft.lb av (27 ft.lb min) |
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Notes:
- Tensile testing shall be carried out in accordance with ASTM A370 or EN10002-1
- Minimum properties quoted (tested at room temperature in a longitudinal direction)
- Testing performed on each melt of material per heat treatment batch
Physical Properties
| Density (Kg.m-1) | 8310 |
| Magnetic Permeability (20°C) | < 1.001 |
| Young’s Modulus (kN/mm2) | 204 |
| Poissons Ration | 0.31 |
| Specific Heat, 20°C (J/(g.K)) | 0.43 |
| Electrical Resistivity, 20°C (µΩ-m) | 1.144 |
| Thermal conductivity, 20°C (W/(m.K)) | 10.6 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20-100°C (/K) | 13 x 10-6 |
Key Specifications & Approvals
ASTM B637: Standard Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Nickel Alloy Bars, Forgings, and Forging Stock for High-Temperature Service
UNS N07725
API 6CRA (725): Standard for Age-Hardened Nickel-Based Alloys for Corrosive and High-Temperature Service
Critical Applications Across Industries
The unique properties of Inconel 725 make it the material of choice for:
- Oil & Gas Downhole Equipment: Tubing hangers, subsurface safety valves, mandrels, and connectors for sour service.
- Fasteners:High-strength bolts, studs, and nuts for offshore platforms, subsea systems, and chemical reactors requiring corrosion resistance.
- Valve Components: Valve stems, trim, and shafts in severe service.
- Chemical Processing: Agitators, shafts, and components exposed to mixed acids and chlorides.
- Marine Engineering: Critical components for seawater systems that demand high strength and resistance to pitting.