Metal Tidbits – Invar
Invar alloys are widely known and utilized because they exhibit a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is close to zero. The fact that Invar maintains this low CTE over room temperature has made it one of the most effective alloys for use in precision instruments. You will find Invar alloys in clocks, scientific instruments, bimetal strips in thermostats, and other materials that require consistent monitoring systems.
Invar is generally a nickel-iron alloy. However, in this pure mix, the alloy is extremely hard to find. Not to mention that it can be difficult to machine. That is why you will generally find Invar alloys with additions of other materials that improve machinability and are easier to come by.
There are few companies that carry hard-to-find Invar alloys. All Metals & Forge is one distributor that actually offers a range of options when it comes to Invar. They maintain a stock of Invar 36 and Invar 42. They are able to provide their customers with a variety of pre-made shapes and designs for Invar alloys, including pieces that meet particular government or industry standards.
All Metals & Forge is also a major source for metallurgical information. If you are interested in accruing data on Invar 36, Invar 42, or even Super Invar, you can use their online materials to help you in the process. As an ISO9001:2000- and AS9100-certified company, they have worked with leaders in the aerospace, oil, and aeronautical industries. They have also worked with metal shops and other smaller businesses. Call (973) 276-5000 or email info@steelforge.com to learn more about their products and services.
Invar 36 is an alloy that is 64 percent iron and 36 percent nickel. However, Invar 36 in this form is hard to find and difficult to machine. That is why most Invar 36 on the market contains an amount of chromium and low levels of selenium. Invar 36 is generally thought of as the metal of choice for any type of low expansion application, because it has a very small CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion).
The low expansion level associated with Invar 36 makes it perfect for use in precision measuring devices such as laser components, thermostat rods, clocks, and scientific instruments. Invar 36 also maintains its strength in extremely low temperatures, which has made it vital in the transportation of certain liquid gasses. In many environments, Invar 36 actually possesses thermal characteristics that are equivalent to glass, which has caused people to use the alloy in a variety of optical instruments.
All Metals & Forge can provide you with extensive data on Invar 36, other Invar alloys, and a wide variety of metallurgical subjects. They can also supply you with Invar 36 in the shapes that you need. They have a vast catalog that contains hard-to-find alloys in varied pre-made designs.
If you are in the market for something truly specific, you can use their forging services. You can choose the raw materials that you need and have them transformed into a custom design that woks for you. All Metals & Forge is ISO9001:2000 and AS9100 certified, and they have been highly visible in the market for years, working with leaders in almost every industry. They provide their customers with unrivaled options, fast turnarounds, and affordable rates. Contact them at (973) 276-5000 or info@steelforge.com.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find rare or specialty metals and alloys. The majority of distributors have begun to focus on only a few of the most popular materials used in general metalworking. Even those companies that cater to larger companies have abandoned may of the hard-to-find alloys they once carried, and they have done away with many of their design options.
Locating an alloy like Invar 42 in the shape and size you need it in will require you to work with a large distributor that does business with all types of companies in a wide range of industries. All Metals & Forge remains one of the few metals companies that can supply aerospace and oil giants with what they need, while maintaining the ability to help smaller companies and metal shops find affordable products.
Finding Invar 42 and Super Invar
Invar 42 is a nickel-iron alloy that exhibits qualities in controlled expansion applications that are similar to those of Invar 36. Invar 42 is also highly effective in magnetic applications. It can be hot and cold formed and it is not overly difficult to machine. Super Invar possesses many of the qualities of the other Invar alloys. It is effective in extreme temperatures ranging from -32?C to 275?C.
All Metals & Forge is an ISO9001:2000/AS9100 certified company that carries an extensive selection of Invar 42 products. You can find the shape you need, or you can locate materials that meet specific industry or government standards. Contact them at (973) 276-5000 or info@steelforge.com if you have any questions.
