Invar® / Controlled Expansion Alloys
A specialized family of Nickel-Iron alloys engineered to have an exceptionally low or controlled coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Essential for precision applications where dimensional stability is critical.
Invar 36
A 36% nickel-iron alloy with the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of any commercially available metal (approx. 1/10th that of carbon steel) from cryogenic temperatures up to 400°F.
View Invar 36 Details
Invar 42
A 42% nickel-iron alloy designed with a constant rate of thermal expansion that matches silicon chips, glass, and alumina ceramics. Critical for electronic packaging and hermetic sealing.
View Invar 42 DetailsWhy Controlled Expansion Matters?
Most metals expand significantly when heated. In precision instruments, this expansion causes misalignment. In electronics, the mismatch between a metal chip frame and the silicon chip causes cracking.
Invar Alloys solve this. Invar 36 essentially does not expand at all near room temperature. Invar 42 expands at a specific, controlled rate to move exactly in sync with electronic components.
| Alloy Grade | Nickel Content | Expansion Characteristic | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invar 36 | 36% | Near Zero expansion up to 400°F (200°C). | Composite molds, laser positioning, LNG piping. |
| Invar 42 | 42% | Controlled expansion to match Silicon/Ceramic. | Lead frames, hermetic glass-to-metal seals. |
Need Precision Alloy Material?
We stock Invar 36 and 42 in plate, sheet, and round bar. Cut-to-size services available for tooling plate.
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