Invar® 36
Invar 36 is a 36% nickel-iron alloy notable for its uniquely low coefficient of thermal expansion which is roughly one-tenth that of carbon steel. It maintains nearly constant dimensions across the range of normal atmospheric temperatures up to 400°F (200°C).
- Formes courantes : Plate, Barre ronde, Sheet, Fil de fer, Forgeage.
- Caractéristiques principales : Near-Zero Thermal Expansion at Room Temp.
- Cryogenic: High toughness at cryogenic temperatures (-400°F).
- CTE : 0.8 - 0.9 µin/in·°F (Typical 200°F to 400°F).
Invar 36 is indispensable for applications where dimensional changes due to temperature fluctuation must be minimized. From precision laser equipment to aerospace composite molds, Invar 36 ensures that the part shape remains consistent, preventing misalignment, warping, or stress buildup.
Stabilité dimensionnelle
The defining characteristic: prevents thermal distortion in sensitive instruments like optical measuring devices and laser benches.
Composite Tooling Match
Its CTE closely matches that of carbon-fiber composites, making it the premier material for aerospace lay-up molds.
Cryogenic Performance
Unlike many steels which become brittle, Invar 36 retains superior toughness and ductility at cryogenic temperatures (LNG/Liquid Oxygen).
| Élément | Contenu (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 35.0 - 37.0 |
| Fer (Fe) | Équilibre |
| Carbone (C) | 0,05 max |
| Manganèse (Mn) | 0.60 max |
| Silicium (Si) | 0,40 max |
*Note: The precise 36% Nickel balance is critical for the "Invar Effect".
| Forme du produit | Normes (ASTM / AMS) |
|---|---|
| Plaque, feuille, bande | ASTM F1684, ASTM B753, AMS I-23011 (Class 7) |
| Bar, Rod, Forging | ASTM F1684, AMS I-23011 (Class 7) |
| Outillage pour l'aérospatiale | Boeing BMS 7-320 (Invar 36 Tooling Plate) |
Due to its unparalleled dimensional stability, Invar 36 is supplied in highly specialized forms to support aerospace composite manufacturing, cryogenic fluid transport, and precision optical engineering.
Plaques et tôles d'outillage
The industry standard for machining massive lay-up molds used in curing carbon fiber aerospace structures without thermal distortion.
Bar & Rod
Precision round bar stock ready for CNC machining into laser housings, optical instrument bases, and dimensional reference gauges.
Tubes et tuyaux cryogéniques
Seamless piping heavily utilized in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transport to prevent severe contraction and leakage at -162°C.
Forgeage
Custom forged blocks and rings designed for large-scale aerospace tooling and specialized cryogenic structural components.
Wire & Strip
Thin strip and wire utilized as the low-expansion side of bimetallic thermostats and precision electronic seals.
Brides et raccords
Low-expansion weld neck flanges and pipe fittings ensuring secure, leak-proof joints in cryogenic pipelines during extreme temperature drops.
| Plage de température | CTE (µm/m-°C) | CTE (µin/in·°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - 100°C | 1.3 | 0.7 |
| 30 - 200°C | 2.7 | 1.5 |
| 30 - 300°C | 5.3 | 2.9 |
*Note: Above the Curie point (approx 280°C), expansion rates increase to match standard steels.
Composite Tooling
Molds and dies for curing carbon fiber aerospace parts (Boeing 787 wings, fuselages).
LNG Piping
Transfer piping for Liquefied Natural Gas, preventing shrinkage and leakage at -162°C.
Optical Instruments
Laser housings, telescope supports, and seismic creep gauges requiring zero movement.
Thermostats
The low-expansion side of bimetallic strips used in thermal switches.
Need Invar 36 Tooling Plate or Rod?
We maintain a large stock of Invar 36 plate for immediate shipment. We offer saw cutting services to your exact dimensions.
Obtenir un devis rapide