Invar® 36
Alloy Materials for Low Thermal Expansion
INVAR® 36 (UNS K93600) is a 36% nickel and 64% iron alloy with a very low thermal expansion. It is available in wire, rod, strip, or sheet.
A popular material having the lowest coefficient of expansion of any known iron alloy in the temperature range of -20°C to 300°C and approximately one-tenth that of carbon steel at temperatures up to 400°F, INVAR® is often thought of as the material of choice for low expansion nickel alloy applications.
The ability to maintain strength at very low temperatures also makes it the optimum exotic metal choice for containing some liquid gasses.
What you need to know about buying INVAR® 36 materials:
- INVAR® 36 is typically produced per ASTM F1684 for these standard forms.
- It is important to provide the “temper” that is required, as the sheet/strip can be provided in the annealed, ½ hard, or hard tempers with rod/bar products being provided in the annealed, cold worked, or unannealed conditions.
- Please provide information if the material will be used for deep drawing requirements.
- INVAR® 36 alloys are soft alloys like type 304/316 stainless and can be machined using similar techniques.
Product Selection and Purchasing Options
Beyond INVAR®, Leading Edge offers a wide range of products in multiple shapes and sizes, even in small quantities. Many are available for immediate shipment from our warehouse. If we don’t have the specialty material you need, there’s a good chance we can find it. With our flexible purchasing options, you can ensure materials are available when they’re needed. Purchasing options include blanket orders, just-in-time delivery, and consignment materials.
Research Lab Industry Standards and Requirements
The research lab industry constantly evolves, driven by a growing demand for scientific and technological advancement. Successful experimentation must ensure material integrity, safety, performance, and compliance with strict environmental and operational regulations.
These standards typically focus on aspects like purity, quality, and durability to guarantee that refractory metals meet the demanding conditions of high-stakes research applications. Because research labs serve multiple industries and extreme environments, there are more than average standards and requirements on this list.
Research Lab Standards and Requirements:
- ASTM International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers): Standards for materials used in energy applications.
- SAE Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS, formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE)
- ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code): Guidelines for materials used in pressure vessels and reactors.
- Department of Defense (DoD) Military Standards or Military Specifications (MIL) on the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) ASSIST Database
We adhere to quality compliance certification standards and statutory regulations that pertain not only to the exotic materials we provide but also to our processes, custom machining services, traceability, and other aspects of our in-house expertise. Our materials specialists provide expert counsel on metal selection and inspection to ensure you receive materials that meet or exceed your expectations.
Leading Edge Metals & Alloys Certifications include:
- ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D Registered
- ITAR Registered
- DD2345 JCP Approval
- NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Compliant
Our deep understanding of this industry stems from our extensive experience, skilled metallurgy professionals, and a history of successful partnerships with leading national research labs.
