Yes. One of the main advantages of nickel-based alloys is their ability to operate at elevated temperatures, beyond the range of stainless steels and many other alloys.
Nickel alloys were originally developed for the very first jet engines, and grades have since been developed for a wider range of industrial applications.
Mechanical properties generally fall as the operating temperature rises. For example:
- Alloy 718 (Inconel® 718, UNS N07718, 2.4668) retains most of its room-temperature strength up to c. 650degC, and resists oxidation up to a similar temperature.
- Alloy 625 (Inconel 625, UNS N06625, 2.4856) resists oxidation up to c. 1000degC, although it suffers a similar drop in strength at c. 650degC.