Nickel-based steel alloys

While the investment casting process is capable of casting almost any alloy, our most popular alloys are in the nickel family. Consisting primarily of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, nickel-based alloys are among the most widely used investment casting materials. The most popular is CW2M.

Creating a nickel-based alloy requires great precision and skill. At Signicast, we pay very close attention to the composition of the material we melt to ensure we create superior alloys. Our casting process produces metallurgically clean castings with excellent weldability.

What industries use nickel-based alloys?

Any industry can use nickel-based alloys, but the majority of our customers who use them require the best corrosion resistance in oxidising environments. Additional elements such as molybdenum and chromium are added to create an alloy that is arguably one of the world's toughest.

When should you use a nickel-based alloy?  If 300 series stainless steels are insufficient, nickel-based alloys are well suited to components used in the chemical and process industries. Additionally, meter bodies used in chlorine and acid services utilise CW-2M for its excellent mechanical and physical properties. 

High-performance alloys

Nickel-based alloys are part of the superalloy family, also known as high-performance alloys. In addition to being highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, these alloys are harder and stronger, retaining corrosion resistance at higher temperatures, making them an excellent option for welding applications. Some alloys lose corrosion resistance when the temperature is raised; nickel-based alloys do not. They also have excellent ductility and can be easily fabricated.

Signicast offers everything from 400 stainless steel to aluminium. We are committed to providing the best-performing part at the lowest total cost. 

Did you know?

Hastelloys are branded nickel-based alloys invented by Haynes International in 1912. The original patent expired, allowing manufacturers to develop "generic" or off-brand "Hastelloys". For example, our CW-2M is equivalent to Hastelloy C. While the name may be different, the alloy functions and performs just like the original Hastelloy.