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Technical Guide

Inconel 117 (Ni-Cr-Co-Mo) Superalloy: High-Temperature Gas-Turbine & Aerospace Alloy

UNS N06117 family / chemistry matching Inconel 617 (UNS N06617, W.Nr 2.4663) — A nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum superalloy engineered for combustion cans, transition ducts, and hot-section components operating up to ~1100°C.

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Inconel 117 Ni-Cr-Co-Mo superalloy gas turbine hot section components
Inconel 117 / Inconel 617-family Ni-Cr-Co-Mo superalloy for gas-turbine and aerospace hot-section service.

⚡ Inconel 117 Quick Specs

N06117
N06617 (Inconel 617)
— (2.4663 for 617)
NiCr22Co12Mo
Ni-Cr-Co-Mo superalloy
Solid-solution + γ′ / carbide
~8.36 g/cm³
~1330–1380°C
700 – 810 MPa
300 – 410 MPa
35 – 58%
~1000–1100°C

1. Introduction: Why Inconel 117?

Inconel 117 is a nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum (Ni-Cr-Co-Mo) superalloy developed for high-temperature gas-turbine and aerospace service. Its chemistry corresponds to the long-established Inconel 617 family (UNS N06617, W.Nr 2.4663, EN NiCr22Co12Mo) — one of the few nickel alloys covered by the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code with allowable design stresses up to 1800°F (980°C). The same "Inconel 117" name is also used by Special Metals for the ENiCrCoMo-1 welding electrode whose weld metal matches this chemistry.

Inconel 117 derives its exceptional high-temperature strength from a balanced combination of solid-solution strengthening (chromium, molybdenum, cobalt) and precipitation strengthening from gamma-prime Ni₃(Al,Ti) and chromium/carbide precipitates. With roughly 20-24% chromium and 0.8-1.5% aluminum, it forms a stable, adherent oxide scale that resists oxidation, carburization, and nitridation to about 1100°C. These attributes make it the preferred material for combustion cans, liners, transition ducts, and other hot-section components in both aerospace and land-based gas turbines. Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Inconel 117 / Inconel 617-family material in all wrought and forged product forms with full AWS/ASME/AMS certification.

Need Inconel 117 / Ni-Cr-Co-Mo Superalloy?

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Inconel 117 (Inconel 617-family) plate, bar, forgings, tube, and matched ENiCrCoMo-1 welding consumables — all with full material certification and traceability. Mill and stock orders available for turbine and furnace applications.

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2. Chemical Composition

The composition of Inconel 117 corresponds to the Inconel 617 family, controlled by specifications such as AMS 5888, ASTM B166, and ASME SB166. The high cobalt and molybdenum content distinguishes it from Ni-Cr-Fe alloys, while aluminum and titanium provide precipitation strengthening.

ElementStandard Range (wt%)Typical ValueRole in the Alloy
Nickel (Ni)RemainderBalanceAustenitic matrix; corrosion resistance; high-temperature stability
Chromium (Cr)20.0 – 24.022.0Cr₂O₃ protective scale; oxidation and SCC resistance
Cobalt (Co)10.0 – 15.012.5Solid-solution strengthening; raises hot strength
Molybdenum (Mo)8.0 – 10.09.0Solid-solution strengthening; creep resistance
Aluminum (Al)0.80 – 1.501.10γ′ formation (Ni₃(Al,Ti)); oxide-scale adhesion
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.600.35γ′ formation; grain refinement
Carbon (C)0.05 – 0.150.08Carbide precipitation for creep strength
Iron (Fe)≤ 3.01.5Cost control; kept low to preserve hot strength
Boron (B)≤ 0.0060.003Grain-boundary strengthening (modified grades)
Manganese (Mn)≤ 0.500.20Deoxidation, sulfur control
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.500.20Deoxidation; controlled to limit hot cracking
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.500.10Trace impurity limit
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.0150.010Impurity control for ductility
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.0150.008Impurity control for hot cracking resistance

Key compositional insight: The cobalt + molybdenum combination is what gives Inconel 117 its superior creep-rupture strength relative to Ni-Cr-Fe or Ni-Mo-W alloys, while chromium and aluminum provide long-term oxidation resistance. The aluminum/titanium level is tuned so that gamma-prime precipitates strengthen the alloy without causing embrittlement.

3. Physical Properties

Physical properties of Inconel 117 are those of the Inconel 617 family; the thermal conductivity rises significantly with temperature, which is typical of nickel alloys.

PropertyValueNotes
Density~8.32 – 8.40 g/cm³Lower than tungsten-containing alloys
Melting Range~1330 – 1380 °CDepends on exact composition
Thermal Expansion (20–100°C)~11.6 × 10−6 /°CModerate, near austenitic SS
Thermal Conductivity (at 20°C)~13.4 W/(m·K)Rises to ~28 W/(m·K) at 1000°C
Specific Heat~419 J/(kg·K)At room temperature
Electrical Resistivity~122 μΩ·cmTypical nickel-alloy value
Modulus of Elasticity~212 GPaAt room temperature
Magnetic PropertiesNon-magnetic (austenitic FCC)
Crystal StructureFace-Centered Cubic (FCC)

4. Mechanical Properties

4.1 Typical Room-Temperature Tensile Properties (Solution Annealed)

PropertyTypical ValueIndicative Minimum
Tensile Strength (Rm)700 – 810 MPa≥ 655 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)300 – 410 MPa≥ 240 MPa
Elongation (A)35 – 58%≥ 35%
Hardness~180 – 230 HB—

Note: Exact values depend on product form, section size, and heat treatment. For long-term high-temperature design, always use manufacturer creep-rupture data.

4.2 Elevated-Temperature Properties (Typical, Solution Annealed)

TemperatureYield Strength Rp0.2Tensile Strength Rm
20 °C300 MPa700 MPa
400 °C210 MPa570 MPa
600 °C190 MPa510 MPa
700 °C185 MPa400 MPa
750 °C180 MPa340 MPa

The alloy retains useful strength well above 700°C and is commonly used up to 1000-1100°C in oxidizing service. Its estimated 100,000-hour creep-rupture strength at 700°C exceeds ~110 MPa, supporting long-life turbine and nuclear applications.

5. Processing & Heat Treatment

5.1 Hot Working & Forging

  • Hot working is performed in the range ~927 – 1205°C, finishing above ~950°C to ensure complete recrystallization and avoid cracking.
  • Controlled thermomechanical processing (strain rate ≤ ~0.1 s⁻¹) is used to achieve the coarse, uniform grain size needed for optimal creep resistance.

5.2 Solution Annealing

Inconel 117 is typically supplied in the solution-annealed condition at ~1175 – 1185°C followed by rapid cooling (water or air quench). This dissolves carbides and gamma-prime, producing a coarse grain structure that maximizes creep-rupture strength. The ASME-approved solution anneal is about 2150°F (1175°C).

5.3 Post-Weld Stabilization (Relaxation-Cracking Prevention)

Newly solution-annealed and welded components are susceptible to relaxation (stress-relief) cracking if exposed to service temperatures of roughly 500-780°C without prior stabilization. A stabilizing heat treatment at ~980°C (1800°F) for about 3 hours dissolves gamma-prime and relaxes residual stresses, preventing crack initiation. Heating and cooling rates for this treatment are not critical.

5.4 Machining & Welding

The alloy work-hardens rapidly and has a high hot strength, so machining requires rigid setups, positive feeds, and carbide or ceramic tooling. Welding is performed with matching Ni-Cr-Co-Mo filler metals (ERNiCrCoMo-1 / ENiCrCoMo-1) using GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, or SAW. Low heat input and interpass control minimize distortion and preserve properties.

Buy Inconel 117 Superalloy & Welding Consumables

Contact Hangbo Alloy Group for certified Inconel 117 (Inconel 617-family) plate, bar, forgings, tube, and matched ENiCrCoMo-1 / ERNiCrCoMo-1 welding wire and electrodes. Competitive pricing, fast delivery, full mill test reports.

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6. Corrosion Resistance

Inconel 117 offers excellent high-temperature corrosion resistance due to its chromium and aluminum content:

  • Oxidation: Excellent resistance in static and cyclic conditions up to about 1100°C, owing to the adherent Cr₂O₃/Al₂O₃ scale.
  • Carburization: Good resistance to carburizing atmospheres, better than many nickel alloys.
  • Nitridation: Good resistance; however, in extremely oxidizing combustion gases some internal aluminum-nitride formation is possible — verify the service atmosphere.
  • Aqueous corrosion: Good general corrosion resistance in many oxidizing and mildly reducing media; for strongly reducing acids (HCl, H₂SO₄), Hastelloy C-type alloys are preferable.
  • Creep-environment synergy: Maintains strength and stability in long-term high-temperature service, including helium-cooled reactor environments under evaluation.

7. Applications by Industry

7.1 Aerospace & Gas Turbines

  • Combustion cans, liners, and transition ducts in aircraft and land-based gas turbines
  • Inner housings and turbine rings in the hot gas path
  • Ducting and exhaust components requiring long-term creep strength

7.2 Power Generation & Nuclear

  • High-temperature nuclear components for very-high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (VHTR) and intermediate heat exchangers
  • Superheater and reheater tubing for advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) coal plants (700°C class)
  • Ducting and recuperators in industrial gas-turbine power plants

7.3 Petrochemical & Industrial Furnaces

  • Ethylene cracking and reformer furnace components
  • Radiant tubes, muffles, and heat-treatment fixtures
  • High-temperature heat exchangers and petrochemical process equipment

8. Product Forms & Availability

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Inconel 117 / Inconel 617-family material in the following product forms, manufactured to ASTM/ASME and AMS specifications:

Product FormApplicable StandardTypical Condition
Plate, Sheet, StripASTM B168 / ASME SB168; AMS 5888/5889Solution annealed
Round Bar, Rod, Forged BlockASTM B166 / ASME SB166; AMS 5887Solution annealed
Seamless & Welded Tube / PipeASTM B167 / B163; ASME SB167/SB163Solution annealed
Forgings & FlangesASTM B564 / ASME SB564Solution annealed
Wire & RibbonASTM B166 / ISO 9724Solution annealed / spring temper
Powder (Additive Mfg.)Custom / producer specGas-atomized

All products are supplied with EN 10204 Type 3.1 material certificates including chemical analysis, mechanical test results, and full heat-number traceability. Aerospace- and nuclear-grade lots with additional NDT and documentation are available on request.

9. Applicable Standards & Specifications

StandardDescription
UNS N06117 / N06617Unified Numbering System (customer designation / Inconel 617)
W.Nr— (not assigned to the 117 designation; Inconel 617 = 2.4663, EN NiCr22Co12Mo)
ASTM B166 / B168 / B564Bar, rod, plate, sheet, forgings
ASME SB166 / SB168 / SB564ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code equivalents
AMS 5887 / 5888 / 5889Aerospace material specifications (bar; plate; coil)
ISO 9724 / 6208Nickel-alloy rod, bar, and plate/sheet standards
AWS A5.14 / A5.11Matching filler metals ERNiCrCoMo-1 / ENiCrCoMo-1

10. Comparison: Inconel 117 vs Inconel 625 vs Hastelloy X vs Inconel 718

PropertyInconel 117 (Ni-Cr-Co-Mo)Inconel 625Hastelloy XInconel 718
UNSN06117 / N06617N06625N06002N07718
Key alloyingCr, Co, MoCr, Mo, NbCr, Mo, W, FeCr, Nb, Mo, Ti
StrengtheningSS + γ′ / carbideSolid solutionSolid solutionγ″ / γ′ precipitation
Sustained temp.~1000–1100°C~900°C~980°C~650°C
Creep strengthExcellentGoodGoodVery high (moderate T)
Oxidation resist.ExcellentExcellentExcellentVery good
Aqueous corrosionGoodExcellentGoodGood
Primary useGas-turbine hot sectionCorrosion + moderate TFurnace / aero sheetDiscs, shafts, fasteners

Selection guide: Choose Inconel 117 when the application demands long-term creep and oxidation resistance above ~900°C in gas-turbine or furnace service. Choose Inconel 625 for aggressive aqueous corrosion with moderate temperature. Choose Hastelloy X for cost-sensitive high-temperature sheet applications. Choose Inconel 718 for very high strength at moderate (≤650°C) temperatures.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Inconel 117 and what grade family does it belong to?

Inconel 117 is a nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum (Ni-Cr-Co-Mo) superalloy for high-temperature gas-turbine and aerospace service. Its chemistry corresponds to the well-documented Inconel 617 family (UNS N06617, W.Nr 2.4663, EN NiCr22Co12Mo). The same "Inconel 117" designation is also used by Special Metals for the ENiCrCoMo-1 welding electrode whose weld metal matches this chemistry. In this guide Inconel 117 is treated as the wrought/precipitation-strengthened superalloy; the customer-designation UNS is N06117.

Q2: What is the chemical composition of Inconel 117?

Typical composition (corresponding to Inconel 617 / N06617 per AMS 5888 and ASTM B166): Ni remainder; Cr 20.0-24.0%; Co 10.0-15.0%; Mo 8.0-10.0%; Al 0.80-1.50%; Ti ≤0.60%; C 0.05-0.15%; Fe ≤3.0%; Si ≤0.50%; Mn ≤0.50%; Cu ≤0.50%; B ≤0.006%; P ≤0.015%; S ≤0.015%. Cobalt and molybdenum provide solid-solution strengthening; aluminum (and titanium) form gamma-prime Ni3(Al,Ti) and carbides for precipitation strengthening.

Q3: What are the physical properties of Inconel 117?

Typical physical properties: density ~8.32-8.40 g/cm3; melting range 1330-1380°C; coefficient of thermal expansion ~11.6 x 10^-6 /°C (20-100°C); thermal conductivity ~13.4 W/(m·K) at room temperature (rising to ~28 W/(m·K) at 1000°C); specific heat ~419 J/(kg·K); electrical resistivity ~122 μΩ·cm; modulus of elasticity ~212 GPa at room temperature. The alloy has an FCC austenitic structure.

Q4: What are the mechanical properties of Inconel 117?

In the solution-annealed condition, typical room-temperature properties are tensile strength 700-810 MPa, yield strength 300-410 MPa, elongation 35-58%. At elevated temperature it retains useful strength: at 600°C about 510 MPa tensile / 190 MPa yield; at 700°C about 400 MPa tensile / 185 MPa yield; at 750°C about 340 MPa tensile / 180 MPa yield. These values make Inconel 117 suitable for sustained service up to roughly 1000-1100°C.

Q5: What heat treatment and processing does Inconel 117 require?

Inconel 117 is typically supplied solution-annealed at about 1175-1185°C followed by rapid cooling, producing a coarse grain structure favorable for creep-rupture strength. Hot working is carried out in the range ~927-1205°C, finishing above ~950°C. After welding newly solution-annealed material, a stabilizing post-weld heat treatment at ~980°C for about 3 hours is recommended to prevent relaxation cracking in the 500-780°C service range.

Q6: How is Inconel 117 strengthened?

Inconel 117 is strengthened by (1) solid-solution strengthening from chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt; (2) carbide precipitation (mainly chromium carbides and MC-type carbides); and (3) precipitation of gamma-prime Ni3(Al,Ti). This mixed strengthening gives excellent creep-rupture strength and oxidation resistance above ~980°C, which is why it is favored for gas-turbine hot-section components.

Q7: What standards and specifications apply to Inconel 117?

Because Inconel 117 corresponds to the Inconel 617 family, the applicable standards are: UNS N06117 (customer designation) / N06617 (Inconel 617); W.Nr — (not assigned to the 117 designation; Inconel 617 is 2.4663, EN NiCr22Co12Mo); ASTM B166 / B168 and ASME SB166 / SB168; AMS 5887, 5888, 5889; ISO 9724 / 6208; and ASME design stresses up to 1800°F (980°C). Matching fillers are AWS A5.14 ERNiCrCoMo-1 and AWS A5.11 ENiCrCoMo-1.

Q8: What is Inconel 117 used for?

Primary applications are high-temperature gas-turbine and aerospace components: combustion cans, liners, transition ducts, inner housings, and turbine rings. It is also used in land-based gas turbines, industrial furnaces (radiant tubes, muffles, fixtures), high-temperature heat exchangers and recuperators, petrochemical cracking and reformer furnaces, and high-temperature nuclear components such as VHTR intermediate heat exchangers.

Q9: How does Inconel 117 compare to Inconel 625, Hastelloy X, and Inconel 718?

Inconel 117 (Ni-Cr-Co-Mo) offers higher sustained-temperature capability (~1000-1100°C) and better creep strength than Inconel 625 (~900°C, Nb-Mo solid solution) and Hastelloy X (~980°C, Mo-W solid solution), at somewhat lower aqueous corrosion resistance than 625. Inconel 718 is a gamma-double-prime precipitation alloy optimized for ~650°C service and very high strength at moderate temperatures, whereas Inconel 117 is optimized for long-term creep and oxidation above ~900°C.

Q10: Is Inconel 117 weldable?

Yes. Inconel 117 is readily weldable by GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SMAW, and SAW using matching Ni-Cr-Co-Mo filler metals (ERNiCrCoMo-1 / ENiCrCoMo-1). Because it is solid-solution and precipitation strengthened, welding with matching filler generally preserves high-temperature properties. A post-weld stabilizing heat treatment at ~980°C for 3 hours is recommended for newly solution-annealed and welded components to avoid relaxation cracking in the 500-780°C service range.

Q11: What product forms are available for Inconel 117?

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Inconel 117 / Inconel 617-family material in plate, sheet, and strip; round bar, rod, and forged blocks; seamless and welded tube and pipe; wire and ribbon; forgings and flanges; and powder for additive manufacturing. All forms are available solution-annealed with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates and full heat-number traceability.

Q12: What is the price and lead time for Inconel 117 superalloy?

Inconel 117 / Inconel 617-family material is a premium high-temperature alloy with significant cobalt and molybdenum. Typical pricing ranges from $55-110/kg for wrought plate, bar, and sheet, and $90-180/kg for forgings and seamless tube, depending on product form, size, certification, and cobalt/nickel markets. Lead times are typically 6-12 weeks for standard mill forms and 12-20 weeks for forgings and certified heavy sections. Contact serena@hangboalloy.com for a competitive quote.

Q13: Is Inconel 117 resistant to oxidation and high-temperature corrosion?

Yes. The combination of chromium (~20-24%) and aluminum (~0.8-1.5%) forms a stable, adherent oxide scale that gives Inconel 117 excellent resistance to oxidation in static and cyclic conditions up to about 1100°C. It also resists carburization and nitridation better than many nickel alloys. In extremely oxidizing combustion atmospheres there can be some tendency for internal aluminum-nitride formation, so the specific service atmosphere should be checked; for long-term creep-critical designs, manufacturer creep-rupture data and protective coatings should be considered.