Table of Contents
- What is ERNiCr-2 Inconel 718?
- Benefits of ERNiCr-2 for High-Strength Applications
- Critical Applications in the Middle East
- Chemical Composition of ERNiCr-2
- Mechanical Properties & Performance Data
- Industries We Serve in GCC
- Why Sankalp Alloys is the Preferred Supplier
- Packaging, Sizes & International Standards
- Export Logistics to the Middle East
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is ERNiCr-2 Inconel 718 Welding Wire?
ERNiCr-2, commercially known as Inconel 718, is a precipitation-hardening nickel-iron-chromium super-alloy filler metal engineered for exceptional high-strength performance across an unusually broad temperature range. This AWS A5.14 classified wire delivers outstanding tensile and creep properties from cryogenic temperatures (-253°C) to approximately 650°C continuous service. Inconel 718 has become the industry standard for aerospace, power generation, oil & gas, and specialized industrial applications throughout the Middle East and globally.
The unique niobium and titanium content in ERNiCr-2 enables precipitation hardening, where the weld metal gains strength through controlled heat treatment after welding. For EPC contractors, fabrication shops, and engineering firms across the GCC, Inconel 718 represents the proven choice for critical, high-reliability applications where failure is not an option.
Key Benefits of ERNiCr-2 for High-Strength Applications
Inconel 718 delivers exceptional advantages for demanding Gulf-region industrial and aerospace applications:
- Exceptional Strength Across Temperature Range: Maintains outstanding yield and tensile strength from cryogenic service through 650°C continuous operation—uniquely suited for LNG facilities and thermal power plants.
- Precipitation Hardening Capability: Controlled heat treatment after welding increases strength significantly, enabling optimized structural design with reduced wall thickness.
- Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to chloride pitting, stress corrosion cracking, and general corrosion in seawater, making it ideal for offshore and marine applications.
- Superior Fatigue Resistance: Ideal for cyclically loaded components common in turbomachinery and vibration-prone equipment.
- Proven Reliability: Over 60 years of field-proven performance in aerospace and critical industrial applications worldwide.
Critical Applications in the Middle East
ERNiCr-2 Inconel 718 welding wire is extensively utilized across the Gulf's aerospace, energy, and specialized fabrication sectors:
- LNG Facilities: Critical for cryogenic piping, equipment supports, and structural components exposed to -196°C liquid natural gas service in Qatar's Ras Laffan and similar facilities.
- Power Generation: High-temperature turbine components, steam piping, and boiler superheater sections in thermal and combined-cycle power plants.
- Offshore Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Subsea pipelines, risers, manifolds, and topside structures in Arabian Gulf petroleum operations exposed to seawater corrosion.
- Gas Turbine Repair: Welding and restoration of turbine buckets, casings, and rotor components for power generation and industrial gas compression.
- Pressure Equipment: High-pressure vessels, reactors, and specialized equipment for petrochemical synthesis and downstream processing.
- Aerospace Component Repair: Maintenance and repair of aircraft engine components and high-reliability aerospace structures for regional operators.
Chemical Composition of ERNiCr-2
Inconel 718 is engineered with controlled niobium and titanium content that enables precipitation hardening upon heat treatment. This unique composition provides an exceptional combination of high strength and excellent corrosion resistance across an unparalleled temperature range.
| Element | Typical Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | Remainder (Base) |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0–21.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Niobium (Nb) | 4.75–5.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.8–3.3 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.65–1.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.2–0.8 |
Mechanical Properties
Welds produced with our ERNiCr-2 filler metal deliver outstanding strength and ductility, with exceptional performance maintained across the broadest temperature service range of any commercial nickel alloy.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (As-Welded) | 110,000 psi (760 MPa) min |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 65,000 psi (450 MPa) min |
| Elongation | 25% min |
| Cryogenic Toughness (-196°C) | Maintains excellent ductility and toughness |
Industries We Serve in GCC
Aerospace, energy, petrochemical, and specialized manufacturing sectors across the Gulf Cooperation Council depend on ERNiCr-2 for fabricating high-reliability, high-performance equipment. We supply Inconel 718 to:
- Saudi Arabia (KSA): Supporting petrochemical complexes, power generation facilities, and advanced manufacturing projects managed by SABIC, Saudi Aramco, and specialized EPC contractors.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Delivering premium consumables to aerospace support facilities, offshore fabrication yards, LNG plant construction, and specialized engineering contractors.
- Qatar: Critical supply for Ras Laffan LNG facilities, power generation expansion, and petrochemical equipment requiring cryogenic and high-temperature service.
- Oman, Kuwait & Bahrain: Supporting oil and gas infrastructure, power generation, specialized manufacturing, and industrial repair services throughout the region.
Why Sankalp Alloys is the Preferred Supplier
Sankalp Alloys has earned recognition as the trusted source for high-performance nickel alloy consumables throughout the Middle East, particularly for critical Inconel 718 applications:
- Direct Manufacturer Pricing: Access competitive pricing by sourcing ERNiCr-2 directly from production, with no distributor intermediaries.
- Certified Material Quality: Every batch undergoes comprehensive testing including chemical composition analysis, tensile testing, and precipitation hardening verification. Full EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates (MTC) accompany every shipment.
- Expert Technical Support: Our materials engineers provide heat treatment specifications, stress relief parameters, precipitation hardening guidance, and application-specific recommendations.
- Established Middle East Distribution: Over a decade of reliable supply to GCC aerospace, power generation, and petrochemical sectors with proven delivery reliability.
- Consistent Excellence: Rigorous production controls ensure uniform wire composition, diameter tolerance, and metallurgical properties in every shipment.
Packaging, Sizes & International Standards
Our ERNiCr-2 packaging is specifically designed for Middle Eastern climate conditions, protecting the wire from moisture and environmental contamination during extended storage and transport.
- Available Diameters: 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.6mm, 2.0mm, 2.4mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm.
- Packaging Formats:
- MIG Wire (GMAW): Precision layer-wound on 12.5 kg or 15 kg spools, vacuum sealed with desiccant. Ideal for automated and semi-automated welding of LNG piping and offshore structures.
- TIG Rod (GTAW): 5 kg plastic tubes packaged in heavy-duty wooden export crates. Stamped with AWS designation and heat lot traceability information.
- International Standards Compliance: AWS A5.14 ERNiCr-2, ASME SFA 5.14, UNS N07718, EN ISO 14172 (ErNiCr-2).
- Aerospace-Grade Certification: Available with additional aerospace material certifications upon request for specialized aerospace applications.
Export Logistics to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait & Bahrain
Sankalp Alloys has perfected the export of specialized nickel super-alloy materials to the Middle East, with dedicated customs support and priority port handling:
- UAE: Jebel Ali Port (Dubai), Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi), Port of Fujairah.
- Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam), Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Industrial Port.
- Qatar: Hamad Port (Doha), Port of Mesaieed.
- Oman: Port of Sohar, Port of Salalah.
- Kuwait: Shuwaikh Port, Ash Shuaiba Port.
- Bahrain: Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
We accommodate all INCOTERMS—FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP—tailored to your procurement structure and supply chain requirements. Air freight expediting available for LNG plant shutdowns and critical aerospace repair projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What heat treatment is required for precipitation-hardened Inconel 718 welds?
Standard precipitation hardening heat treatment involves two steps: solution treatment at 950–1050°C followed by controlled cooling, then aging at 700–800°C. Specific parameters depend on wall thickness and application. Consult ASTM E1213 or applicable codes for detailed specifications.
2. Can ERNiCr-2 be used for both cryogenic and high-temperature service?
Yes, this is one of Inconel 718's unique advantages. Welds maintain excellent tensile strength, ductility, and impact resistance from -253°C (LNG service) to approximately 650°C continuous operation, making it ideal for LNG facilities with both cryogenic and ambient-temperature sections.
3. Is special preheat required when welding Inconel 718?
For sections under 25mm, preheat is optional. For sections 25–50mm, we recommend 200–400°C preheat. For sections exceeding 50mm or in cold ambient conditions, preheat to 400–600°C is strongly recommended to minimize residual stress and cracking susceptibility.
4. How does ERNiCr-2 compare to ERNiCr-3 for dissimilar metal welding?
ERNiCr-3 (Inconel 82) is the traditional choice for general dissimilar metal joining. ERNiCr-2 (Inconel 718) offers higher strength and superior corrosion resistance but requires post-weld heat treatment. Choose ERNiCr-2 for high-strength dissimilar joints; choose ERNiCr-3 for service where PWHT is not practical.