INCONEL® X-750 is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium alloy engineered for high strength, low creep and excellent oxidation resistance at elevated temperature. It is commonly used for spring-energized seals (includingcanted coil springsand helical energizers) where preload retention and low relaxation at temperature are required.
INCONEL® X-750 (UNS N07750) is a nickel-chromium alloy strengthened by precipitation (Al/Ti/Nb additions). It is prized for its ability to retain preload and resist stress-relaxation at elevated temperatures, plus good oxidation/scale resistance. Typical uses include springs and clips in aerospace, turbine, power generation and other high-temperature sealing applications. For corrosive seawater or sour H₂S applications, consider alternatives such asInconel 625,ElgiloyorMP35N.
Need X-750 springs or application guidance?Request a quote— include operating temperature profile and gland geometry.
Core characteristics
Typical chemical composition
Typical ranges — confirm exact lot values on supplier mill certificate:
Element
Typical (wt.%)
Nickel (Ni)
Balance (majority)
Chromium (Cr)
~14–17%
Iron (Fe)
~6–10%
Niobium / Columbium (Nb / Cb)
~1.0–2.5%
Aluminium (Al)
~0.4–1.0%
Titanium (Ti)
~0.4–1.0%
Carbon (C)
≤ 0.08%
Key physical data (typical)
Typical physical & thermal properties — always verify with supplier datasheet for selected product form & temper:
Property
INCONEL® X-750 (typical)
Density
≈ 8.30 g/cm³ (≈ 0.300 lb/in³)
Modulus of Elasticity (E)
≈ 28–30 ×10⁶ psi (≈ 190–207 GPa) (RT)
Modulus of Rigidity (G)
≈ 11–12 ×10⁶ psi (≈ 76–83 GPa)
Coefficient of thermal expansion
Use supplier tables (temperature dependent)
Typical tensile strength (precipitation-hardened)
High — depends on aging schedule; typical psi/MPa data provided in supplier temper charts
Service temperature guidance
Short-term / intermittent:some properties retained to ≈ 1800°F (≈ 982°C). Recommended long-term continuous:conservative engineering guidance commonly ≤ ≈ 1300°F (≈ 704°C) to maintain precipitation-strengthened properties and minimise over-aging; for springs consult supplier stress-relaxation & creep curves for chosen diameter & temper.
Form availability
Wire, strip and bar (confirm available diameters & tempers with supplier)
X-750 — Core capabilities
High-temperature preload retention:excellent resistance to stress-relaxation and creep when correctly solution-treated and aged.
Precipitation strength control:aging schedule (solution + age) allows tuning strength vs ductility vs relaxation behaviour.
Good oxidation resistance:suitable for hot oxidizing atmospheres common in turbine/aerospace service.
Dimensional stability:when processed per supplier guidance it offers repeatable spring performance critical for precision energizers.
Formability for springs:available as spring wire; final aging must be matched to coil/geometry to control relaxation and fatigue.
Limitations:precipitation hardening effectiveness reduces if exposed long-term above recommended long-term temperatures; not the top choice for extreme sour/H₂S corrosion resistance (use Elgiloy/MP35N where SSC is primary risk).
Typical applications
High-temperature spring energizers inaerospaceand turbine systems.
Actuator and valve springs requiring low relaxation at temperature.
Helical and canted coil springs where preload retention in hot gas environments is critical.
Clips, fasteners and retaining rings exposed to elevated temperatures.
Forming into springs & spring types
Reminder:spring energizers are formed fromwire(round or profiled) or strip. X-750 is produced as spring wire and strip — confirm temper, aging schedule and diameter availability with your supplier before ordering. Common forms include:
Coiling may be done in solution-treated or pre-aged condition; many producers perform final aging after forming to achieve target relaxation and UTS.
Control tooling finish; electropolishing or careful mechanical finishing improves fatigue and corrosion performance.
Qualification testing (force-deflection, fatigue, stress-relaxation at operating temperature) is recommended for critical parts.
Alternatives & comparison
Quick comparison of commonly considered alternatives for spring energizers (temperature guidance shown as short-term max vs recommended long-term continuous):
Material
Corrosion / behavior summary
Strength (typical)
Short-term max temp
Recommended long-term continuous temp
INCONEL X-750
Good oxidation; designed for low relaxation at high T
High (precipitation-hardened)
≈ 1800°F (≈ 982°C)
≈ 1300°F (≈ 704°C) — conservative guidance for prolonged service
INCONEL 718
Good corrosion; very high strength after ageing
Very high (age-hardened)
≈ 1400°F (≈ 760°C)
≈ 1000–1100°F (≈ 538–593°C) depending on temper
INCONEL 625
Excellent corrosion & chloride resistance; good ductility
Good general corrosion; 17-7 PH has excellent spring properties
Moderate to high (depends on temper)
Varies
Typically much lower than nickel superalloys — consult supplier
Notes: table values are indicative and consolidated from supplier datasheets. For spring/energizer design always use supplier diameter-by-temper tables, mill certificates and stress-relaxation curves.
Selection guidance
Below are concise, direct choice rules to help pick the best alloy for a specific dominant constraint. If multiple constraints apply, rank them and follow the checklist at the end.
Dominant: High continuous operating temperature / preload retention— chooseINCONEL X-750(or, in some designs, INCONEL 718 if higher static strength and toughness are required).
Dominant: Highest tensile/Yield strength & formability— chooseINCONEL 718(better balanced strength/toughness and often preferred when tight formability + age hardening are needed).
Dominant: Corrosion (chlorides / seawater / chemical exposure)— chooseINCONEL 625orHastelloy C-276for the most aggressive chemical environments.
Dominant: Sulfide stress cracking (sour H₂S) / SSC risk— prioritiseElgiloyorMP35Nand require NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 qualification and hardness limits.
Dominant: Elastic recovery & miniature high-cycle fatigue— chooseElgiloy(cobalt-nickel) orMP35Nfor highest fatigue life and elastic limit in small diameters.
Cost-sensitive / moderate conditions— consider stainless steels (17-7 PH, 316L) when extreme temperature or SSC are not the primary constraints.
Quick validation checklist (must-do before final selection)
Requeststress-relaxation / creep curvesat the intended operating temperature for the chosen wire diameter & temper.
Specify representativefatigue + corrosiontest coupons (same finish, join and assembly geometry) for qualification if component is critical.
FAQ
Q1: Is X-750 suitable for canted coil springs that operate continuously at 600 °C?
A1: Yes — X-750 is designed for elevated-temperature preload retention. For continuous 600 °C service confirm supplier stress-relaxation data for the chosen diameter and temper.
Q2: Between X-750 and 718 which is better for fatigue-critical springs?
A2: If fatigue at moderate-to-high temperature is dominant and formability matters, INCONEL 718 often offers the best balance. If long-term preload at very high temperature dominates, X-750 is preferred.
Q3: Can X-750 be used in sour H₂S service?
A3: X-750 is not the preferred alloy for severe sour H₂S. For SSC-prone service prefer Elgiloy or MP35N and require project-specific NACE/ISO qualification.
Q4: What are the typical heat treatments for spring wire?
A4: Typical sequence: solution anneal (per supplier recommendation) followed by controlled aging to develop the required precipitation-strengthened temper. Final aging schedules depend on wire diameter and part geometry.