Summary
Both alloys are used for clad pipe and corrosion-resistant tubing in oil and gas, and 825 is often mislabelled as “Inconel 825”. That mistake matters, because 825 carries about 20 points less nickel and much more iron.
On a handheld XRF the difference is unmistakable. Describe each by name and UNS number so the buyer knows which one they are getting. See Incoloy 825 scrap and Inconel vs Incoloy.
Side by Side
| Incoloy 825 | Inconel 625 | |
|---|---|---|
| Base element | Iron (about 30%) | Nickel (about 62%) |
| Nickel | About 42% | About 62% |
| Molybdenum | About 3% | About 9% |
| Key XRF marker | Copper about 2%, high iron | Niobium about 3.6%, low iron |
| Common scrap forms | Pipe, tube, plate, clad pipe | Pipe, plate, clad pipe, turnings |
Composition Compared
Nominal compositions compared element by element. Values are the nominal figures from each grade page; change either grade to compare others.
On a handheld XRF: the clearest differences between Incoloy 825 and Inconel 625 are iron (30.35% vs 4%), nickel (42% vs 61.9%) and molybdenum (3% vs 9%). Light elements such as aluminium, silicon, carbon and nitrogen need a light-element instrument, OES or a laboratory.
On the XRF
Switch the grade to see how the fingerprint changes. See how XRF sorts nickel alloys.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Incoloy 825 and Inconel 625?
Incoloy 825 is an iron-nickel-chromium alloy with about 42% nickel, 30% iron, 3% molybdenum and 2% copper. Inconel 625 is nickel-base with about 62% nickel, 9% molybdenum and 3.6% niobium.
Can Incoloy 825 and Inconel 625 scrap be mixed?
No. Keep them separate. A melt shop buying Incoloy 825 expects Incoloy 825 chemistry, so a few pieces of Inconel 625 can push a heat out of limits and lead to a re-sort or a lower offer.
What are the UNS numbers of Incoloy 825 and Inconel 625?
Incoloy 825 is UNS N08825 and Inconel 625 is UNS N06625.
Which has more nickel, Incoloy 825 or Inconel 625?
Inconel 625, with about 61.9% nickel against about 42% in Incoloy 825, using the nominal values on this site.
Sources and Review
Composition figures on this page are the nominal values from each grade's own page on this site, where the producer datasheet or standard is named in full. The comparison widget reads the same values. The sources behind the grades are listed below.
- Special Metals Corporation, INCOLOY alloy 825 (SMC-030, 2004): Incoloy 825 Buyer, Importer and Exporter
- Special Metals Corporation, Product Handbook of High-Performance Nickel Alloys: Inconel 625 Buyer, Importer and Exporter
Published by Mipra Steel, Khetwadi, Mumbai · Last updated