Summary
Both alloys turn up in the same plants, particularly in flue-gas desulfurization scrubbers and chemical process equipment, so mixed bins of the two are common. They look identical, and both are non-magnetic, so the separation has to come from chemistry.
For value, C-276 carries much more molybdenum and adds tungsten, both payable elements. A piece of C-276 in a 625 lot is not a disaster for the buyer’s chemistry, but it is money the seller gives away. Read every piece and keep them apart. See Inconel 625 scrap and Hastelloy C-276 scrap.
Side by Side
| Inconel 625 | Hastelloy C-276 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main alloying | Cr 21.5%, Mo 9%, Nb 3.6% | Mo 16%, Cr 15.5%, W 3.75% |
| Iron | About 4% | About 5.5% |
| Key XRF marker | Niobium present, no tungsten | Tungsten present, no niobium |
| Typical service | Offshore pipe, scrubbers, chemical plant | FGD scrubbers, chlorination, pickling plant |
| Common scrap forms | Pipe, plate, clad pipe, turnings, bar ends | Plate, sheet, tube bundles, pipe |
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 Inconel 625 and Hastelloy C-276 are molybdenum (9% vs 16%), chromium (21.5% vs 15.5%) and tungsten (0% vs 3.75%). 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 Inconel 625 and Hastelloy C-276?
Inconel 625 carries about 21.5% chromium, 9% molybdenum and 3.6% niobium. Hastelloy C-276 carries about 16% molybdenum, 15.5% chromium and 3.75% tungsten, with no niobium.
Can Inconel 625 and Hastelloy C-276 scrap be mixed?
No. Keep them separate. Keep Inconel 625 and Hastelloy C-276 in separate bags or drums; a buyer who finds both in one lot will ask for a re-sort or value it as mixed.
What are the UNS numbers of Inconel 625 and Hastelloy C-276?
Inconel 625 is UNS N06625 and Hastelloy C-276 is UNS N10276.
Which has more nickel, Inconel 625 or Hastelloy C-276?
Inconel 625, with about 61.9% nickel against about 58.2% in Hastelloy C-276, 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, Product Handbook of High-Performance Nickel Alloys: Inconel 625 Buyer, Importer and Exporter
- Rolled Alloys, Alloy C-276 data sheet (bulletin 127USe): Hastelloy C-276 Buyer, Importer and Exporter
Published by Mipra Steel, Khetwadi, Mumbai · Last updated