Inconel 188 – High-Performance Cobalt-Based Superalloy
Supplied by Huaxiao-Alloy – Your Trusted Global Alloy Partner
Introduction: Why Inconel 188 Matters
In the world of high-temperature alloys, reliability is not optional — it is mandatory. For industries that operate in the most aggressive environments, from jet engines to industrial gas turbines and combustion systems, the alloy must provide oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and excellent mechanical strength at elevated temperatures.
That’s where Inconel 188 excels.
As a cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten alloy, Inconel 188 (UNS R30188) combines outstanding high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance up to 1095 °C (2000 °F), and superior weldability and fabricability compared to many other superalloys. This makes it a preferred choice for sheet, plate, bar, wire, and fabricated components in the aerospace and power generation industries.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we supply Inconel 188 raw materials and precision-engineered parts that meet international standards such as AMS 5608, AMS 5772, and ASTM specifications. With deep expertise in nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys, we ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery to global clients.
1. What is Inconel 188?
Inconel 188 is a solid-solution strengthened, cobalt-based superalloy engineered to resist oxidation, hot corrosion, and thermal fatigue at extreme service temperatures. Unlike precipitation-strengthened alloys, its stability derives from a carefully balanced chemistry that resists degradation during long-term high-temperature exposure.
UNS Number: R30188
W. Nr.: 2.4683
Common Specifications: AMS 5608 (sheet, strip, plate), AMS 5772 (bars, forgings), AMS 5801 (wire)
Key Features of Inconel 188
Excellent oxidation resistance up to 2000 °F (1095 °C).
High creep strength and thermal stability.
Good fabricability and weldability compared with many cast superalloys.
Resistance to sulfidation and carburization in combustion environments.
2. Chemical Composition of Inconel 188
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | Balance (~39–41%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | 22.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 22.0 |
| Tungsten (W) | 14.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 3.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.25 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.05 – 0.15 |
| Lanthanum (La) | ~0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.015 |
The presence of lanthanum is a unique feature — it improves oxide scale adherence, enhancing oxidation resistance during prolonged exposure.
3. Mechanical Properties of Inconel 188
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.90 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³) |
| Melting Range | 1260–1330 °C (2300–2430 °F) |
| Tensile Strength | ~ 960 MPa (139 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ~ 430 MPa (62 ksi) |
| Elongation | 45% |
| Hardness | ~ 90 HRB |
High-Temperature Strength
At 870 °C (1600 °F): Retains excellent tensile and creep resistance.
At 982 °C (1800 °F): Maintains significant mechanical integrity, outperforming many nickel-based alloys.
4. Heat Resistance of Inconel 188
Oxidation resistance sustained up to 1095 °C (2000 °F).
Resistant to cyclic oxidation (thermal cycling).
Stable protective oxide layer due to Cr, Ni, and La synergy.
Performs in reducing and carburizing conditions where conventional alloys degrade.
5. Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to oxidizing and carburizing atmospheres.
Strong defense against sulfidation in combustion environments.
Performs reliably in marine and industrial gas turbine atmospheres.
6. Forms of Supply from Huaxiao-Alloy
We provide Inconel 188 in multiple product forms tailored to application needs:
Sheet, Plate, and Strip – AMS 5608 certified, ideal for combustor liners and hot-section parts.
Bar and Forgings – AMS 5772 specification for structural components.
Wire and Welding Products – AMS 5801 wire for high-temperature joining.
Custom Fabricated Parts – Engineered to customer drawings with heat treatment.
7. Applications of Inconel 188
Aerospace & Aviation
Jet engine combustor liners
Transition ducts and afterburner parts
Turbine seals and casings
Power Generation
Industrial gas turbine hot-section components
Flame holders and transition zones
Burner cans and liners
Other High-Temperature Applications
Space propulsion systems
Heat exchangers in aggressive atmospheres
Furnace hardware
8. Comparison with Other Superalloys
| Alloy | Base | Strengths | Limitations | Inconel 188 Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 625 | Ni-based | Excellent corrosion | Lower oxidation limit (~980 °C) | 188 withstands up to 1095 °C |
| Inconel 718 | Ni-based | High strength (precipitation-hardened) | Lower oxidation resistance | 188 better oxidation and weldability |
| Hastelloy X | Ni-Cr-Fe-Mo | Excellent fabrication | Slightly less oxidation resistance | 188 more durable under cyclic conditions |
| Haynes 188 (identical) | Co-Ni-Cr-W | Equivalent chemistry | Trademark variant | Huaxiao-Alloy supplies cost-effective equivalent |
Inconel 188 is primarily used in aerospace and industrial gas turbine components, including combustion chambers, transition liners, afterburners, and exhaust systems. Its oxidation and thermal fatigue resistance make it ideal for high-temperature applications.
Excellent oxidation resistance up to 1093 °C (2000 °F)
Superior creep strength at elevated temperatures
Good ductility and toughness even after long-term service
Excellent weldability and fabricability
Strong resistance to sulfidation and carburization
Typical composition includes:
Nickel (Ni): Balance
Cobalt (Co): ~22%
Chromium (Cr): ~22%
Tungsten (W): ~14%
Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si): Minor amounts
This balanced chemistry gives the alloy its high-temperature oxidation resistance and structural stability.
Inconel 625: Known for corrosion resistance but less optimized for high-heat stability.
Inconel 718: Excellent strength, but limited in maximum temperature service.
Inconel 188: Specifically designed for long-term oxidation resistance and creep strength at extreme temperatures, especially in turbine environments.
Aerospace: Jet engines, afterburners, transition ducts
Power Generation: Gas turbines, combustors
Industrial Heating: Furnace liners, thermal oxidizers
Petrochemical: Components exposed to hot corrosive gases
Yes. Inconel 188 is readily weldable by conventional techniques such as GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), and SMAW. It offers excellent weld strength and stability without post-weld cracking.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we supply:
Sheets, plates, and strips
Pipes and tubes (seamless & welded)
Bars, rods, and billets
Forgings, flanges, and rings
Welding wires and custom-machined parts
Inconel 188 can withstand continuous exposure up to 1093 °C (2000 °F), making it one of the top-performing alloys for aerospace and turbine environments.
Yes. Apart from high-temperature oxidation resistance, Inconel 188 also resists sulfidation, carburization, and hot corrosion, which are common in gas turbine and petrochemical environments.
9. Fabrication & Processing
Formability: Readily formed using standard techniques (cold/hot working).
Weldability: Welded by TIG, MIG, and resistance methods with excellent weld strength.
Machinability: Requires carbide tooling; lower machinability than stainless steels but better than hardened Ni alloys.
Heat Treatment: Supplied in the solution-annealed condition for maximum ductility.
10. Why Choose Huaxiao-Alloy for Inconel 188?
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we specialize in nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys with global supply capabilities.
Our Competitive Advantages
✅ Certified Quality – AMS and ASTM compliance.
✅ Wide Range of Stock – Sheets, bars, wires, forgings available.
✅ Engineering Expertise – Technical consultation on material selection.
✅ Custom Processing – Cut-to-size service, forging, precision machining.
✅ Global Reach – Trusted supplier to aerospace, energy, and industrial markets.
✅ Competitive Pricing – High-performance alloys at optimized cost.
📩 Request a Quote Now: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
11. Conclusion
Inconel 188 is a proven high-temperature cobalt-based superalloy, delivering exceptional oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and weldability. Its ability to operate reliably at 2000 °F (1095 °C) makes it a go-to material for aerospace, gas turbines, and industrial combustion systems.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we offer quality-certified Inconel 188 materials and components, backed by technical expertise and a commitment to timely delivery.
👉 Partner with Huaxiao-Alloy and secure your supply of Inconel 188 for mission-critical applications.
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