Inconel 738LC – High-Strength Nickel-Based Superalloy for Turbine and Aerospace Applications
Supplied by Huaxiao-Alloy – Your Trusted Global Alloy Partner
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we are proud to supply some of the world’s most advanced high-temperature alloys for critical industries such as aerospace, power generation, and industrial gas turbines. Among our flagship materials is Inconel 738LC, a nickel-based precipitation-strengthened superalloy designed for exceptional strength, oxidation resistance, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
This comprehensive guide will cover:
What is Inconel 738LC
Its chemical composition and microstructure
Mechanical properties and performance advantages
Applications in aerospace, energy, and industry
Comparisons with other Inconel alloys (713C, 792, 939)
Why choose Huaxiao-Alloy as your trusted supplier
If you are searching for a dependable source of Inconel 738LC raw material, cast components, or tailored solutions, Huaxiao-Alloy provides quality, expertise, and competitive pricing that supports your global operations.
1. What is Inconel 738LC?
Inconel 738LC (Low Carbon) is a nickel-based superalloy designed primarily for investment casting applications, especially turbine blades, vanes, and hot-section components in gas turbines. The “LC” in 738LC stands for Low Carbon, which improves:
Castability
Ductility
Resistance to cracking
This alloy is strengthened through γ’ (gamma prime) precipitation and solid-solution strengthening elements such as tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum, making it one of the most reliable materials for sustained high-temperature service up to ~980–1050 °C.
2. Chemical Composition of Inconel 738LC
The optimized chemistry of Inconel 738LC provides the balance between strength and corrosion resistance:
| Element | Typical Content (wt.%) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | Balance | Base element for high-temperature strength |
| Chromium (Cr) | ~16% | Oxidation and hot corrosion resistance |
| Cobalt (Co) | ~8.5% | Enhances hot corrosion resistance and γ’ stability |
| Tungsten (W) | ~2.6% | Solid solution strengthening |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ~1.7% | Improves creep resistance |
| Aluminum (Al) | ~3.4% | γ’ former, improves oxidation resistance |
| Titanium (Ti) | ~3.4% | γ’ strengthening element |
| Tantalum (Ta) | ~1.8% | Strengthening and γ’ stabilization |
| Carbon (C) | 0.10% | Carbide formation for creep resistance |
| Boron (B) | 0.01% | Grain boundary strengthening |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 0.10% | Improves ductility and toughness |
This unique formulation makes Inconel 738LC one of the most widely used cast superalloys in modern turbine technology.
3. Mechanical Properties of Inconel 738LC
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.2 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1260–1340 °C |
| Tensile Strength at 25 °C | ~1100 MPa |
| Tensile Strength at 870 °C | ~750 MPa |
| Yield Strength (25 °C) | ~800 MPa |
| Elongation (Room Temp.) | 3–5% |
| Hardness | ~375 HB |
| Creep Rupture Strength (870 °C, 100h) | Excellent |
These properties underline the alloy’s ability to maintain mechanical stability in extreme thermal environments.
4. High-Temperature Performance
The main strength of Inconel 738LC lies in its outstanding resistance to creep and fatigue at high service temperatures.
Service Temperature Range: Up to 1050 °C
Creep Resistance: Retains load-bearing capacity under prolonged stress
Oxidation Resistance: Protective oxide scale (Cr₂O₃, Al₂O₃) prevents degradation
Low Carbon Advantage: Improved crack resistance during casting and operation
This makes Inconel 738LC especially suitable for rotating and stationary turbine components, where long service life and minimal downtime are essential.
5. Applications of Inconel 738LC
1. Aerospace Industry
Jet engine turbine blades
Combustor components
Exhaust nozzles
Afterburner hardware
2. Power Generation
Gas turbine stator vanes and blades
High-pressure turbine casings
Transition ducts in gas turbines
3. Industrial Turbines
Marine propulsion gas turbines
Oil and gas fired power turbines
Process heating and energy recovery turbines
4. Other High-Temperature Uses
Furnace components
High-strength tooling for casting operations
Components exposed to hot corrosive gases
6. Advantages of Inconel 738LC
High Oxidation Resistance – Sustains protective oxide layers up to 1050 °C
Excellent Creep and Fatigue Strength – Long service life in rotating components
Low Carbon Benefit – Minimizes cracking and improves castability
Superior Corrosion Resistance – Withstands fuel impurities such as sulfur, sodium, and vanadium
Proven Track Record – Extensively used in aerospace and energy turbines worldwide
Cost-Effective Long-Term Operation – Reduces downtime and maintenance expenses
7. Inconel 738LC vs Other Inconel Alloys
| Property | Inconel 738LC | Inconel 713C | Inconel 792 | Inconel 939 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Service Temp. | ~1050 °C | ~950 °C | ~1050 °C | ~1100 °C |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Superior |
| Creep Strength | High | Moderate | Very High | Exceptional |
| Weldability | Limited (cast alloy) | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Typical Use | Turbine blades/vanes | Turbine blades | Turbine blades/vanes | Advanced turbine blades |
This comparison shows 738LC as a balanced choice, combining oxidation resistance, creep strength, and castability, making it a standard in many aerospace and industrial turbines.
8. Why Choose Huaxiao-Alloy for Inconel 738LC?
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we combine expertise in advanced alloys with global supply capabilities to serve demanding industries.
What we provide:
Inconel 738LC stock in various forms (bars, billets, castings)
Custom investment castings per OEM requirements
Machining & finishing services for aerospace-grade components
Third-party inspection & certification (ISO, SGS)
Global logistics support with fast delivery to Europe, US, and Asia
Competitive pricing with consistent quality assurance
📩 Contact us: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
It is primarily used in aerospace and industrial gas turbines, especially for turbine blades, vanes, and hot-section parts.
Low carbon reduces the risk of grain boundary cracking, improving castability and service life.
It can withstand service temperatures up to 1050 °C under continuous operation.
Like many precipitation-strengthened superalloys, weldability is limited. It is primarily investment cast to near-net-shape.
Yes. We offer precision castings, semi-finished parts, and raw stock, tailored to your project’s requirements.
Technical Data Sheet (TDS) – Inconel 738LC
Available Forms:
Cast blades, vanes, and combustor parts
Forged billets and bars (upon request)
Sheets and plates for research and development
Standards & Specifications:
AMS 5399 (Castings, corrosion & heat resistant, IN-738LC)
OEM aerospace turbine material specifications
Conclusion
Inconel 738LC is a high-performance nickel-based superalloy engineered for aerospace and gas turbine applications, offering high oxidation resistance, creep strength, and durability at up to 1050 °C.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we specialize in supplying premium Inconel alloys with customized solutions, global logistics, and competitive pricing. Whether you need raw materials, investment cast components, or technical expertise, Huaxiao-Alloy is your trusted partner for Inconel 738LC.
📩 For inquiries: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
Inconel 738LC – High-Strength Nickel-Based Superalloy for Turbine and Aerospace Applications
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