SSC INVAR 36
Sandmeyer Steel Company stocks SSC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate in thicknesses from ¼ (6.3mm) through 4″ (101.6mm). This dimensionally stable nickel alloy plate is available from stock in full plates or custom cut shapes.
Available thicknesses for SSC INVAR 36:
| 1/4" | 3/8" | 1/2" | 5/8" | 3/4" | 1" | 1 1/4" |
| 6.3mm | 9.5mm | 12.7mm | 15.9mm | 19mm | 25.4mm | 31.8mm |
| 1 1/2" | 1 3/4" | 2" | 2 1/2" | 3" | 3 1/2" | 4" |
| 38.1mm | 44.5mm | 50.8mm | 63.5mm | 76.2mm | 88.9mm | 101.6mm |
Sandmeyer Steel Company is stocking SSC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate for applications in the aerospace composite tooling and die market. The alloy is used extensively in these demanding conditions where dimensional stability is essential.
Any Way You Want It!
At Sandmeyer Steel Company, we have over 100 pieces of Value Added Plate Processing equipment all under one roof. You can purchase any custom shape or configuration you require to maximize plate yields. We can cut patterns utilizing five-axis abrasive waterjet, bandsaw, or laser. Our state-of-the-art plasma cutting system enables us to supply high-definition or plasma beveled products. We can also offer Machincut rings and discs up to 124″ (3150mm) OD. Send us your drawings for finished or near-net shape parts, or we’d be happy to sell you full-size plates. At Sandmeyer Steel Company, we work with the customer!
Specification Sheet Overview
for SSC INVAR 36 (UNS K93603,)
W. Nr. 1.3912
For Aerospace Composite Tooling and Dies
General Properties
Nickel-Iron Alloy with a Very Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion from Cryogenic Temperatures to 400°F (200°C)
SSC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate (UNS K93603) is an austenitic nickel-iron alloy containing 36% nickel. It has an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion from -418°F (-250°C) to 392°F (200°C). The alloy has good fatigue and mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures. It exhibits moderately high strength along with good ductility and toughness. These properties along with good fabrication characteristics make SSC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate ideal for applications requiring precise dimensional stability.
SC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate can be hot and cold worked, machined, and formed. Fabrication processes are similar to austenitic stainless steels. The alloy can be welded using filler wire with expansion rates similar to those of the base metal.
SSC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate resists corrosion in dry atmospheres at room temperature. In humid or moist atmospheres, corrosion can occur in the form of rust.
Applications
SSC INVAR 36 nickel alloy plate is utilized extensively in other industrial applications where dimensional stability is essential.
- Tooling and Dies for Aerospace Composite Tooling
- Thermoset Epoxy Systems
- Resin Transfer Molded Tools
- Cryogenic Components and Piping
- Laser Components
- Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)Marine fixtures and fasteners
- Production and Storage Equipment
- LNG Tanker Membranes
- Marine Components
- Wind Turbines
Typical Thermal Expansion of SSC INVAR 36
| °C | °F | (10-3) | (10-6/°C) | (10-6/°F) |
| -200 - 20 | -328 - 68 | -0.33 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| -100 - 20 | -148 - 68 | -0.16 | 1.3 | 0.7 |
| 20 - 100 | 68 - 212 | 0.12 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| 20 - 150 | 68 - 302 | 0.26 | 2.0 | 1.1 |
| 20 - 200 | 68 - 392 | 0.47 | 2.6 | 1.4 |
| 20 - 250 | 68 - 482 | 0.80 | 3.5 | 1.9 |
| 20 - 300 | 68 - 572 | 1.54 | 5.5 | 3.1 |
| 20 - 350 | 68 - 662 | 2.37 | 7.2 | 4.0 |
| 20 - 400 | 68 - 752 | 3.19 | 8.4 | 4.7 |
| 20 - 450 | 68 - 842 | 4.01 | 9.3 | 5.2 |
| 20 - 500 | 68 - 932 | 4.85 | 10.1 | 5.6 |
Electrical Resistivity
| °C | °F | |
| 20 | 68 | 80 (481) |
| 100 | 212 | 86 (517) |
| 200 | 392 | 97 (583) |
| 300 | 572 | 105 (632) |
| 400 | 752 | 111 (668) |
| 500 | 932 | 117 (704) |
| 600 | 1112 | 121 (728) |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties, Mill Annealed
0.2% Offset | (2 inch) % | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | (MPa) | psi | (MPa) | psi | ||
| 20 | 68 | 240 | 35.0 | 490 | 71.0 | 42 | 70 |
NOTE: The information and data in this product data sheet are accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief, but are intended for informational purposes only, and may be revised at any time without notice. Applications suggested for the materials are described only to help readers make their own evaluations and decisions, and are neither guarantees nor to be construed as express or implied warranties of suitability for these or other applications. Stainless Steel, Nickel Alloy and Titanium products are classified as sheet if the thickness of the metals is less than 3/16” (4.7mm). If the thickness of the metal is 3/16” (4.7mm) or more, then it is considered a plate.
RA330® is a registered trademark of Rolled Alloys
Nickel Alloy Invar® 36 Plate – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Invar® 36?
Invar® 36 is a low-expansion nickel-iron alloy containing 36% nickel. It is known for its uniquely low coefficient of thermal expansion and dimensional stability across a wide temperature range, making it ideal for critical applications requiring precise tolerances.
2. What are common applications for Invar® 36?
Invar® 36 is commonly used in:
• Aerospace tooling and composite molds
• Optical and laser systems
• Cryogenic transport and storage
• Telecommunications and electronics
• Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) tankers and transfer lines
• Applications requiring minimal expansion under temperature change
3. How does Invar® 36 perform in cryogenic conditions?
Invar® 36 retains excellent toughness and stability at cryogenic temperatures, making it ideal for liquid natural gas (LNG) transport and other ultra-low-temperature environments.
4. How does Invar® 36 compare to other nickel alloys?
Unlike many high-performance nickel alloys that focus on corrosion or high-temperature resistance, Invar® 36 is primarily valued for its near-zero thermal expansion and exceptional dimensional control.
5. Is Invar® 36 magnetic?
Yes. Invar® 36 is magnetic at room temperature, although its magnetic permeability is lower than standard carbon steels.
6. Can Invar® 36 be welded or fabricated?
Yes. Invar® 36 can be welded using conventional techniques, though special precautions should be taken to prevent distortion due to its low expansion. It can also be machined and formed with proper tooling.
7. What are the mechanical properties of Invar® 36?
Typical values at room temperature:
• Yield Strength (0.2% offset): 35 psi (240 MPa)
• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 71 ksi (490 MPa)
• Elongation in 2″: 42% (minimum)
8. What are the physical properties of Invar® 36?
• Density: 0.293 lb/in³ (8.11 g/cm³)
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (-328 – 68 °F): ~0.33 × 10⁻⁶ in/in/°F
• Thermal Conductivity: 6.7 BTU/hr/ft²/ft/°F (11.6 W/m-K)
• Electrical Resistivity: 80 microhm-cm
9. What standards apply to Invar® 36 plate?
• ASTM F1684-06
• BOEING D-33028-2
10. What thicknesses of Invar® 36 plate does Sandmeyer Steel stock?
Sandmeyer Steel stocks Invar® 36 plate in thicknesses ranging from 1/4″ (6.3 mm) through 4″ (101.6 mm), supporting a wide range of precision fabrication and thermal control applications.
Contact a Sandmeyer Steel Company Expert