Invar Manufacturing, Machining Properties & Tips

Invar Manufacturing, Machining Properties & Tips

Invar, a low expansion alloy, possesses the lowest thermal expansion rate among all metals and alloys from room temperature to 230 degrees Celsius. Invar alloy proves to be an asset being ductile, having welding ability and machining properties like stainless steel. It does not expand nor contract over a wide range of temperatures. This metal alloy is unaffected by stress corrosion and cracking. Invar 36 is used in the solarmilitary and telecommunications industries.  

Invar is used in composite manufacturing which falls under the aerospace industry. Composites are useful for both strength and weight improvements. The manufacturing process of composite structures requires molding tools; additionally, the materials using in these part of the process must have low CTE, temperature resistance, thermal conductivity and superior machining properties. This is where Invar comes into to play – Invar has one of the lowest levels of CTE, has beneficial machining properties, favors well in a wide range of temperatures with its low thermal expansion rate, and is able to resist stress corrosion. Boeing uses Invar extensively in its assembly and other important materials.