Alloy 36 is nickel-iron low-expansion super alloy, that is sold under the brand names Nickel Alloy 36, Invar 36® and Nilo® 36. One of the main reason people chose Alloy 36 is its specific capabilities under a unique set of temperature constraints.  Alloy 36 retains good strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures due to its low coefficient of expansion. It maintains nearly constant dimensions at temperatures below -150°C (-238°F) all the way up to 260°C (500°F) which is critical to cryogenics.

Various industries and those that utilize cryogenics rely on Alloy 36 for a wide variety of critical applications including:

• Medical technology (MRI, NMR, blood storage)
• Electric power transmission
• Measuring devices (thermostats)
• Lasers
• Frozen foods
• Liquefied gas storage and transportation (oxygen, nitrogen and other inert and flammable gases)
• Tooling and dies for composite forming

To be considered Alloy 36, an alloy must be composed of:

• Fe 63%
• Ni 36%
• Mn .30%
• Co .35% max
• Si .15%

Alloy 36 is available in a number of different forms such as pipe, tube, sheet, plate, round bar, forging stock, and wire. It also meets or exceeds standards, depending on form, like ASTM (B338, B753), DIN 171, and SEW 38. It is also important to note that Alloy 36 can be hot or cold worked, machined, and formed using the same processes as those used with austenitic stainless steel.

If you are in the market for Nickel Alloy 36, Invar 36® and Nilo® 36, Continental Steel can work with reputable suppliers to find the exact quantity required. We carry all the most popular sizes and forms of Nickel Alloy 36, Invar 36® and Nilo® 36.