How To Choose Hastelloy Series Nickel Alloys?

Hastelloy Nickel Alloy Procurement Status

 

As a professional purchasing or selection engineer, are you also struggling to choose from the numerous and complex grades in the Hastelloy series? What are the differences between the different materials?

 

Based on recent inquiries and customer feedback regarding Hastelloy alloys, we will provide a comprehensive selection guide by systematically comparing the core differences of the eight main materials in the Hastelloy series, drawing on the latest market information and technical data.

 

 

Quick overview and classification of core Hastelloy grades

First, we can divide the mainstream Hastelloy alloys into four major series according to their core design purpose. The table below summarises their key positioning and characteristics:

 

For any information or purchasing plans regarding Hastelloy series alloys, please contact us!

 

In-depth performance and market comparison

 

1. Corrosion Resistance Comparison

 

**Resistant to Reducing Acids (Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid):** The B series is the undisputed king. B-2 is virtually "unsolvable" against hydrochloric acid, while B-3, while retaining its corrosion resistance, offers better engineering applicability.

 

**Resistant to Mixed Media and Halides:** The C series is the main battleground. C-276 is the enduring "benchmark." C-22 typically performs better in situations with stronger oxidising properties and higher requirements for pitting corrosion resistance. C-4 has unique advantages in situations requiring direct post-weld use in chlorine-containing media (such as wet chlorine gas). C-2000 represents the pinnacle of performance, but also has the highest cost.

 

2. Price and Cost Comparison

Prices are significantly influenced by raw materials (nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, etc.), process complexity, market supply and demand, and brand.

Approximate price gradient: C-2000 > C-22 ≈ B-3 > C-276 > B-2 > Hastelloy X > C-4 > N. The market reference price for B-2 coils in 2025 was approximately RMB 185-360/kg, which can be used as a benchmark.

 

Value for money considerations: C-276 is currently the most widely used and abundant grade due to its comprehensive performance and economy. While C-22, as a performance upgrade, is more expensive, its value may be justified by extending equipment lifespan in harsh environments.

 

3. Comparison of Production Processes and Processing Difficulty

 

Smelting Process: All high-performance Hastelloy alloys require pure smelting processes such as vacuum induction melting (VIM) or electroslag remelting (ESR) to ensure homogeneous composition and pure microstructure.

 

Hot Working: All are difficult-to-deform materials. For example, the hot working temperature of B-3 is approximately 1150℃, while C-276 requires even higher temperatures. The processing temperature window is narrow and requires strict control.

 

Cold Working and Welding: A common feature is a significant tendency for work hardening, requiring intermediate annealing for cold working. Regarding weldability, improved grades (such as B-3, C-22, and C-276) have significantly better weldability than older grades (such as B-2), with less reduction in corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone after welding. C-4, due to its ultra-low carbon and titanium-stabilised design, maintains its corrosion resistance without post-weld heat

 

4. Standards and Certifications Comparison

 

Different grades correspond to different ASTM/ASME material standards, which are the core basis of procurement contracts.

General Plate/Strip Standards: ASTM B575 covers multiple Hastelloy grades of plates, strips, and sheet metal.

 

Typical Grade Standard Examples:

Hastelloy N: Plates comply with ASTM B575, pipes comply with ASTM B333/622, and bars comply with ASTM B335.

Nuclear-grade Applications: Must meet ASME BPVC Section III or French RCC-M specifications.

When purchasing, the UNS number (e.g., C-276 is N10276, C-22 is N06022) and standard version must be clearly specified.

 

Summary and Recommended Combinations

 

General-purpose corrosion resistant champion, cost-effective choice: Hastelloy C-276

Demanding mixed media, performance upgrade choice: Hastelloy C-22

Strong hydrochloric acid environment, reliable engineering choice: Hastelloy B-3

High-temperature load-bearing structural components choice: Hastelloy X

Special post-weld treatment-free chlorine-resistant environment choice: Hastelloy C-4

 

The final decision must be made in conjunction with the specific process package conditions and confirmed with our experienced materials engineers and the Lork Group, which has stock available.