Inconel 82 (UNS N06082 / W.Nr. 2.4648) is a nickel-chromium-iron welding filler metal classified as ERNiCr-3 under AWS A5.14. With a nominal composition of 67% Ni, 20% Cr, 3% Mn, 3% Fe, and 2.5% Nb, it is the most widely used Ni-Cr filler for welding Inconel 600/601/690, Incoloy 800/800H/800HT, dissimilar metal joints, and nuclear steam generator tubes.

What is the chemical composition of Inconel 82?

Per AWS A5.14 ERNiCr-3: Ni ≥ 67.0% (with Co), Cr 18.0–22.0%, Fe ≤ 3.0%, Mn 2.5–3.5%, Nb+Ta 2.0–3.0%, C ≤ 0.10%, Si ≤ 0.50%, Cu ≤ 0.50%, S ≤ 0.015%, P ≤ 0.030%, Ti ≤ 0.75%. The high nickel content provides resistance to stress-corrosion cracking while chromium provides oxidation resistance up to ~980°C.

What is the density and melting range of Inconel 82?

Inconel 82 has a density of approximately 8.4 g/cm³ (0.304 lb/in³) and a melting range of approximately 1390–1425°C (2535–2600°F). Its coefficient of thermal expansion is around 13.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C at 20–100°C.

What is the maximum service temperature of Inconel 82 weld deposits?

Inconel 82 weld deposits retain useful mechanical properties and oxidation resistance in continuous service up to about 980°C (1800°F). It is the standard Ni-Cr filler for service in the 400–980°C range, especially where dissimilar metal welds must accommodate thermal expansion mismatch between low-alloy steel and austenitic stainless steel or nickel alloy.

What are the mechanical properties of Inconel 82 weld metal?

Typical all-weld-metal tensile properties per AWS A5.14 / ASME SFA 5.14: ultimate tensile strength ≥ 550 MPa (80 ksi), 0.2% yield strength ≥ 360 MPa (52 ksi), elongation in 4D ≥ 30%. The Charpy V-notch impact at room temperature is typically 100–180 J. After 1000-hour stress rupture at 650°C, the rupture strength exceeds 130 MPa.

What is the difference between Inconel 82 and Inconel 182?

Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) is the bare welding wire used in GTAW, GMAW, PAW, and SAW processes. Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3) is the matching coated electrode used in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW / stick). They share the same nominal weld-deposit chemistry; the 82 is the wire/rod form and the 182 is the stick electrode with flux coating.

What is Inconel 82 used to weld?

Inconel 82 is the workhorse filler for: (1) welding Inconel 600, 601, and 690 to themselves; (2) welding Incoloy 800, 800H, 800HT and 330; (3) dissimilar joints between nickel alloys and austenitic stainless steels; (4) joining low-alloy steel to austenitic stainless or nickel alloy (DMW joints); (5) surfacing carbon steel with a corrosion/oxidation-resistant nickel overlay; (6) nuclear reactor nozzle, safe-end, and steam generator tube-to-tubesheet welds.

What shielding gas is used with Inconel 82?

For GTAW (TIG) use 100% Argon (I1) backing with argon or argon+helium as torch gas. For GMAW (MIG) use argon + 25–30% helium or argon + 0.5–2% CO₂. For SAW use INCOFLUX 4 or INCOFLUX 6 flux. For PAW use argon + 5–15% hydrogen plasma gas. Backing gas (typically argon or argon/helium) is essential for stainless tube root-pass welding to prevent internal oxidation and weld root porosity.

Is Inconel 82 used in nuclear applications?

Yes. Inconel 82 (with matching Inconel 182 electrode) is the ASME-qualified dissimilar-metal-weld filler for nuclear power plant nozzle safe-ends, reactor coolant system piping, and pressurizer penetrations. Combined with Inconel 182 and used with buttering on low-alloy steel SA-508 / SA-533, it forms the classic nuclear DMW joint qualified per ASME Section III and RCC-M.

What is the recommended preheat and PWHT for Inconel 82 welds?

Preheat is generally not required for welding nickel alloy base metals. When joining low-alloy steel to nickel alloy, the low-alloy steel side typically requires 100–150°C preheat. Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is generally NOT recommended for Inconel 82 weld metal — exposure to 550–850°C can reduce ductility due to carbide precipitation. Where ASME code requires PWHT of the ferritic side, time at 595–620°C should be minimized.

What is the difference between Inconel 82 and Inconel 625 filler metal?

Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) is a Ni-Cr-Fe filler with Mn and Nb; it matches the chemistry of Inconel 600 base metal and is primarily used to weld 600/601/690, Incoloy 800, and dissimilar joints. Inconel 625 (ERNiCrMo-3) is a Ni-Cr-Mo filler with significantly higher chromium (~22%) and 9% molybdenum, designed for seawater, sulfuric acid, and high-pitting-resistance applications. Inconel 82 is preferred for high-temperature nickel-to-nickel joints; Inconel 625 is preferred for severe corrosion and 6Mo stainless overlays.

What product forms and diameters are available for Inconel 82?

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Inconel 82 in: (1) TIG/GTAW straight rods in lengths of 36 in (914 mm) and 1000 mm, diameters 1.0–4.0 mm; (2) MIG/GMAW spooled wire on 15 kg or 25 kg spools (D200/D300), diameters 0.8–1.6 mm; (3) SAW spooled wire in 25 kg and 50 kg spools, diameters 1.6–3.2 mm; (4) PAW cut lengths on request; (5) matching Inconel 182 coated stick electrodes in 2.5–4.0 mm × 300/350 mm. All lots come with EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 mill certificates.

How much does Inconel 82 cost and what is the lead time?

Inconel 82 price is driven by nickel LME and the current chromium and niobium surcharge. Compared with stainless steel welding consumables, Inconel 82 is roughly 4–6× higher per kg. Standard TIG rods (1.6/2.4 mm) and MIG spools (0.8/1.0 mm) are normally ex-stock with 1–2 week delivery. Custom spool sizes, special packaging, and matching IncoFlux 4 / 6 submerged-arc flux require 4–6 weeks. For a current quote, contact Hangbo Alloy at hangbo@nickel-alloy.com or WhatsApp +86-136-1165-6360.

Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) Welding Filler Metal: Composition, Properties & Applications

Inconel 82 ERNiCr-3 nickel-chromium welding wire spools - Shanghai Hangbo Alloy manufacturer

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Overview

Inconel 82 (UNS N06082 / W.Nr. 2.4648) — designated ERNiCr-3 under AWS A5.14 — is a nickel-chromium-iron welding filler metal developed by Special Metals Corporation in the 1950s as the matching consumable for Inconel 600. With a nominal composition of 67% Ni, 20% Cr, 3% Mn, 3% Fe, 2.5% Nb plus small additions of titanium and silicon, Inconel 82 produces weld deposits with the same metallurgical stability, oxidation resistance, and stress-corrosion-cracking (SCC) immunity as the parent Inconel 600 / 601 / 690 base metals, while offering excellent compatibility with austenitic stainless steel and dissimilar metal joints.

More than seven decades after its introduction, Inconel 82 remains the most widely consumed Ni-Cr welding filler in the world. It is the ASME-qualified dissimilar-metal-weld (DMW) consumable for nuclear power plant reactor coolant system piping, pressurizer safe-ends, and steam generator nozzle-to-pipe joints. It is also the standard filler for petrochemical furnace tubes, ethylene cracking coils, Incoloy 800 / 800H / 800HT heat-treatment fixture fabrication, and corrosion-resistant overlay welding on carbon-steel pressure vessels. The matching coated electrode, Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3), shares the same deposit chemistry and is used in shielded-metal-arc welding (SMAW) for field work where spooled wire is impractical.

Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures and globally supplies Inconel 82 in all common product forms — TIG straight rods, MIG spooled wire, SAW spools, PAW cut lengths, and matching Inconel 182 stick electrodes — with full EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 mill certification, ASME Section II Part C SFA-5.14 compliance, and optional third-party inspection (SGS, TUV, Lloyd's, DNV, BV). Buy Inconel 82 from Hangbo Alloy at manufacturer-direct price with typical ex-stock delivery on standard diameters.

Quick Specifications — Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3)

UNS Number N06082

Werkstoff Number 2.4648

AWS Specification A5.14 ERNiCr-3

ASME Designation SFA-5.14 ERNiCr-3

Matching Electrode Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3)

Density 8.4 g/cm³ (0.304 lb/in³)

Melting Range 1390–1425 °C

Ni Content (incl. Co) ≥ 67.0%

Cr Content 18.0 – 22.0%

Mn Content 2.5 – 3.5%

Nb+Ta Content 2.0 – 3.0%

Max Service Temperature ~980 °C (1800 °F)

All-Weld Tensile (min) 550 MPa (80 ksi)

All-Weld Yield (min) 360 MPa (52 ksi)

Elongation (4D, min) 30%

Standard Form TIG Rod / MIG Wire / SAW Spool / Stick

Chemical Composition (AWS A5.14 / ASME SFA 5.14 ERNiCr-3)

The composition of Inconel 82 wire is tightly controlled by AWS A5.14 and ASME SFA-5.14 to deliver the right combination of high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and stress-corrosion-cracking immunity. Nickel is the matrix element and provides resistance to caustic and chloride stress corrosion; chromium provides the protective Cr₂O₃ scale for oxidation resistance; manganese improves weld-pool fluidity and acts as a deoxidizer; niobium (columbium) provides carbide stabilization and grain-refinement strength.

Element	Min %	Max %
Nickel (Ni) ^†	67.0	—
Chromium (Cr)	18.0	22.0
Manganese (Mn)	2.5	3.5
Iron (Fe)	—	3.0
Niobium + Tantalum (Nb+Ta)	2.0	3.0
Carbon (C)	—	0.10
Silicon (Si)	—	0.50
Copper (Cu)	—	0.50
Titanium (Ti)	—	0.75
Phosphorus (P)	—	0.030
Sulfur (S)	—	0.015
Aluminum (Al)	—	0.40
Other, each	—	0.50
Other, total	—	1.00

^† Ni content includes cobalt (Co) when present; the Ni+Co minimum is 67.0% per AWS A5.14.

Physical Properties of Inconel 82 Weld Metal

Physical properties of the solid Inconel 82 wire / rod are essentially the same as the all-weld-metal deposit. The fully austenitic FCC structure remains stable from cryogenic temperatures up to the melting point, with no phase transformations during heating or cooling. The thermal expansion coefficient is intermediate between low-alloy ferritic steel and austenitic stainless steel, which is why Inconel 82 is the preferred transition joint filler for thermal-expansion-mismatch dissimilar welds.

Property	Value	Unit
Density	8.4	g/cm³
Melting Range	1390 – 1425	°C
Specific Heat (20 °C)	450	J/kg·K
Thermal Conductivity (20 °C)	12.0	W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity (20 °C)	1.25	μΩ·m
Modulus of Elasticity (20 °C)	200	GPa
Mean CTE (20 – 100 °C)	13.5	μm/m·°C
Mean CTE (20 – 500 °C)	14.2	μm/m·°C
Mean CTE (20 – 1000 °C)	16.0	μm/m·°C
Magnetic Permeability	1.001 (essentially non-magnetic)	—

All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties (per AWS A5.14 / ASME SFA-5.14)

Mechanical property requirements in AWS A5.14 are minimum values for all-weld-metal test specimens prepared per AWS B4.0 in the as-welded condition. The values below represent the typical expected performance of a properly deposited Inconel 82 weld in the GTAW condition; actual production welds should be qualified per ASME Section IX or the equivalent code.

Property	AWS A5.14 Minimum	Typical GTAW Value
Ultimate Tensile Strength (Rm)	550 MPa (80 ksi)	620 – 690 MPa (90 – 100 ksi)
0.2% Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	360 MPa (52 ksi)	400 – 460 MPa (58 – 67 ksi)
Elongation in 4D	30%	35 – 45%
Reduction of Area	—	50 – 65%
Charpy V-notch Impact (RT)	—	100 – 180 J (74 – 133 ft·lbf)
Charpy V-notch Impact (−196 °C)	—	80 – 130 J
Hardness (all-weld, RT)	—	160 – 200 HV10
Stress Rupture (650 °C / 1000 h)	—	≥ 130 MPa
Stress Rupture (760 °C / 1000 h)	—	≥ 55 MPa

High-Temperature Performance

Inconel 82 weld metal retains useful short-term tensile strength at temperatures up to about 980 °C and useful creep-rupture strength up to about 870 °C. The high nickel content provides the resistance to stress-corrosion cracking in caustic, polythionic acid, and high-temperature water environments that makes Inconel 82 the standard filler for nuclear primary-loop components. The chromium content provides a self-healing Cr₂O₃ scale in oxidizing atmospheres up to about 980 °C, with spallation resistance comparable to the parent Inconel 600 base metal.

Corrosion & Environmental Resistance

Although it is a welding consumable rather than a wrought product, the all-weld-metal corrosion performance of Inconel 82 is essentially that of Inconel 600 chemistry. The deposit resists:

Caustic & Alkaline Solutions: The high nickel content provides immunity to caustic stress-corrosion cracking in NaOH, KOH, and similar alkaline service up to concentrated solutions at elevated temperatures.
Polythionic Acid SCC: Inconel 82 weld metal is immune to polythionic acid stress-corrosion cracking in hydroprocessing reactor circuits, making it the standard overlay for stainless-clad carbon-steel reactor shells.
High-Temperature Water & Steam: Excellent resistance to primary-water stress-corrosion cracking in PWR / VVER nuclear reactor coolant loops when qualified per ASME Section III.
Oxidation in Air & Flue Gas: Up to about 980 °C (1800 °F) in continuous service; intermittent service to 1100 °C is acceptable where scale spallation is not critical.
Nitriding & Carburization: Moderate resistance; the 3% Mn and 2.5% Nb additions help, but for severely carburizing ethylene-cracking service, an Inconel 600 tube with Inconel 82 weld is a standard proven combination.

For applications requiring high-pitting / crevice corrosion resistance in chloride service (e.g. seawater, wet FGD, hot HCl), upgrade to Inconel 625 (ERNiCrMo-3) filler metal. Inconel 82 is not optimized for chloride pitting resistance.

Welding Procedure & Process Recommendations

Inconel 82 is suitable for all major arc welding processes. The choice of process depends on the application, joint geometry, and required productivity:

Process & Shielding Gas Selection

Process	Recommended Shielding / Flux	Typical Use
GTAW (TIG)	100% Argon torch gas; 100% Argon or Ar+5%H₂ backing	Root pass on tubes, thin-wall pipe, high-quality manual welds
GMAW (MIG)	Ar+25-30%He or Ar+0.5-2%CO₂	Heavy section, longer weld runs, higher deposition
PAW (Plasma)	Ar+5-15%H₂ plasma; Ar backing	Tube-to-tubesheet, narrow groove, nuclear
SAW (Submerged Arc)	INCOFLUX 4 (buttering) or INCOFLUX 6 (multi-pass)	Heavy plate, pressure vessel overlay, DMW joint cladding
SMAW (Stick)	Use Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3) electrode — same deposit	Field work, repair, hard-to-reach positions

PWHT Considerations

Post-weld heat treatment is not recommended for Inconel 82 weld metal. Long exposure in the 550–850 °C sensitization range can cause carbide precipitation on grain boundaries, reducing ductility and impact toughness. Where ASME code requires PWHT of the ferritic low-alloy steel side of a dissimilar joint, the time at 595–620 °C should be kept to the minimum specified by the procedure qualification. A buttering layer of Inconel 82 (and Inconel 182 for SMAW) is typically deposited on the low-alloy steel first, then the final joint is made with Inconel 82 wire to keep the nickel-rich deposit away from the highest-temperature PWHT zone.

Primary Applications

Inconel 82 is the global standard Ni-Cr welding filler metal for the following application areas:

Nuclear Power Generation

Reactor Coolant Piping DMW Joints: Inconel 82 (wire) + Inconel 182 (SMAW electrode) buttering and final-weld dissimilar joints between SA-508 / SA-533 low-alloy steel reactor-vessel nozzles and austenitic stainless-steel primary loop piping. ASME Section III and RCC-M qualified procedures.
Steam Generator Tube-to-Tubesheet: Seal welding of Alloy 600 / 690 tubes to Inconel-clad tubesheets in PWR steam generators; also seal welding during tube plugging operations.
Pressurizer & Accumulator Safe-Ends: Dissimilar transition joints qualified to ASME III NB / RCC-M.
Inconel 690 Overlay Welding: Replacement of Inconel 600 steam generator tubes with Inconel 690 tubes; Inconel 82 / 182 are the qualified weld fillers for the tube-to-tubesheet joint.

Fossil & Petrochemical Power

Boiler Tube Welding: Joining Inconel 600, 601, 690 superheater and reheater tubes in coal-fired, biomass, and waste-to-energy boilers.
Ethylene Cracking Furnace Coils: Joining HK40, HP40, and Inconel 600/601 centrifugal cast tubes; dissimilar joints to Incoloy 800 / 800H return bends.
Steam Reformer Outlet Manifolds: Inlet/outlet pigtails and manifold welding for hydrogen and ammonia plant reformers.
Gas Turbine Combustion Hardware: Fabrication of Inconel 600 / 601 combustion liners and transition pieces where weld repairability is required.

Heat Treatment & Furnace Equipment

Incoloy 800 / 800H / 800HT Fabrication: Joining furnace muffles, radiant tubes, retorts, and baskets. Inconel 82 deposit matches the Incoloy 800 chemistry closely enough to give equivalent oxidation and carburization resistance.
Alloy 330 Fabrication: Furnace rolls, fans, and high-temperature fixture welding.
Field Repair of Cracked Furnace Tubes: Inconel 182 stick electrodes are the standard field-repair consumable for Inconel 600 / 601 / 690 and Incoloy 800 / 800HT furnace tubes.

Chemical & Corrosion Service

Hydroprocessing Reactor Overlay: Strip cladding of carbon-steel reactor shells with Inconel 82 (typically 3–6 mm total thickness) for polythionic-acid-SCC resistance in hydrocracker and hydrotreater circuits. INCOFLUX 4 submerged-arc flux is normally used.
Caustic Evaporator Welding: Joining nickel-rich components in NaOH concentrating equipment.
Stainless Steel 304 / 316 to Carbon Steel: Dissimilar joints in chemical plant where thermal expansion mismatch must be accommodated (e.g. stainless piping transitions to carbon-steel headers).

Inconel 82 vs. Inconel 625 vs. Inconel 182 — Selection Guide

Property	Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3)	Inconel 625 (ERNiCrMo-3)	Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3)
UNS Number	N06082	N06625	W86182
Primary Process	GTAW, GMAW, PAW, SAW	GTAW, GMAW, PAW, SAW	SMAW (stick)
Ni Content (min)	67%	58%	59% (deposit)
Cr Content	18 – 22%	20 – 23%	13 – 17% (deposit)
Mo Content	—	8 – 10%	—
Best For	High-temp Ni-Cr welds, DMW, nuclear	Seawater, sulfuric acid, chloride pitting	Field SMAW repair where 82 wire not practical
Pitting Resistance (PREN)	~20	~50	~20
Max Service Temp	~980 °C	~980 °C	~980 °C

Available Product Forms & Sizes

Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures Inconel 82 to AWS A5.14 / ASME SFA-5.14 in the following standard product forms. All products ship with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate and full traceability.

GTAW (TIG) Rods — Inconel 82: Straight lengths 914 mm (36 in) and 1000 mm, diameters 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.4 / 3.0 / 3.2 / 4.0 mm. 5 kg / 10 kg cardboard tube packing.
GMAW (MIG) Wire — Inconel 82: Layer-wound on D200 / D300 plastic spools, 15 kg or 25 kg. Diameters 0.8 / 0.9 / 1.0 / 1.14 / 1.2 / 1.6 mm. Precision-layer wound for snag-free wire feeding.
SAW (Submerged-Arc) Wire — Inconel 82: On 25 kg or 50 kg wire spools, diameters 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.4 / 3.0 / 3.2 / 4.0 mm. To be used with INCOFLUX 4 or INCOFLUX 6 flux.
PAW (Plasma) Cut Lengths — Inconel 82: Cut to specified length, 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.6 mm diameters; full chemical lot certification included.
Matching SMAW Electrode — Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3): Coated stick electrodes in 2.5 / 3.2 / 4.0 mm diameters, 300 / 350 mm lengths. Vacuum-packed 5 kg boxes.
Matching SAW Flux — INCOFLUX 4 / INCOFLUX 6: 25 kg sealed bags. INCOFLUX 4 for Inconel 82 + Inconel 182 buttering, INCOFLUX 6 for final SAW pass overlay welding.

Buy Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) at Manufacturer Price

Request a quotation for Inconel 82 TIG rods, MIG wire spools, SAW wire, matching Inconel 182 electrodes, and INCOFLUX 4/6 submerged-arc flux. Standard diameters ex-stock; custom spool sizes, packaging, and OEM labeling available.

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Related Standards & Specifications

Standard	Description
AWS A5.14 / A5.14M	Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods (ERNiCr-3 = Inconel 82)
ASME SFA-5.14	Same as AWS A5.14, referenced by ASME Section II Part C
ASME Section IX	Welding procedure & performance qualification — typically paired with ASME III for nuclear
ASME Section III	Nuclear power component welding rules (DMW Inconel 82/182 joints qualified per NB-2400)
RCC-M	French nuclear mechanical design code, Inconel 82/182 qualified for primary loop DMW
EN ISO 18274	European equivalent of AWS A5.14 (Ni6082 / S Ni 6082)
DIN 1736	German designation SG-NiCr20Nb
UNS N06082	Unified Numbering System designation
W.Nr. 2.4648	Werkstoff Number (German DIN)
QQ-N-350 (historic)	US Federal specification (superseded by AWS A5.14)

Contact Hangbo Alloy for Inconel 82

Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures and globally supplies Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) welding wire and rod, plus the matching Inconel 182 (ENiCrFe-3) coated electrode and INCOFLUX 4 / 6 submerged-arc fluxes. All lots come with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certification, full chemical analysis, and traceability to the original heat. Third-party inspection (SGS, TUV, Lloyd's Register, DNV, BV, Intertek) is available on request.

For a current price quote, lead time, or technical consultation on Inconel 82 selection, procedure qualification, or dissimilar-metal-weld design, contact our welding consumables team at [email protected] or call +86-136-1165-6360. We respond to inquiries within 10 minutes during Shanghai business hours (Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 CST). For instant messaging, reach us on WhatsApp +86 13611656360.