Nippon Seisen Develops Low Thermal Expansion Ni Base Alloy

Japanese major stainless steel wire maker, Nippon Seisen developed high nickel base alloy, INS680X with high strength through heat treatment and low-thermal expansion characteristics in high temperature. The firm succeeded to develop the high performance alloy by finding optimum combination of alloys including chrome, molybdenum titanium and aluminium. The firm expects fuel cell makers would use the alloy as fastener material for cells due to the low expansion property under more than 650 degrees centigrade atmosphere where is desirable for efficient power generation. The firm tries to get the commercial order from fuel cell makers and other users including automotive engine parts in the year.

Nippon Seisen developed INS680X by adding alloys on base material of low thermal expansion nickel base alloy for turbine, which was developed by the parent company, Daido Steel. The new alloy has low thermal expansion as high chrome heat resistant steel. Through heat treatment, the alloy’s strength can be increased. The firm offers the alloy with 20 millimeters diameter or less.

Nippon Seisen expects INS680X is suited for fastener material of solid-oxide fuel cell and molten carbonate fuel cell. Japanese fuel cell industry expects the types of fuel cells are key technology for industrial and individual use due to the generating efficiency while the fastener material should keep the performance in high temperature for the cells during long time use.