Invar plate, also known as Invar 36 plate, is widely used in industries that require excellent dimensional stability across temperature variations, such as aerospace, cryogenics, and precision engineering. The price of Invar plate is influenced by thickness, width, surface finish, and global nickel market conditions. Since Invar is a nickel-iron alloy with about 36% nickel, fluctuations in nickel prices significantly impact its cost. Many buyers search for reliable information about Invar plate price trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
What is the Average Invar Plate Price?
The cost of Invar plate can vary depending on supplier and specifications. Typically, Invar plate is more expensive than common stainless steels due to its higher nickel content and specialized production process. Prices are usually quoted per kilogram or per ton. Below is an estimated price range based on current market data.
Product | Specification | Estimated Price (USD/kg) |
---|---|---|
Invar Plate | 3mm – 20mm thickness | $45 – $55 |
Invar Plate | 20mm – 50mm thickness | $50 – $65 |
Invar Plate | Above 50mm thickness | $60 – $75 |
Factors Affecting Invar Plate Price
The price of Invar plate is not fixed and changes frequently depending on several market and technical factors:
Factor | Impact on Price |
---|---|
Nickel Market Fluctuations | As nickel content is high in Invar, rising nickel prices increase plate cost. |
Production Method | Cold rolled Invar plate is generally more expensive than hot rolled due to precision processing. |
Thickness and Size | Thicker plates or custom large sizes add to the price. |
Supplier Origin | Chinese factories often offer lower prices compared to European or US suppliers. |
Order Quantity | Bulk orders usually come with discounts, while small orders have higher per-unit costs. |
Invar Plate Price by Region
Global buyers should also consider regional pricing variations when purchasing Invar plate:
Region | Estimated Price Range (USD/kg) | Notes |
---|---|---|
China | $42 – $55 | Large production capacity, competitive pricing, faster lead times. |
Europe | $55 – $70 | High-quality standards, stricter certifications, higher cost. |
United States | $60 – $75 | Premium pricing with guaranteed traceability and certifications. |
Applications Driving Invar Plate Demand
The demand for Invar plate has been steadily rising due to its special properties:
Industry | Application |
---|---|
Aerospace | Precision instruments, satellite components. |
Cryogenics | Liquid gas storage tanks and equipment. |
Electronics | Shadow masks for CRT displays, precision instruments. |
Tooling | Molds requiring minimal thermal expansion. |
How to Get the Best Invar Plate Price
Buyers can reduce costs by choosing the right supplier, purchasing larger quantities, and considering Chinese manufacturers for bulk orders. Checking the current nickel market before placing orders also helps in timing the purchase at a favorable rate.
Related Questions
What is Invar made of? Invar is a nickel-iron alloy containing approximately 36% nickel and the rest iron. It is designed for extremely low thermal expansion.
Why is Invar plate expensive? Invar plate is costly due to its high nickel content, specialized processing, and limited global production compared to standard stainless steels.
Where can I buy Invar plate? Invar plate can be purchased from Chinese factories, European suppliers, and US distributors, with China generally offering more competitive prices for bulk buyers.