invar price

Invar, also known as Alloy 36 or Invar 36, is a nickel–iron alloy that is widely used in precision engineering, aerospace, tooling, and electronics because of its unique low coefficient of thermal expansion. Many industries are concerned about the cost of Invar materials, particularly the price per kg for plates, sheets, round bars, and pipes. The Invar price can vary depending on purity, form, thickness, supplier origin, and global nickel and iron market trends. This article provides a detailed look at Invar price per kg, factors affecting its cost, and how suppliers set their pricing strategies.

Invar Price Per Kg Overview

Invar 36 price per kg fluctuates based on global metal prices and demand in aerospace and tooling industries. On average, Invar costs are higher than standard stainless steel due to its complex production and specialized applications. Below is a general pricing chart for different Invar products.

Factors Affecting Invar Price

Several key factors influence the cost of Invar alloy in the global market:

1. Nickel and Iron Market Prices: Invar contains about 36% nickel, so fluctuations in nickel prices directly impact overall cost.

2. Manufacturing Process: Cold rolling, precision cutting, and high-purity production add extra costs compared to conventional alloys.

3. Product Form: Plates, bars, strips, and precision sheets have different production costs, leading to different price points.

4. Supplier and Origin: Chinese factories often offer competitive prices, while European or US suppliers may charge a premium for tighter tolerances and certifications.

5. Order Quantity: Bulk orders significantly reduce per kg cost due to economies of scale in production and logistics.

Invar Plate Price Details

Invar plates are mainly used in aerospace tooling, LNG storage tanks, and laser equipment. They are often supplied in annealed condition to ensure machinability.

Invar Round Bar and Pipe Prices

Invar round bars and pipes are popular in precision engineering and cryogenic applications. Bars are sold in standard diameters while pipes are supplied as seamless or welded products.

Global Invar Suppliers

China is one of the leading suppliers of Invar materials, offering competitive prices due to large-scale production. However, European and US manufacturers are often preferred for high-end aerospace and cryogenic applications due to strict quality standards.

Typical suppliers include steel mills, alloy distributors, and specialty material factories that provide Invar in multiple product forms with certifications like ISO, ASTM, or EN standards.

Applications Driving Invar Demand

Invar’s unique properties drive demand in several industries:

Aerospace: Aircraft tooling and composite molds.

Electronics: Shadow masks and precision instruments.

Energy: LNG tank components and cryogenic storage systems.

Scientific Equipment: Telescope components, laser instruments, and precision optical devices.

Related Questions

Q1: Why is Invar more expensive than stainless steel?
Invar contains a high percentage of nickel, which is costly compared to iron and chromium used in stainless steel. Its specialized applications and complex manufacturing also raise the price.

Q2: What is the typical price per kg of Invar 36 sheet?
The price of Invar 36 cold rolled sheet generally ranges from USD 38 to 60 per kg, depending on thickness, supplier, and certification requirements.

Q3: Where can I buy Invar material at factory price?
Chinese factories and alloy distributors often provide Invar at competitive factory prices, especially for bulk orders. European and American suppliers also supply Invar but usually at a premium for aerospace-grade quality.