Invar, an iron-nickel alloy known for its extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, is widely used in precision instruments, aerospace, cryogenic applications, and tooling for composite molds. The price of Invar per kg is a common query from manufacturers, engineers, and procurement teams who need reliable data for cost estimation and project planning. The Invar price per kg depends on factors such as grade (Invar 36 is the most common), thickness, supplier location, and global nickel market fluctuations. Below we will analyze the market pricing, influencing factors, and provide reference tables for better understanding.
Current Invar Price Per Kg
The market price of Invar alloy per kg typically ranges between $40 to $65, depending on product form such as sheets, plates, bars, or rods. Custom dimensions and tight tolerance requirements can drive the price higher. Due to the high nickel content (approximately 36%), the price of Invar is strongly influenced by the volatility of nickel in the international commodities market.
| Product Form | Grade | Approx. Price (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Invar 36 Plate | UNS K93600 | $42 – $55 |
| Invar 36 Sheet | UNS K93600 | $40 – $50 |
| Invar 36 Round Bar | UNS K93600 | $45 – $60 |
| Invar 36 Rod | UNS K93600 | $46 – $62 |
| Invar 36 Strip/Foil | UNS K93600 | $50 – $65 |
Factors Affecting Invar Price Per Kg
Several market and technical factors affect the price of Invar:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Nickel Price | Since Invar contains 36% nickel, global nickel price fluctuations directly affect Invar cost. |
| Production Process | Cold rolled products and precision strips are more expensive due to tighter tolerances. |
| Quantity Ordered | Bulk orders often come with significant discounts compared to small batch orders. |
| Supplier Region | Asian suppliers usually offer more competitive pricing compared to European suppliers. |
| Custom Machining | Additional finishing, cutting, or machining increases the price per kg. |
Invar 36 Applications and Price Relevance
Invar 36 is essential in industries where dimensional stability is critical. Applications include aerospace tooling, satellite components, cryogenic equipment, and semiconductor tooling. The price per kg is a crucial consideration since these industries often require large quantities of high-precision materials.
| Application | Material Form | Typical Price Range (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace tooling molds | Invar 36 Plate | $42 – $55 |
| Precision instruments | Invar 36 Rod/Bar | $45 – $60 |
| Cryogenic storage | Invar 36 Sheet | $40 – $50 |
| Semiconductor equipment | Invar 36 Foil/Strip | $50 – $65 |
Global Market Overview for Invar Price Per Kg
Global demand for Invar has grown due to increased use in aerospace and electronics. Asian markets, particularly China, dominate in volume supply and lower pricing, while European and US suppliers focus on certified aerospace-grade materials with higher pricing. On average, Chinese suppliers offer Invar 36 plates at around $42 – $48 per kg, whereas European suppliers may quote $55 – $65 per kg for the same product.
| Region | Typical Price (USD/kg) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| China | $42 – $48 | Competitive pricing, large production volume |
| India | $44 – $52 | Export-oriented, competitive for sheets and strips |
| Europe | $55 – $65 | High quality, aerospace certifications |
| USA | $52 – $60 | Preferred for aerospace and defense projects |
Related Questions
Q1: What is the density of Invar and why is it important for pricing?
Invar has a density of about 8.1 g/cm³. Its density affects weight-based pricing because suppliers typically quote per kg. For large projects, density plays a role in estimating final costs based on volume requirements.
Q2: Is Invar more expensive than stainless steel?
Yes, Invar is more expensive than stainless steel due to its high nickel content and specialized properties. While stainless steel may cost around $3 – $6 per kg, Invar can cost $40 – $65 per kg.
Q3: Where can I buy Invar at the best price?
For bulk orders, Asian suppliers (China, India) generally offer the best prices. However, for aerospace-certified materials, European and US suppliers are preferred despite higher costs due to strict quality and certification requirements.
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