Nickel Alloy GH2696
Nickel Alloy GH2696, also known as GH696, is a Fe-Ni-Cr-based precipitation-hardening wrought superalloy designed for high yield strength, creep resistance, rupture strength, high-temperature elasticity, gas corrosion resistance and good processing plasticity below approximately 650°C. Strengthened by titanium, aluminum, molybdenum and trace boron additions, GH2696 is widely used for turbine and compressor fasteners, discs, working blades, turbine shells, rings, connecting rings and cylindrical coil springs operating in the 400–650°C range.
Nickel Alloy GH2696
Nickel Alloy GH2696 is a Fe-Ni-Cr-based precipitation-hardening wrought superalloy. It is also commonly known as GH696 in Chinese superalloy designation systems. The alloy is based on an iron-nickel-chromium matrix with strengthening additions such as titanium, aluminum, molybdenum and trace boron.
GH2696 is designed for components requiring high yield strength, good creep resistance, rupture strength, high-temperature elasticity, gas corrosion resistance and good processing plasticity at moderately elevated temperatures. It is especially suitable for long-term service below approximately 650°C and short-term exposure up to approximately 750°C, depending on stress, exposure time, component design and heat treatment condition.
The strengthening mechanism of GH2696 is mainly precipitation hardening. Titanium and aluminum contribute to the formation of strengthening precipitates, while molybdenum provides solid-solution strengthening. Boron helps improve grain boundary behavior and high-temperature rupture performance.
GH2696 is widely used for aerospace engine fasteners, compressor parts, turbine components, discs, working blades, turbine shells, rings, connecting rings and high-temperature cylindrical coil springs. For parts operating between 400°C and 650°C, GH2696 provides a useful combination of strength, elasticity and thermal stability.
Compared with stainless steels, GH2696 offers better high-temperature strength and creep resistance. Compared with high-temperature nickel-based superalloys such as GH4738 or GH4698, GH2696 is generally used in a lower temperature range but offers good manufacturability and practical performance for fasteners, springs, rings and moderate-temperature turbine components.
GH2696 At a Glance
| Key Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Nickel Alloy GH2696 / GH696 |
| UNS | No direct universal UNS equivalent commonly used |
| EN / W.Nr. | No direct universal EN / W.Nr. equivalent commonly used |
| Material Type | Fe-Ni-Cr-Based Precipitation-Hardening Wrought Superalloy |
| Density | Approx. 7.9–8.1 g/cm³ |
| PREN | Not typically used for nickel-based or iron-nickel superalloys |
| Main Advantage | High Yield Strength, Creep Resistance, High-Temperature Elasticity and Gas Corrosion Resistance |
| Typical Service Temperature | Long-term service below approx. 650°C; short-term exposure may reach approx. 750°C with engineering evaluation |
| Main Industries | Aerospace Engines, Gas Turbines, Power Generation, High-Temperature Fasteners, Spring Manufacturing |
| Comparable Grades | GH2132 / A-286, GH2696M, GH4698, GH4738, Alloy 718, Inconel X-750 |
Features
- Fe-Ni-Cr-based precipitation-hardening wrought superalloy for moderate high-temperature service.
- High yield strength and rupture strength below approximately 650°C.
- Good creep resistance for turbine, compressor and ring components.
- Excellent high-temperature elasticity for cylindrical coil springs operating at 400–650°C.
- Good resistance to gas corrosion in aero engine and turbine environments.
- Good processing plasticity for forgings, rings, bars, plates, strips and wires.
- Titanium and aluminum additions support precipitation hardening response.
- Molybdenum contributes solid-solution strengthening and thermal stability.
- Trace boron improves grain boundary strength and rupture performance.
- Suitable for fasteners, discs, blades, rings, turbine shells and high-temperature springs.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 21.00–25.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 10.00–12.50 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 2.60–3.20 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00–1.60 |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≤ 0.80 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.60 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60 |
| Boron (B) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.010 |
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | Approx. 7.9–8.1 g/cm³ / 0.285–0.293 lb/in³ |
| Melting Range | Approx. 1360–1420°C / 2480–2588°F |
| Electrical Resistivity | Approx. 0.90–1.10 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Conductivity | Approx. 11–15 W/m·K at room temperature |
| Specific Heat Capacity | Approx. 440–500 J/kg·K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | Approx. 190–210 GPa / 27.5–30.5 × 10⁶ psi |
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties of Nickel Alloy GH2696 depend on product form, section size, heat treatment, forging ratio and test temperature. The following values are typical reference values for solution-treated and aged material. Final acceptance values should be confirmed according to the applicable standard, drawing or customer specification.
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solution Treated + Aged, Room Temperature | Approx. ≥ 930 MPa / ≥ 135 ksi | Approx. ≥ 590 MPa / ≥ 86 ksi | Approx. ≥ 15% | Approx. 250–340 HB typical reference |
| Forged / Ring Product, Heat Treated | Specified by drawing or project standard | Specified by drawing or project standard | Specified by drawing or project standard | Controlled by heat treatment and inspection plan |
| Spring Wire / Aged Condition | Application-dependent high tensile strength | High elastic strength for spring service | Application-dependent | Condition-dependent |
| Elevated Temperature Service | Good strength retention below approx. 650°C | Good yield strength retention under load | Application-dependent | Condition-dependent |
Corrosion Resistance
Nickel Alloy GH2696 provides good gas corrosion resistance and useful oxidation resistance in aero engine and turbine environments below its intended service temperature range. Its chromium content helps form a protective oxide layer, while the iron-nickel-chromium matrix provides stable performance in high-temperature gas atmospheres.
For pitting and crevice corrosion, GH2696 is not normally selected as a primary seawater or chloride wet-corrosion alloy. Although it can provide adequate resistance in atmospheric and selected mild environments, severe chloride solutions, stagnant seawater, crevice conditions and salt deposits usually require alloys specifically designed for localized corrosion resistance, such as Alloy 625, Alloy 825, Alloy C-276, Alloy C-22 or super duplex stainless steel.
Stress corrosion cracking resistance depends on stress level, temperature, environment, heat treatment and surface condition. GH2696 is often used in high-stress components, so applications involving simultaneous tensile stress and corrosive media should be reviewed carefully, especially in chloride-bearing or humid environments.
In acid environments, GH2696 may provide limited resistance in selected mild or oxidizing conditions, but it is not intended as a universal acid-resistant alloy. For strong reducing acids, hydrochloric acid, hot sulfuric acid or mixed acid-chloride service, dedicated corrosion-resistant nickel alloys should be considered.
High Temperature Performance
High-temperature performance is the primary reason for selecting Nickel Alloy GH2696. The alloy is designed to provide high yield strength, rupture strength, creep resistance and high-temperature elasticity in service below approximately 650°C.
GH2696 is especially useful for components such as fasteners, discs, working blades, turbine shells, ring parts and connecting rings that operate for long periods below 650°C. It is also used for cylindrical coil springs working in the 400–650°C temperature range where elastic stability and high-temperature strength are important.
For short-term exposure, GH2696 may be considered up to approximately 750°C, depending on stress level, exposure duration, component geometry and heat treatment. Long-term use at excessive temperatures may reduce strength, toughness and structural stability.
GH2696 should not be used as a universal replacement for higher-temperature nickel-based superalloys. For applications requiring higher creep strength or higher long-term operating temperature, GH4698, GH4738, Alloy 718, Waspaloy-type alloys or other dedicated nickel superalloys may be more suitable.
Available Forms
- Round bar
- Flat bar
- Rod
- Wire
- Spring wire
- Sheet
- Plate
- Strip
- Forgings
- Forged rings
- Discs
- Billets
- Blocks
- Fastener blanks
- Spring blanks
- Ring components
- Turbine component blanks
- Precision machined parts
- Custom heat-treated components
Applications
Aerospace Engines
- Turbine fasteners
- Compressor fasteners
- Discs
- Working blades
- Turbine shells
Gas Turbines
- High-temperature fasteners
- Ring parts
- Connecting rings
- Turbine structural components
- Moderate-temperature rotating parts
High-Temperature Springs
- Cylindrical coil springs
- Elastic components operating at 400–650°C
- Spring wire components
- Thermal mechanical spring assemblies
- High-temperature retaining parts
Power Generation
- Turbine auxiliary components
- Heat-resistant fasteners
- Ring components
- Mechanical connectors
- Moderate high-temperature equipment parts
Industrial Turbomachinery
- Compressor parts
- Fastening systems
- Load-bearing rings
- Shaft-related components
- Custom superalloy machined parts
Defense & High-Performance Engineering
- Propulsion-related fasteners
- Thermal mechanical components
- High-temperature load-bearing parts
- Special forged components
- Custom precision assemblies
GH2696 vs GH2132 / A-286 vs Alloy 718 vs GH4698
| Grade | Main Advantage | Strength | High Temperature Performance | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GH2696 / GH696 | High yield strength, creep resistance, high-temperature elasticity and gas corrosion resistance below 650°C | High after heat treatment | Good below approx. 650°C; short-term up to approx. 750°C | Turbine fasteners, compressor fasteners, discs, blades, rings and coil springs |
| GH2132 / A-286 | Iron-nickel-chromium age-hardenable alloy with good strength and oxidation resistance | Medium to High | Good up to moderate high temperatures | Aerospace fasteners, springs, bolts, turbine parts and structural components |
| Alloy 718 / UNS N07718 | High strength, excellent weldability and broad international availability | High | Excellent up to about 650°C | Aerospace parts, oil and gas components, springs, fasteners and cryogenic equipment |
| GH4698 / GH698 | Higher-temperature strength and creep resistance for demanding turbine discs and rings | Very High after heat treatment | Excellent in the 550–800°C range | Turbine discs, compressor discs, bearing rings and high-temperature fasteners |
GH2696 vs GH4738
| Item | Nickel Alloy GH2696 | Nickel Alloy GH4738 |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Fe-Ni-Cr precipitation-hardening wrought superalloy | Nickel-based age-hardenable superalloy |
| Typical Service Range | Long-term below approx. 650°C; short-term up to approx. 750°C | High-stress service commonly up to approx. 700–760°C depending on design |
| Strength Level | High for moderate-temperature fasteners, rings and springs | Very high for turbine discs, rings and shafts |
| Main Advantage | High-temperature elasticity, yield strength and gas corrosion resistance below 650°C | Excellent creep strength, fatigue resistance and oxidation resistance at higher stress levels |
| Typical Use | Fasteners, springs, rings, discs, blades and turbine shells | Turbine discs, forged rings, shafts and high-temperature fasteners |
Welding & Fabrication
Nickel Alloy GH2696 can be processed into forgings, rings, bars, plates, strips and wires. It has good processing plasticity below its intended service temperature range, but fabrication should still be controlled because it is a precipitation-hardening superalloy.
GTAW can be used for precision welding and selected repair work when heat input and joint design are properly controlled. GMAW may be used for suitable production welding applications after procedure qualification. SMAW can be considered for selected repair or thicker-section components, but it is not usually the first choice for critical aerospace parts.
Post-weld heat treatment may be required depending on the final mechanical property requirements, component design and service condition. Since GH2696 relies on precipitation hardening, uncontrolled thermal cycles can affect strength, hardness, creep resistance and high-temperature elasticity.
Forging and hot working should follow controlled heating, deformation and cooling practices to avoid cracking and to maintain proper grain structure. Machining should use rigid setups, sharp cutting tools, appropriate speeds and adequate coolant because the alloy can work harden and has higher strength than many standard stainless steels.
Standards & Equivalent Grades
| Category | Designation / Standard |
|---|---|
| Chinese Grade | GH2696 / GH696 |
| Material Type | Fe-Ni-Cr-Based Precipitation-Hardening Wrought Superalloy |
| UNS | No direct universal UNS equivalent commonly used |
| EN / W.Nr. | No direct universal EN / W.Nr. equivalent commonly used |
| GB | GB/T 14992 and related Chinese superalloy specifications may apply |
| HB | HB/Z 140 and aerospace material process requirements may apply |
| GJB | Project-specific military or aerospace requirements may apply |
| AMS | No direct universal AMS equivalent; specification review required |
| ASTM | No direct universal ASTM equivalent; customer or project specification may apply |
| ASME | Project-specific ASME requirements may apply for pressure or high-temperature equipment |
| ISO | Equivalent ISO or customer material specifications may apply |
| NACE | Not a default NACE sour-service grade; suitability requires project-specific review |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nickel Alloy GH2696?
Nickel Alloy GH2696 is a Fe-Ni-Cr-based precipitation-hardening wrought superalloy designed for high yield strength, creep resistance, rupture strength, high-temperature elasticity and gas corrosion resistance below approximately 650°C.
Is GH2696 the same as GH696?
Yes. GH2696 is also commonly known as GH696 in Chinese superalloy designation systems. Final requirements should always be confirmed according to the applicable material standard, heat treatment condition and customer drawing.
What is GH2696 used for?
GH2696 is used for turbine and compressor fasteners, discs, working blades, turbine shells, rings, connecting rings and cylindrical coil springs operating in the 400–650°C range.
What is the main advantage of GH2696?
The main advantage of GH2696 is its combination of high yield strength, creep resistance, high-temperature elasticity, gas corrosion resistance and processing plasticity below approximately 650°C.
What is the strengthening mechanism of GH2696?
GH2696 is strengthened mainly by precipitation hardening from titanium and aluminum additions, combined with molybdenum solid-solution strengthening and boron grain boundary strengthening.
What temperature can GH2696 withstand?
GH2696 is commonly used for long-term service below approximately 650°C. Short-term exposure may reach approximately 750°C depending on stress level, exposure time, heat treatment and component design.
Is GH2696 corrosion resistant?
GH2696 provides useful gas corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance in turbine and aero engine environments. It is not normally selected as the first choice for severe seawater, chloride or strong acid wet-corrosion service.
Can GH2696 be welded?
GH2696 can be welded using controlled procedures such as GTAW, GMAW and selected SMAW processes. Because it is a precipitation-hardening superalloy, welding procedure qualification and post-weld heat treatment may be required for critical parts.
Does GH2696 require heat treatment?
Yes. GH2696 normally requires controlled solution treatment and aging to develop the required strength, creep resistance and high-temperature elasticity.
Is GH2696 suitable for high-temperature springs?
Yes. GH2696 is suitable for cylindrical coil springs operating in the 400–650°C range because it provides good high-temperature elasticity and strength retention.
What is the difference between GH2696 and GH4698?
GH2696 is commonly used below approximately 650°C for fasteners, rings, springs and moderate-temperature turbine components. GH4698 is used for more demanding high-temperature turbine discs, compressor discs and bearing rings in the 550–800°C range.
What is the difference between GH2696 and Alloy 718?
Alloy 718 is a widely used nickel-based superalloy with excellent weldability and high strength up to about 650°C. GH2696 is a Fe-Ni-Cr superalloy commonly selected for high-temperature fasteners, springs and turbine components in Chinese material systems.
What standards apply to GH2696?
Commonly referenced Chinese standards include GB/T 14992 and related aerospace or project-specific material specifications. Final requirements depend on product form, heat treatment condition and customer drawing.
What forms of GH2696 are available?
GH2696 is available in round bar, flat bar, rod, wire, spring wire, sheet, plate, strip, forgings, forged rings, discs, billets, fastener blanks, spring blanks and custom machined components.
Why Choose J&A Alloy
Global Material Solutions
J&A Alloy supplies nickel alloys, high-temperature alloys, stainless steels, precipitation-hardening stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, titanium alloys and corrosion-resistant alloys for demanding industrial applications. For Nickel Alloy GH2696, we support bar, plate, strip, wire, spring wire, forgings, rings, discs, billets and custom processed components according to project requirements.
Strict Quality Assurance
J&A Alloy provides strict quality control for chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerance, heat treatment condition and surface quality. Available inspection and documentation services include PMI, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, hardness testing, ultrasonic testing, grain size inspection, dimensional inspection and EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 certification when required.
International Standards
Materials can be supplied according to GB, HB, GJB, ASTM, ASME, EN, ISO and customer-specific specifications. For Nickel Alloy GH2696, we support specification review, equivalent grade comparison and heat treatment condition confirmation based on product form and end-use requirements.
Value-added Services
J&A Alloy offers cutting, forging coordination, CNC machining, heat treatment coordination, spring wire processing support, turning, milling, grinding, polishing, custom fabrication and export packaging. We help customers reduce processing time, control material waste and receive ready-to-use or semi-finished superalloy components for manufacturing.
Worldwide Supply
J&A Alloy serves customers in aerospace, gas turbines, power generation, industrial turbomachinery, spring manufacturing, chemical processing, marine engineering and high-performance mechanical equipment markets. With experience in international logistics and export documentation, we support global buyers with reliable material supply and responsive technical communication.
