Alloy MA956 / INCOLOY® MA956 – Properties, Applications and Technical Data
Alloy MA956, also known as INCOLOY® MA956 (UNS S67956), is an iron-chromium-aluminium alloy strengthened by oxide dispersion (ODS) via mechanical alloying. The alloy contains finely divided yttria particles that provide exceptional structural stability, very good oxidation resistance and high creep strength at extreme temperatures. Alloy MA956 was originally developed as a superalloy for the aerospace industry and is now used in a range of industrial applications where prolonged exposure to very high temperatures places extreme demands on the material.
Properties of Alloy MA956
Alloy MA956 is structured as a ferritic Fe-Cr-Al alloy with oxide dispersion strengthening. The combination of high aluminum content and evenly distributed yttrium oxide particles enables the formation of a very stable and self-healing alumina layer, which provides superior protection against oxidation even at very low oxygen levels. The material exhibits excellent dimensional stability, good hot strength and significant creep resistance up to temperatures close to its unusually high melting point.
Type: Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) iron-chromium-aluminium alloy
Alloy: Fe-Cr-Al with yttria (INCOLOY® MA956)
Structure: Ferritic ODS alloy
Designations: INCOLOY® MA956, Alloy MA956, UNS S67956
Advantages
- Very high oxidation resistance up to approximately 1300°C
- Exceptional creep resistance under prolonged high temperature loading
- Very high melting point, approximately 1480°C
- Stable microstructure thanks to oxide dispersion strengthening
- Good formability and machinability for an ODS alloy
Limitations
- More difficult to machine than conventional ferritic and nickel-based alloys
- Requires specialized knowledge in forming and welding
- Not intended for environments where high toughness at low temperatures is required
Typical applications
Industrial high-temperature furnaces
Hardening rolls, radiant tubes, furnace muffles, heat treatment baskets and mesh belts.
Energy technology
Components for fluidized beds, heat shields and sensor tubes for thermocouples.
Combustion Systems
Burner nozzles, heat shields and combustion chamber components for diesel engines and advanced energy systems.
Corrosion and oxidation resistance
Alloy MA956 offers outstanding resistance to oxidation and hot gas corrosion at temperatures well above those of conventional nickel and iron-based alloys. The protective alumina layer is very tightly bound, growing and self-healing, which provides long service life even with continuous exposure up to approximately 1300°C.
Environments where Alloy MA956 performs well
- Extreme high temperature environments up to approximately 1300°C
- Oxidizing and slightly reducing atmospheres
- Long-term thermal stress
- Applications requiring very long service life at high temperatures
Environments to avoid
- Applications requiring high impact strength at low temperatures
- Environments where mechanical shock is the dominant load
Technical data (annealed / operating permit)
| Density: |
~7.25 g/cm³ |
| Melting point: |
~1480°C |
| Max. recommended operating temperature: |
~1300°C |
| Oxidation resistance: |
Excellent – even with very long exposure |
| Creep resistance: |
Very high at extreme temperatures |
With a global network of reliable suppliers, we offer customized solutions and fast access to Alloy MA956 in various shapes and dimensions – adapted for demanding high-temperature applications.
Buy Alloy MA956 / INCOLOY® MA956 from HARALD PIHL – your specialist in high-temperature alloys with global delivery.
Our strengths
- Specialist expertise in high temperature and ODS alloys
- Global sourcing and fast delivery
- Full traceability and material certification
- Solutions according to ASTM / ISO standards
