ASTM B564/B564M is the ASTM International specification for nickel and nickel-copper alloy forgings intended for general and pressure vessel applications. It covers a broad range of nickel-based alloys including Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy, and Monel, used in the most demanding corrosive and high-temperature environments. The companion ASME SB-564 adopts identical requirements for ASME BPVC compliance. HT PIPE supplies B564 forgings in all standard nickel alloys with Mill Test Certificates per EN 10204 3.1.

1. Standard Scope & Designation

ASTM B564 covers forgings produced by open-die, closed-die, or ring-rolling processes in nickel and nickel alloy grades:

2. Nickel Alloy Grades Covered

2.1 Pure Nickel & Nickel-Copper Alloys

2.2 Nickel-Chromium & Nickel-Iron-Chromium Alloys

2.3 Nickel-Molybdenum & Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloys

Full grade listing per ASTM B564-20a. Additional alloys include Alloy 617 (N06617), Alloy 230 (N06230), Alloy X (N06002), Alloy 20Cb-3 (N08020). Contact HT PIPE for specific alloy availability.

3. Chemical Composition — Key Alloys (ASTM B564, Table 1)

Values are minimum or maximum as indicated. — = not required. Product analysis tolerances per ASTM B880.

Note: Chemical composition varies significantly between alloy families. For Alloy 718, niobium content is sometimes reported as Nb+Ta combined. For precipitation-hardening alloys, specific aging treatments are required. Full tables in ASTM B564-20a.

4. Mechanical Property Requirements (ASTM B564 Table 2)

Minimum requirements in the solution-annealed condition unless otherwise noted. Alloy 718 is typically tested in the aged condition (after precipitation hardening).

Alloy 718 properties shown are for double-aged (solution + age) condition. Solution-annealed 718: Tensile ~965 MPa (140 ksi), Yield ~655 MPa (95 ksi), Elongation ~30%. Contact HT PIPE for specific alloy temper requirements.

5. Heat Treatment Requirements

6. Testing & Inspection Requirements

7. Dimensions & Tolerances

ASTM B564 forgings are produced by open-die, closed-die ( impression-tupe), or ring-rolling processes. Dimensional tolerances are agreed between purchaser and manufacturer, typically per ASTM B564 Section 4 or purchaser drawings:

Nickel alloy forgings typically require 5–15% machining allowance on all surfaces. Surface condition: free of laps, seams, cracks, and other detrimental defects. Visual and dimensional inspection per purchaser requirements.

8. Industries & Applications

9. Nickel Alloy Forgings — Grade Selection Guide

10. Related Standards

11. How to Order — Required Information

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ASTM B564 used for?

ASTM B564 covers nickel and nickel-copper alloy forgings for general and pressure vessel use. Applications include chemical process vessels, flanges, valve bodies, ring-rolled components for aerospace and oil & gas, marine hardware, and pollution control equipment. The most common alloys are Inconel 625, Hastelloy C-276, Monel 400, and Alloy 825.

Q: What is the difference between Hastelloy C276 and C22 forgings?

Alloy C276 (N10276) has Cr 14.5–16.5% and Mo 15–17%, making it exceptional in reducing acids (HCl, H₂SO₄) and seawater. Alloy C22 (N06022) has Cr 20–22.5% and Mo 12.5–14.5%, providing superior all-round corrosion resistance in oxidizing media, mixed acids, and chloride environments. C22 is preferred for FGD scrubbers and mixed-acid chemical plants.

Q: What are the mechanical properties of ASTM B564 Inconel 625?

ASTM B564 Inconel 625 (UNS N06625): Minimum tensile strength 760 MPa (110 ksi), minimum yield strength 0.2% offset 415 MPa (60 ksi), elongation min. 30%. The alloy contains niobium for solid-solution strengthening, giving excellent creep rupture strength up to 980°C while maintaining corrosion resistance.

Q: What is Alloy 718 forging used for?

Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) is a precipitation-hardening nickel alloy achieving tensile strengths up to 1240 MPa (180 ksi) after double-aging heat treatment. B564 Alloy 718 forgings are used in aerospace turbine engines (compressor wheels, cases, rings), nuclear reactor internals, cryogenic vessels, and high-pressure oil & gas tools requiring both strength and corrosion resistance.

Q: Can ASTM B564 forgings be welded?

Yes — all B564 alloys are weldable. Matching filler metals are standard (ERNiCrMo-3 for Alloy 625/C-276, ERNiCu-7 for Monel 400). Post-weld heat treatment is generally not required for solution-annealed forgings. For Alloy 718, specific welding procedures and filler metals are critical to prevent microfissuring. PMI (Positive Material Identification) is mandatory to confirm alloy identity after fabrication.

Q: What PMI testing is required for B564 forgings?

Positive Material Identification (PMI) using OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is standard practice for all nickel alloy forgings to confirm alloy identity against the material specification. This is especially critical for Hastelloy and Inconel alloys where incorrect material could cause catastrophic failure. HT PIPE supplies PMI reports with all B564 forgings as standard documentation.