Inconel & Superalloy Speeds & Feeds Calculator 2026
Expert parameters for Inconel 718, Hastelloy, Waspaloy, and nickel-based superalloys. Includes work hardening and ceramic tool analysis.
Calculate Superalloy Parameters
Superalloy Machining Guide
Nickel-based superalloys are among the most challenging materials to machine. They maintain high strength at extreme temperatures, work-harden rapidly, and have very low thermal conductivity - all factors that destroy cutting tools quickly.
⚠️ Critical: Work Hardening
Superalloys work-harden rapidly when the tool rubs rather than cuts. This creates a hardened surface layer that damages subsequent cutting passes. Never let the tool dwell, rub, or take light cuts. Always maintain positive feed and use depths greater than any previously hardened layer.
Alloy Families
🔵 Inconel (Ni-Cr-Fe)
Most Common: Inconel 718, 625, 600
General-purpose superalloys with good corrosion and temperature resistance. Inconel 718 is the most frequently machined superalloy.
- • 718: Turbine disks, rockets - HRC 36-44 aged
- • 625: Marine, chemical - easier to machine
- • 600: Heat exchangers, nuclear
🟢 Hastelloy (Ni-Mo-Cr)
Optimized for: Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals. Slightly easier to machine than Inconel 718 but still challenging.
- • C-276: Chemical processing, pollution control
- • X: Combustion chambers, afterburners
🟣 Waspaloy (Ni-Co-Cr)
Very high strength: Turbine components
Extremely high strength for jet engine disks. Difficult to machine - expect short tool life.
🔴 René (Ni-Co-Mo)
Most Difficult: Single crystal turbine blades
Highest temperature capability. René 80 is used for single-crystal castings. Very low machinability ratings (6-10%).
Speed Reference (Carbide + TiAlN)
| Alloy | Milling (m/min) | Turning (m/min) | Machinability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 600 | 22-50 | 30-65 | 22% |
| Inconel 625 | 18-40 | 25-55 | 18% |
| Inconel 718 | 15-32 | 20-45 | 12% |
| Waspaloy | 12-26 | 16-36 | 10% |
| René 41 | 10-22 | 14-32 | 8% |
| René 80 | 8-18 | 10-26 | 6% |
Tool Selection
Carbide (TiAlN, AlCrN)
- • Most versatile - handles interrupts
- • Lower speeds but more forgiving
- • AlCrN coating best for heat resistance
- • Use for general work
Ceramic (SiAlON, Whisker)
- • 2-3× higher speeds possible
- • Requires very rigid setup
- • NO interrupted cuts - will chip
- • Use for big-volume roughing
Critical Best Practices
✓ Essential
- • High-pressure coolant (1000+ psi)
- • Never let tool dwell or rub
- • Maintain positive feed always
- • DOC greater than hardened layer
- • Sharp, positive-rake geometry
- • Shortest possible overhang
✗ Avoid
- • Light cuts (work hardening)
- • Dry cutting
- • Interrupted cuts with ceramics
- • Dull or worn tools
- • Stopping mid-cut
- • Ignoring tool wear
Frequently Asked Questions
Inconel and nickel superalloys are challenging due to: 1) Extreme work hardening - the surface hardens rapidly when cut incorrectly, 2) Low thermal conductivity - heat concentrates at the cutting edge, 3) High strength maintained at elevated temperatures, 4) Strong abrasive carbides in the microstructure. These factors destroy tools quickly.