Nickel-Based Alloy: Annealed vs. Hard Condition

We often receive inquiries from customers asking, "Is your nickel-based alloy supplied in the annealed or hard condition?"

In fact, neither condition is inherently better—the choice depends entirely on the application requirements. Today, we’ll break down the key differences between them in simple terms.

First, let's clarify the definitions: The condition of nickel-based alloy is determined by its processing method.
Annealed Condition
This is achieved through solution treatment (heating to 1050–1150°C followed by rapid cooling), resulting in uniform, refined grain structure and complete relief of internal stresses, making the material soft and ductile.
Hard Condition
This is achieved through cold working processes such as cold rolling or cold drawing, which increase hardness and strength by deforming the grain structure without altering the chemical composition.

Core differences at a glance:

Selection depends on two key factors:

1. Whether secondary processing is required – If your product requires bending, welding, or complex forming, the annealed condition is essential. Forcing hard-condition material to undergo such processing can lead to cracking.

2. Application intensity – If the part must withstand high pressure, high temperature, or wear, the high strength and wear resistance of the hard condition are more suitable. Examples include high-pressure valves in chemical industries and load-bearing components in aircraft engines.

Nickel-based alloys offer excellent high-temperature and corrosion resistance. The annealed condition does not diminish these properties; instead, it helps reduce the risk of stress corrosion after processing. While the hard condition increases strength, higher levels of cold work may slightly reduce corrosion resistance. Therefore, careful consideration is required in highly corrosive environments.

To meet the demands of our downstream customers, over 99% of our nickel-based alloy coil inventory is supplied in the annealed condition. Special requests for hard-condition material are handled through custom processing.