Ni-Cr Now Cheaper Than Steel On Unit Power Basis

[BretCahill]

Someone recently complained about the high cost of the materials used in gas turbines. Until recently this was true on both a unit power basis as well as a unit weight basis.

Now with steel trading at $400/ton and comparing the cost of Ni-Cr alloy in a large turbofan to the steel in a vehicle reciprocating engine, the Ni-Cr comes out cheaper than steel on a unit power basis.

Other considerations like cost of labor are more important than cost of materials.


Bret Cahill

 

[HgTX]

That's surprising, since there is no shortage of complaints about the price of nickel as well.

Unless I'm misunderstanding something, which is always a good possiblity.

Hg

 

[BretCahill]

Maybe Ni-Cr alloy hasn't had any big price fluctuations lately. In any event, steel is used for more than engines.

Signs have been popping up "will remove your junker for free." It will be interesting to see if they clean out those cars that ran off the road/cliff and into the canyon.


Bret Cahill

 

[EdStainless]

In the last 36 months Ni has gone from $2/lb to $6.50/lb
In the last 18 months Mo has gone from $3/lb to $40/lb

Base prices for SS have only gone up about 25%, but the surcharges have gone sky high.
Trust me, today 439 looks like a good option to replace light gage 304 for low temp applications. And the superferritic grades are a lot less expensive than Ti and 6%Mo superaustenitic grades.

If you are working with prices more than a few weeks old you need to check again.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[gieter]

Our side of the ocean gives the following:
Mo +300% (always compared to end 2003)
Ni -6%
Cr (high C) +20%
Cr (low C) +37%
Mn +26%

We have the impression that steel scrap for one is over its top. We're getting quotes now for 300-310EUR/metric ton. A few weeks ago this was still over 400EUR/metric ton.

Rumours go that Mo will drop sharply in the comming weeks.

Any comments?

 

[EdStainless]

In the states we have also seen the peak in steel scrap prices.
Mo looks firm for the next few months. I don't expect to see it drop until mid-summer. By the end of the year I expect Mo to be $10.
Ni looks like it will hold in the $6-7 range.
Cr will give back a little, but stay strong.

Now I can put the crystal ball away.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[arunmrao]

Edstainless, I feverishly hope that your crystal ball gazing comes true soon. Ni I can tolerate but it is damn Mo which is causing trouble. Hope this ends up soon as my costs this year has gone for a toss.