# Invar 36

> The dimensional anchor: ~1.2 ppm/K expansion for parts that must not move with temperature.

- Category: Specialty Metals → nickel-iron
- HTML page: https://fabvector.com/materials/invar-36 (Portuguese: https://fabvector.com/pt/materials/invar-36)
- Price index: $$$$ (1–5, 6061-T6 = $)

## Mechanical properties (typical values, not certified minimums)

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~485 MPa |
| Yield strength | ~240 MPa |
| Hardness | ~130–160 HB |
| Density | 8.05 g/cm³ |
| Machinability | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Corrosion resistance | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |

## When to choose it

When thermal drift is the enemy: optical cavities, metrology references and bonded composite tooling that must hold microns across temperature swings. Nothing common comes close to ~1.2 ppm/K.

## When to look elsewhere

Expensive, heavy, gummy to machine (work-hardens like stainless) and only mildly corrosion-resistant — never a structural or general-purpose pick. If the part sees one temperature, MIC-6 or 316L is far cheaper.

## Typical applications

- Optical mounts and laser benches
- Metrology frames and reference fixtures
- Composite layup tooling for aerospace
- Cryogenic and satellite instrument structures

## Compatible surface finishes

- [As-Machined](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/as-machined)
- [Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP)](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/electroless-nickel-plating)
- [Polishing](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/polishing)
- [Laser Marking](https://fabvector.com/md/finishes/laser-marking)

Industries: optics-photonics, research, aerospace, semiconductors · Instant quote: https://fabvector.com/quote