Inconel scrap sells for far more than ordinary steel because of its composition: nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and in some grades, niobium. These nickel-based superalloys run turbine discs, line chemical reactors, and hold up inside furnaces at extreme heat. That performance costs money to replicate from raw ore, so smelters pay well to recover it from scrap. Inconel scrap value tracks the LME nickel price closely, and buyers pay a share of the contained value once melting losses and assay costs get deducted.
Current Inconel scrap prices in 2026 by grade
Inconel metal scrap price varies by grade. Clean, identified solids fall between $3.00 and $6.50 per pound, with certified aerospace bundles reaching $8.00.
| Grade | Key elements | Typical use |
| 600 | 72% Ni, Cr | Furnace parts, heat exchangers |
| 625 | 58% Ni, Mo, Nb | Marine, chemical, exhaust |
| 718 | 50–55% Ni, Nb, Mo | Turbine discs, fasteners |
| 825 | 38–46% Ni, Mo, Cu | Acid service equipment |
625 commands strong pricing since molybdenum and niobium add value beyond nickel alone. 718 often prices at or above 625 despite lower nickel content, since niobium runs expensive and the certified aerospace market stays deep. 825 sits lower, though copper and molybdenum keep it ahead of basic stainless scrap.
How form and condition affect value
Form changes the number as much as grade. Clean solids melt with high recovery, commanding $3.00 to $6.50 or more per pound. Clean turnings run $2.00 to $5.00. Castings with scale or coating drop to $0.75 to $2.25. Mixed or contaminated lots fall to $0.25 to $1.25. Degrease turnings, keep grades separate, and never mix stainless offcuts into nickel alloy bins.
What drives prices in 2026?
LME nickel sets the ceiling, trading near $7.66 per pound in late August 2026. Aerospace and energy demand pulls hard against that base, since turbine discs and chemical equipment consume Inconel steadily. Certification matters too: an assayed bundle can fetch $8.00 per pound, while an unsorted lot barely clears $1.50. Lot size counts, since freight and assay costs damage small quantities, and US scrap Inconel price quotes often run above Asian export offers.
625 vs. 718 vs. 600 vs. 825: which scrap wins?
Grade drives value through nickel, molybdenum, and niobium content, and no two grades price identically.
| Grade | Key elements | Relative value |
| 625 | Ni, Mo, Nb | High |
| 718 | Ni, Nb, Mo | High, aerospace premium |
| 600 | Ni, Cr | Mid to high |
| 825 | Ni, Mo, Cu | Mid |
625 usually leads, 718 competes closely with certification attached, and 600 and 825 settle into solid mid-tier pricing.
Getting the best price for your scrap
Separate every grade rather than treating a lot as one pile. Keep material clean and dry, and strip coatings and steel attachments before weighing. Bundle larger, homogeneous lots and request an assay wherever paperwork exists. Get quotes from specialized nickel-alloy buyers, since general scrap yards often lack the equipment to grade nickel alloys accurately.
At Bhansali Exports, decades of sourcing stainless and alloy bars across the 300, 200, and 400 series mean we understand alloy composition well. Reach out for guidance on grading your lot before you sell it.
FAQs
How much is Inconel scrap worth per pound in 2026?
Clean solids run $3.00 to $6.50, with certified bundles reaching $8.00. Mixed material drops to $0.25 to $1.50.
Is 625 scrap more valuable than other grades?
Usually yes. Its molybdenum and niobium push scrap Inconel price for 625 above 600 and 825, often rivaling 718.
What is the current scrap price of Inconel 718?
The current Inconel 718 scrap price trades near the top of the range, often $3.00 to $6.50 per pound, higher with certification attached.
Can Inconel be recycled?
Yes, it melts down and re-enters the nickel alloy supply chain, which keeps how much is Inconel per pound a steady question among machine shops.
What affects prices the most?
Nickel content and LME pricing drive base value, while grade, form, purity, and certification set where a lot lands.
