High-temp alloys boosted

By Staff -- Purchasing, 2/8/2001

Carpenter Technology Corp. and Special Metals Corp. are pushing for higher prices for nickel- and cobalt-based high-temperature alloys.

Wyomissing, Pa-based Carpenter Technology is trying to raise its prices on these specialty alloys by 3%-10% to offset reduced market prices for the past couple of years. "We have had a continued high level of demand for these alloys, straining existing capacity and extending leadtimes," says Andrew McElwee, vice president of sales and marketing of the firm's Specialty Alloys Operations. McElwee says the demand has come from the aerospace and power generation markets.

Meanwhile, New Hartford, N.Y.-based Special Metals wants 4%-8% increases on its line of nickel-based superalloy mill products. Air-melted alloys will be increased by at least 4%, with vacuum-melted alloys being increased by 8%.