What is Nickel?
Nickel is a shiny metal with tones of silver, white and very slightly gold. Nickel is a chemical element; its main properties are its ductile and hard nature. Nickel is one of the main elements used in stainless steel as it has a high corrosive tolerance and can withstand very high temperatures.
What is an alloy?
An alloy is just metal comprised of multiple metallic elements. Stainless steel is probably the most common form of an alloy. In construction, raw metals such as iron, are not strong enough and are susceptible to oxidisation. Elements such as carbon and nickel are added to make what some call a “super metal”.
So what is a nickel alloy?
Nickel alloys are metals infused with nickel to make them much better at corrosion resistance. Steel is iron and carbon, whereas 75% of stainless steel used has nickel. The other important element in stainless steel is chromium.
Due to this versatility Nickel alloys offer a superior resistance to corrosion and heat In Marine and other critical environments’.
Arc Alloys Ltd Stock and produce on site Pipe, Pipe Fittings, Flanges, Fasteners, and custom bespoke machined components In the following grades:
What is a nickel alloy used for?
Nickel alloy is used in a wide variety of high stress environments. Anywhere the metal is exposed to the elements, nickel can be used. Nickel alloy is great for turbine blades, nuts bolts and screws. Anything under intense pressure.
What are the benefits/purposes of nickel alloys?
As mentioned previously, nickel alloys are great in hostile environments where any structural weakening could cause failure. Erosion, corrosion, and high temperatures can cause metal to fracture, which could be catastrophic. Nickel increases the strength and structural integrity of the metal it is mixed with. Nickel works very well with chromium, a key ingredient in stainless steel.
What issues could you face with nickel alloys?
Hot Cracking
When a nickel alloy is being used for welding, the most common issue that can arise is where the welding metal cracks, known as hot cracking. If it happens it is most common on the fusion line between the two metals being welded. It can cause serious issues as the weld is usually the strongest part of the construction.
Machining
Due to its relative hardness, nickel can be difficult to machine into the correct shape or size needed. The benefit of nickel does out way this in most applications, but you may need a specialised CNC machine that can work with nickel.
What different types of grades of nickel alloys are there?
Alloy 20
Alloy 20 is a Nickel, iron, Chromium Alloy with molybdenum and copper added. Used in chemical processing due to high corrosion resistance.
Alloy 200 and 201
Alloy 200 and alloy 201 have a much higher nickel content and much lower carbon content. Making them incredibly resistant to temperatures in excess of 315°C.
Alloy 28
This is a special steel containing molybdenum and copper. Much better resistance to sulphuric and phosphoric acids.
Alloy 400
Due to alloy 400’s resistance to stress regarding fresh or industrial waters, it is used for various applications in marine engineering.
Alloy 600 and 601
High chromium levels mixed with high nickel levels, makes alloy 600 and alloy 601 great against oxidisation and corrosion
Alloy 625
Alloy 625 is great for its ability to be fabricated, ie joining. Used in industrial settings such as submarine construction and deep-sea cabling.
Alloy 718
An aerospace alloy, alloy 718 is used for rotating parts, pressure valves, and other applications with near zero margin of error permitted.
Alloy 825
Including similar elements as alloy 20, alloy 825 also includes titanium. Offering incredibly high corrosive resistance from the nickel chromium and titanium.
Alloy B3
Alloy B3 is part of the B family, this particular instance has advantages for its enhanced thermal stability and fabrication abilities.
Alloy C22
Another alloy containing a wide range of elements, alloy C22 includes tungsten. Tungsten is known for how robust it is but is also a rare metal found on Earth.
Alloy K500
From marine engineering to chemical storage, Alloy k500 offers great corrosion resistance.
Incoloy 800, 800H and 800HT
The Incoloy 800 family is a family of alloys that offer high chemical erosion resistance and resistance to extreme temperatures
What can Arc alloys offer when it comes to nickel alloys and how can they help?
We offer genuine 24/7 technical advice, with over 30 years of industry experience. We know what we do; we love what we do; we will get the right solution for you. Don’t hesitate with your questions, contact us on 01384 79695, or email us at sales@arcalloys.com today!