Metals like nickel are abundant and mined from the earth’s crust and core for their extremely versatile properties. Among other metals, nickel alloy offers several unique features, benefits, and applications across numerous industries. The properties of nickel alloy make it one of the most highly sought-after metals for industries requiring a metal that can withstand harsh conditions over long periods. Review the benefits and uses below to determine which nickel alloy is best suited for your next project.
Nickel Alloy Explained
Pure nickel smelted with other common elements can create highly durable and strong alloys for use in many situations, including the conduction of electricity and transmissions. Nickel combines well with the following elements:
- Iron (Fe)
- Chromium (Cr)
- Aluminum (Al)
- Molybdenum (Mo)
- Copper (Cu)
- Cobalt (Co)
- Titanium (Ti)1
The high ductility of nickel aids in the altering of other metal’s properties to produce an alloy that can be spun into thin wires or used to create coverings. Nickel alloys benefit from high corrosion resistance, a natural feature of nickel, so the alloy could be used in environments where other metals could not.
Benefits of Nickel Alloy
Nickel alloys offer numerous benefits that make them suitable for a wide range of use cases across various industries. Benefits include the following:
- Corrosion and oxidation resistance: Nickel alloy is highly corrosion resistant, allowing for use in processes like oil production, chemical processing, medical, and marine engineering. Along with the corrosion resistance, nickel resists oxidation in the form of Nickel Alloy 200, a nickel and copper alloy.
- Heat resistance: Nickel alloy has excellent heat resistance, enduring high temperatures. Use nickel-chromium or >15% chromium alloys above 760°C to prevent carburization and oxidation. These alloys have exceptional mechanical properties and thermal stability, ensuring the durability of components in extreme heat.
- Strength, toughness, and versatility: Nickel alloys’ strength, plasticity, and toughness make them ideal for producing common necessities, medical equipment, machinery, and acid-resistant towers. They are also highly versatile and commonly used in extreme environments like aerospace, chemical processing, and petroleum industries.
- Environmental efficiency: For environmental efficiency, nickel makes many existing products and processes more energy-efficient, durable, and rugged. Using nickel alloy in products promotes sustainability due to its high value, efficiency, and extensive recycling.
Applications of Nickel Alloy
The high value of nickel alloy comes from its high versatility and adaptability for use in fields that require a metal with high strength, biocompatibility, and resistance to high temperatures. Several industries rely on nickel alloy as their primary alloy, including:
- Aerospace
- Chemical Processing
- Petroleum Industries
- Electrical and Electronics Applications
- Marine Engineering
- Energy Production
- Medical Equipment
Nickel Alloy From United Wire Technologies
As a natural element, nickel possesses many desirable traits, but when smelted with other metals, it gives the alloy high-temperature resistance, corrosion and oxidation resistance, and strength. Choosing a nickel alloy is excellent for products requiring exposure to the elements, exceedingly high heat, or chemical reactions. At United Wire Technologies, our team of experts is available to assist with your next project. We possess extensive knowledge and experience in nickel alloys and can help you determine the best choice for your needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us to begin the process, or you may request a quote for the required alloy.