Much like other metal alloys, nickel has a wide variety of applications. It is reliable, durable, and easy to use in any industry. Because of the longstanding success of this material, the use of nickel is actually growing at a rate of 4% each year, and the use of nickel-containing stainless steel is expanding at about 6%. If you are looking to learn more about the uses and benefits of this material, follow this simple guide.
Applications Of Nickel Alloys
Nickel alloys are useful because they are usually corrosion or heat resistant. This makes them applicable for airplane manufacturing, naval applications, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and oil refining. They can also be used for medical tools and laboratory equipment. Some types of nickel can also be electrical resistant, making them a safe option for high energy operations like thermal processing.
Popular Types Of Nickel Alloys
The following are just some of the many types of nickel alloys available on the market. As with other types of alloys, different industries may select one or multiple types for their purposes.
- K500: This alloy performs very well in water and chemical processing plants, as it is very corrosion resistant. For this reason, K500 is very useful for energy plants, marine and naval operations, and chemical manufacturing.
- K400: While also corrosion-resistant, K400 is highly resistant to even the harshest chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid and fluorine. It also holds up to alkaline environments, such as seawater and saline chemicals.
- K405: Similar to K400, this alloy is highly corrosion resistant and made up of 63% nickel. While it is used in many different industries, it is most common in automatic screw machine stock.
- K625: This alloy is highly durable, especially in high-heat, high-pressure environments. This property makes it ideal for aerospace and naval applications. It can also be used for heated parts like reactor-cores.
- K718: Nickel 718 is quite easy to work with and weld, making it appropriate for many different industries. This makes it useful for metal sheeting, fasteners, and other more detailed parts.
While all of the available nickel alloys contain nickel itself, they are not all the same. This is why it is important for you to research the durability, chemical resistance, and other properties of every alloy. This will help you build the part you need and make it as efficient as possible.