Nickel

Nickel Alloy 500

Specs: QQ-N-286G
UNS# NO5500

Metal plays a fundamental role in manufacturing due to its unique properties and versatility. Among the many options, Nickel Alloy 500 is a high-performance alloy that can be found in a range of manufacturing applications. Known for its remarkable strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility, this material is the go-to choice for industries ranging from aerospace to marine engineering. If you’re ready to take advantage of these next-level properties, Wieland Diversified will meet your every need.

There’s no shortage of choices for manufacturers when it comes to choosing metals for production. But what exactly makes Nickel Alloy 500 so indispensable?

The Benefits of Nickel Alloy 500

Nickel 500 (or Nickel K 500) achieves increased strength and hardness while maintaining the corrosion resistance exemplified by Nickel 400 by adding Aluminum and Titanium and tightly controlling the thermal processing. This thermal processing, often referred to as ‘aging’ or ‘age-hardening’, forms microscopic substructures within the material that is absent in many other Nickel grades. Applications include those that combine needs for exceptional corrosion resistance found in Nickel alloys with strength requirements that exceed those of Nickel 400 & 405.

If you’re looking for a metal alloy capable of handling everything you throw at it, you’re in luck. Nickel 500 has approximately 3 times the yield strength and double the tensile strength when compared with Nickel 400. That’s why it’s so popular across the industry.

Additional Details

Nickel K500 is a nickel-based copper alloy (63% Ni, 33% Cu) with additions of aluminum and titanium, which enables the alloy to be precipitation hardened. This unique composition offers a fine balance between durability and ductility, making it easier than ever to achieve the results you want.

Classified under US Federal Material Specification QQ N 286, this alloy has similar corrosion resistance to Nickel 400 but has the added advantage of much higher mechanical strength and hardness while maintaining good ductility and impact strength. Its composition directly enhances its mechanical and physical properties, especially in challenging conditions like extreme underwater or high-temperature environments.

The increased strength comes from the fine precipitation of Ni3 (TiAl) particles throughout the solid solution substructure, during the aging part of the heat treatment process. When you need a material that can withstand intense mechanical stress, this alloy delivers on all fronts.

The alloy has the added advantage of low magnetic permeability properties down to low temperatures -150ºF (-101ºc) which makes it a valuable alloy for the application of instruments working at sub-zero temperatures. Also able to withstand temperatures over 1200ºF (650ºc), its resistance to temperature makes it suitable for cryogenic applications and components used in high-temperature processes like heat exchangers.

Its resistance to stress corrosion cracking gives this alloy a wide range of potential applications in chemical and salt-water environments. It has high fatigue strength in seawater and is resistant to impingement attack, which makes it ideal for propellers, shafts, and fasteners. This capability ensures long-lasting durability, saving substantial maintenance costs for ocean-going vessels.

When handling chemicals like acids, alkalis, or other reactive agents, one misstep could result in catastrophic equipment failure. Nickel Alloy 500’s resistance to chemical corrosion makes it ideal for use in heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and piping systems in chemical plants. The alloy can be used in non-oxidizing chloride solutions and is resistant to de-aerated hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. However, it is not recommended in oxidizing acids such as nitric and ammonia containing systems, due to the copper content of the alloy.

While the initial cost of Nickel Alloy 500 may be higher than some other alloys, its performance and durability often result in significant savings over time by avoiding frequent repairs or replacements.

Available shapes –  round

Tools

Related Products

Applications

Oil and Gas

• Pump Shafts
• Valve Stems and Drill Collars
• Safety Lifts
• Sensors and Other Electrical Components

Chemical Processing

• Processing Involving Organic Acids
• Caustic Soda and Dry Chlorine
• Production of Chlorinated Plastics
• Brine Heaters and Evaporator Bodies in Salt Plants

General Engineering and Production

• Scrapper Blades for Pulp in Paper Production
• Fasteners

Marine

• Propellers and Shafts
• Gyroscopes
• Fasteners

With its proven durability and versatility, more manufacturers are integrating Nickel Alloy 500 into their production processes. While alternative materials may emerge, few, if any, currently match its comprehensive set of properties suited to both efficiency and resilience in extreme environments. See for yourself how this next-level material can improve your operations by partnering with Wieland Diversified today.