Nickel 200 — Nickel alloy Grade Specification, Properties & Equivalents

Nickel 200 is a commercially pure wrought nickel alloy, extensively used in India for applications demanding exceptional resistance to various corrosive media. It finds favour in environments where its high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and magnetic properties ar

Nickel 200 is a commercially pure wrought nickel alloy, extensively used in India for applications demanding exceptional resistance to various corrosive media. It finds favour in environments where its high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and magnetic properties are also beneficial. Industries in India ranging from chemical processing to food handling and marine engineering rely on Nickel 200 for its predictable performance and longevity. This grade is a workhorse for applications requiring a balance of good mechanical properties and superior corrosion resistance, particularly against caustic alkalis and strong acids. Its ability to maintain integrity in harsh conditions makes Nickel 200 a critical material choice for many Indian manufacturers and fabricators when specifying high-performance alloys.

Chemical Composition of Nickel 200

Nickel 200 Chemical Composition

ElementWeight %
NickelMin. 99.5
CobaltMax. 0.10
CopperMax. 0.35
IronMax. 0.40
ManganeseMax. 0.35
SiliconMax. 0.35
SulfurMax. 0.018
CarbonMax. 0.15

Mechanical Properties of Nickel 200

Nickel 200 Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)300 – 450 MPa
Yield Strength (YS) (0.2% offset)105 – 250 MPa
Elongation at BreakMin. 30%
Hardness (Brinell)Max. 110 HB
Density8.90 g/cm³
Modulus of Elasticity207 GPa

Nickel 200 Available Forms in India

ShapeTypical SizesStandard Lengths
Plate3 mm to 50 mm thicknessUp to 3000 mm x 6000 mm
Sheet0.5 mm to 3 mm thicknessUp to 1200 mm x 2500 mm
Bar10 mm to 100 mm diameterUp to 3000 mm
Wire0.1 mm to 5 mm diameterCoils
Pipe & TubeSeamless & Welded; Various schedules6000 mm (typical)

Real-world Applications of Nickel 200

  • Chemical Processing: Tanks, reactors, piping handling caustics and acids.
  • Food Processing: Equipment for handling foodstuffs where purity is critical.
  • Marine Engineering: Components exposed to saltwater and alkaline environments.
  • Electroplating: Anodes and fixtures requiring high purity and corrosion resistance.
  • Electronics: Components needing high electrical and thermal conductivity.
  • Aerospace: Specific components requiring excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Manufacturing: Equipment for producing soap, synthetic fibres, and rayon.
  • Magnetic Shielding: Applications requiring high magnetic permeability.

Nickel 200 Machinability & Weldability

Nickel 200 exhibits fair machinability, generally requiring slower cutting speeds compared to carbon steels. It tends to work-harden, necessitating sharp tools with ample clearance and good lubrication. Recommended tool materials include high-speed steel or carbides. For extensive machining operations in India, fabricators often opt for sawing, shearing, or punching. The weldability of Nickel 200 is considered excellent. It can be readily welded using various fusion and resistance welding techniques, including Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Filler metals like ERNi-1 or ENi as per AWS specifications are commonly employed. Preheating is not generally required, but post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is typically unnecessary, preserving the inherent corrosion resistance of Nickel 200, making it ideal for Indian fabrication projects.

Nickel 200 Heat Treatment & Processing

Nickel 200 is typically supplied in the annealed condition, offering good ductility and formability. Its low carbon content and high purity contribute to its excellent workability. Annealing of Nickel 200 is performed at temperatures ranging from 700°C to 980°C, followed by rapid cooling to preserve its properties. Due to its high formability, cold working processes are commonly employed by Indian fabricators. If recrystallization is required after significant cold deformation, an annealing treatment within the specified range is performed. Unlike some nickel alloys, Nickel 200 does not typically undergo hardening heat treatments like quenching and tempering. Its strength is derived from solid solution effects and cold work. Normalizing is not a standard heat treatment for Nickel 200. Processing of Nickel 200 should focus on maintaining its purity and preventing contamination.

Sourcing Nickel 200 in India

Nickel 200 is readily available from major Indian steel producers like SAIL and JSW, as well as specialized alloy suppliers and stockists based in industrial hubs such as Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) can vary; for plates and sheets, MOQs might start from 50-100 kg, while for pipes and bars, they can be lower, often available from stock for common sizes. The price band for Nickel 200 in India typically ranges from INR 1200/kg to INR 1800/kg, subject to market fluctuations, purity, and form. Buyers should expect to receive Mill Test Certificates (MTC) as per EN 10204 3.1 with all supplies, confirming the chemical and mechanical properties of Nickel 200, crucial for quality assurance in demanding applications.

Nickel 200 International Equivalents

StandardCode
ASTMB160, B162, B163, B165, B725, B730
ASMESB-160, SB-162, SB-163, SB-165
UNSN02200
AWSERNi-1 (for welding electrodes/wires)
DINW.Nr. 2.4066
ISONi 200

FAQs about Nickel 200

What are the primary advantages of using Nickel 200 in corrosive environments?

Nickel 200's primary advantage is its outstanding resistance to caustics, alkalis, and many mild acids. This pure nickel alloy forms a passive oxide layer that protects it from attack, making Nickel 200 ideal for chemical processing, food handling, and marine applications in India where such corrosives are prevalent. Its high purity ensures minimal contamination.

How does the mechanical strength of Nickel 200 compare to stainless steel grades commonly used in India?

Nickel 200 offers lower tensile and yield strength compared to many common stainless steels like 304 or 316. However, Nickel 200 excels in ductility and toughness, particularly at low temperatures. Its strength is sufficient for many applications where corrosion resistance is the primary driver, and it is often chosen for Nickel 200 over stainless steel when extreme alkaline or specific acid resistance is paramount.

Can Nickel 200 be welded easily by Indian fabrication workshops?

Yes, Nickel 200 exhibits excellent weldability. It can be readily joined using common welding processes like TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW). Indian fabrication workshops find Nickel 200 easy to work with due to its good ductility and lack of need for preheating or extensive post-weld heat treatment, making it a reliable choice for complex fabrications.

What forms of Nickel 200 are most commonly sourced by Indian industries?

Indian industries commonly source Nickel 200 in the form of plates, sheets, pipes, and bars. These forms are essential for constructing tanks, reactors, piping systems, and various components. Availability in Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai from major suppliers ensures timely procurement for fabrication projects requiring Nickel 200.

What is the typical price range for Nickel 200 in India?

The indicative price for Nickel 200 in India generally falls between INR 1200/kg and INR 1800/kg. This pricing is influenced by the global nickel market, the specific form (plate, sheet, pipe, etc.), thickness or diameter, and the quantity purchased. Buyers should always request current quotes for Nickel 200 to ensure competitive pricing.

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