Nickel 201 Alloy (UNS N02201): Product Introduction
Nickel 201, also known as UNS N02201, is a commercially pure wrought nickel alloy that offers high thermal and electrical conductivity along with good corrosion resistance. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Nickel 201 Alloy, covering its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance at different temperatures, industry applications, shapes and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, advantages and disadvantages, and a comparison with similar alloys.
Chemical Composition
Nickel 201 Alloy is characterized by its high nickel content and low carbon content:
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 99.0 min |
| Carbon (C) | 0.02 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.35 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.25 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.40 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01 max |
Mechanical Properties
Nickel 201 Alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties suitable for various applications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, ksi (MPa) | 50 – 70 (345 – 485) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset), ksi (MPa) | 15 – 30 (105 – 210) |
| Elongation (% in 2 inches) | 40 min |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (HRB) | 45 – 70 |
Performance Characteristics
Nickel 201 Alloy offers several performance advantages:
- Corrosion Resistance: Good resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including alkalies, neutral salts, and organic acids. However, it is susceptible to corrosion in oxidizing media.
- Temperature Resistance: Maintains excellent mechanical properties at both high and low temperatures, suitable for cryogenic applications.
- Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: High electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for electrical components and heat exchangers.
Industry Applications
Nickel 201 Alloy finds widespread use in various industries due to its unique properties:
| Industry Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Electronics | Electrical components, including connectors, switches, and electronic components due to its high electrical conductivity. |
| Chemical Processing | Handling of acids, alkalis, and chemicals in processing equipment and tanks. |
| Food Processing | Equipment for handling and processing food products due to its inertness and cleanliness. |
Shapes and Sizes
Nickel 201 Alloy is available in various forms and sizes to meet diverse application needs:
- Forms: Sheets, plates, bars, tubes, pipes, and wires.
- Sizes: Thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 50 mm for plates, and diameter ranging from 1 mm to 300 mm for round bars.
Production Standards
Nickel 201 Alloy conforms to international production standards ensuring quality and reliability:
| Product Form | Shapes Available | Sizes Available | Production Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plates/Sheets | Sheets, Plates | Thickness: 0.1 mm – 50 mm | ASTM B162, DIN 17750 |
| Bars/Rods | Round bars, Square bars | Diameter: 1 mm – 300 mm | ASTM B160, DIN 17752 |
| Pipes/Tubes | Seamless, Welded | OD: 1 mm – 300 mm | ASTM B161, ASTM B163 |
Welding and Processing
Nickel 201 Alloy offers good weldability and processing characteristics:
- Welding: Can be welded using various methods including TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. It is important to use low carbon filler metals to maintain corrosion resistance.
- Machinability: Exhibits good machinability in annealed condition. Carbide tooling is recommended for machining operations.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Advantages | High corrosion resistance in many environments, excellent mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, good electrical and thermal conductivity. |
| Disadvantages | Susceptible to corrosion in oxidizing environments, higher cost compared to some other nickel alloys. |
Comparison with Similar Alloys
Nickel 201 Alloy (UNS N02201) is often compared with other commercially pure nickel alloys such as Nickel 200 (UNS N02200) and Alloy 400 (UNS N04400). Here’s a brief comparison:
| Alloy Type/Property | Nickel 201 Alloy (UNS N02201) | Nickel 200 Alloy (UNS N02200) | Alloy 400 (UNS N04400) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | High nickel content with low carbon, suitable for reducing environments. | Similar to Nickel 201 but with higher carbon content, improving strength and hardness. | High nickel content with moderate to high levels of copper, offering good corrosion resistance. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good resistance to acids, alkalis, and neutral salts, but susceptible to oxidizing environments. | Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and neutral salts, with susceptibility to oxidizing environments. | Excellent resistance to seawater and steam at high temperatures, good resistance to a wide range of corrosive media. |
| Applications | Electrical components, chemical processing, and food handling due to high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. | Chemical processing, electronics, and food handling. | Marine environments, chemical processing, and high-temperature applications. |
This detailed article introduces Nickel 201 Alloy (UNS N02201), highlighting its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance characteristics, industry applications, available forms and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, as well as advantages, disadvantages, and a comparison with similar alloys. Engineers and professionals seeking a highly conductive and corrosion-resistant material for specialized applications will find Nickel 201 Alloy suitable for various demanding environments.