Tag: nickel

What are nickel alloys?

Nickel-based alloys are a group of metallic materials composed primarily of nickel with the addition of various other elements. These alloys exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and excellent mechanical properties. They are widely used in industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, power generation, and oil and gas. Nickel-based alloys can be tailored to meet specific requirements by adjusting the composition and heat treatment processes.

Why select nickel based alloys?

There are several reasons to select nickel alloys or Ni-hard for various applications: the corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, it’s versatility, high strength and toughness, the compatibility with other materials and finally its electrical and magnetic properties.

China will use 63.8% of the world’s primary nickel in 2024, with demand forecast to increase by +8.1% in 2024. Pictured is the control room at Baotou Steel, China. Image courtesy of World Steel Association.

The world nickel market in 2024 – slowly diminishing surplus

Ricardo Ferreira, INSG Director of Market Research, gives an update on the production, usage and pricing of nickel in 2024
Sumitomo resumes production at Ambatovy nickel project

Sumitomo resumes production at Ambatovy nickel project

Despite an almost 600M USD loss, Sumitomo is gradually resuming production at the Ambatovy nickel and cobalt mine.
Inomin with Sumitomo to enhance Beaver-Lynx project

Inomin with Sumitomo to enhance Beaver-Lynx project

Inomin Mines and Sumitomo Metal Mining partner to develop the Beaver-Lynx nickel project in British Columbia, targeting major resources.
The world nickel market in 2023 and 2024 – two years with surpluses

The world nickel market in 2023 and 2024 – two years...

Ricardo Ferreira (INSG) talks about the world nickel market in 2023 and 2024: Production, usage, prices and stocks.
Alstom_Coradia iLint

Nickel catalysts: the many routes to decarbonising transport

Steve Deutsch explains how nickel-based catalysts are used in the electrolysis of water into hydrogen used for the transportation sector.
The B-type alloys have been used mainly in hydrochloric and sulfuric acid environments, as well as in acetic, phosphoric, and formic acids. Specific applications include reaction vessels, heat exchangers, valves, pumps, and piping.

100th anniversary for Type-B nickel-base (Ni-Mo) alloys

Geir Moe of the Nickel Institute gives an overview of the family of Type-B nickel alloys, first introduced 100 years ago.
JSL applies for BIS certification N5 N6 and N7

JSL applies for BIS certification – N5, N6, and N7

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently introduced three grades—N5, N6, and N7—under the standard IS 15997
The world nickel market in 2023 – large surplus expected

The world nickel market in 2023 – large surplus expected

Government and industry representatives met for the recent International Nickel Study Group reviewing its forecasts for nickel production and use in 2023.
Outokumpu acquires share in FPX Nickel

Outokumpu acquires share in FPX Nickel

Outokumpu has ambitious sustainability targets and also seeks to strengthen its supply chain of sustainable raw materials for the future.

Botanickel: using plants to extract nickel

Using plants to extract nickel from soil and then turning that nickel into stainless steel maysound like science fiction.


Nickel alloys or Ni-Hard find extensive use in a wide range of applications across various industries due to their desirable properties. Some common applications include:

Aerospace Industry: Nickel alloys are utilized in aircraft engines, gas turbines, and other aerospace components due to their high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent mechanical properties.

Chemical Processing: Nickel alloys are well-suited for chemical plants where they are used in reactors, heat exchangers, piping systems, and valves. Their exceptional resistance to corrosion and high-temperature environments make them ideal for handling corrosive chemicals and acids.

Oil and Gas Industry: Nickel alloys are crucial in this industry for applications such as oil well drilling tools, valves, pumps, and tubing. Their resistance to corrosion, high strength, and ability to withstand harsh environments make them suitable for offshore and onshore operations.

Power Generation: Nickel alloys are used in power plants, particularly in turbines, generators, and heat exchangers. Their high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance make them ideal for efficient energy production.

Medical Industry: Nickel alloys find applications in medical devices such as implants, surgical instruments, and dental equipment. They offer biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength necessary for medical applications.

Automotive Industry: Nickel alloys are employed in exhaust systems, catalytic converters, and engine components due to their high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.

Marine Industry: Nickel alloys are used in marine applications, including shipbuilding and offshore structures, due to their resistance to seawater corrosion and high strength.

These are just a few examples, and nickel alloys have numerous other applications in fields such as desalination, food processing, nuclear power, and more.