Tag: Nickel alloys

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.

Selecting 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.

Sandvik adds new tube line at Mehsana mill

To increase the availability of its high-quality seamless stainless tube, add flexibility for introducing new grades and strengthen regional service, Sandvik is adding a new cold finishing tube manufacturing line at its Mehsana Mill, in Gujarat western India.

Sandvik completes acquisition of Summerill Tube

Sandvik has completed the previously announced acquisition of Summerill Tube Corporation, a manufacturer of high precision tubes.

Sandvik acquires Summerill Tube Corporation

Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire privately-owned Summerill Tube Corporation, based in Pennsylvania, USA. Summerill Tube Corporation is a manufacturer of high precision tubes and since 1892 it has delivered seamless and welded tubing in stainless steels and nickel alloys to various high demanding industries including aerospace, transportation and petrochemical.

3D Printing for the marine industry

The marine industry in general has been slow to embrace the 3D printing concept. The use of continuous liquid metal deposition under computer numerical control has created opportunities to produce complex shapes such as forgings and castings whilst avoiding the need for expensive tooling and the time delays in fabricating moulds. Notwithstanding this slow start, development work at Delft Technical University in 2017 has led to the production of the world’s first metal deposited marine propeller.

3D Systems to conduct R&D for DMP of Nickel Alloys

3D Systems (DDD) recently announced that it has been awarded a contract to conduct research and development of a Corrosion Performance Design Guide for Direct Metal Printing of Nickel Alloys.

AWI sees a 10% surge in orders for its specialist wire

Alloy Wire International (AWI) has seen a 10% surge in orders for its specialist wire, which is being used within components for the sector and critical seals and springs found in many of the reactors.

Outokumpu set off EIA to build a slag furnace in Tornio

Outokumpu is assessing options to build a new slag furnace in Tornio, Finland, and the company has initiated an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure as a basis for decision making.

Materials for deep well, gas and water exploration

With the passage of time, oil and gas exploration will be performed in deep wells specifically in deepwater. Unlike to shallow wells, the deep wells demand durable materials.

Aubert & Duval signs a partnership agreement with OxMet

Aubert & Duval announced the partnership agreement with OxMet Technologies, a UK-based alloy development company, for the production and distribution of OxMet’s ABD®-XAM nickel base powders for additive manufacturing.

Machining tough alloys

A direct-drive spindle motor and linear guideways on a milling centre enable high speed metalcutting, but that configuration does not lend itself to efficient machining of highly alloyed nickels like Inconel or Duplex and Super Duplex stainless steels. A UK-based company recently searched for a better solution.

Applications of Nickel alloys

Nickel alloys, also knows as 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: Ni-hard is 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: The 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: 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.