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.

F4E vacuum vessel forgings are progressing

Stainless steel forgings are currently being produced, within the framework of the contract between F4E and the AMW consortium (Ansaldo Nucleare S.p.A, Mangiarotti S.p.A and Walter Tosto S.p.A) for the fabrication of 7 vacuum vessel sectors for ITER, which will be used in the manufacturing of these sectors. Rolf Kind GmbH (Germany), Acciaierie Valbruna (Italy) and ThyssenKrupp (Germany), the three sub-contractors, have carried out the task of producing different kinds of forgings which will be used on the first three of the seven sectors (out of the total nine) that Europe is contributing to the ITER project (the two other sectors of the vacuum vessel are supplied by Korea). The forgings consist of big blocks of 316 LN ITER grade stainless steel (a type of steel which is made up of a low carbon and high nitrogen content).

MechTech explores Columbus Stainless plant

MechTech has recently taken a tour of South Africa’s Columbus Stainless plant, producer of stainless steel flat products, Middelburg.

NYK manufactures NAS NW276

Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd. (NYK) has recently succeeded in manufacturing 4 feet (1219mm) wide coils of NAS NW276 (UNS N10276,59%Ni-15%Cr-16%Mo-4%W-5%Fe).

OTTO FUCHS orders 540-MN closed-die press

OTTO FUCHS, based in Meinerzhagen, Germany, has recently ordered a GUF4-type hydraulic closed-die forging press from the SMS group.

SXP wins first API 5CRA certificate

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has certified SXP, Mississippi, USA as the first company worldwide in accordance to API 5CRA, license number API 5CRA-0001. Schulz Xtruded Products was established in 2011, since when it has been focusing on catering hot extruded and cold finished high corrosion resistant pipe for the oil and gas industry.

NVBOTS launches NVLABS; appoints new CRO

NVBOTS, provider of automated, enterprise 3D printing solutions has recently established NVLABS, dedicated to meeting the needs of any company seeking to commercialize their innovations through ultra-high-speed, multi-metal 3D printing.

PurgEye® 100 by HFT

Weld Purge Monitors® are an essential instrument to help obtain non-oxidised, zero colour welds by monitoring the oxygen content, ideal when purging with inert gas, when welding metals such as stainless steel, titanium and nickel alloy where a high quality weld is required. Advancing in the science of manufacturing beyond other designs, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®’s market leading PurgEye® 100 helps to eliminate the post weld cleaning costs.

Alcoa signs long-term contract with GE

Alcoa, one of the global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing has signed a long-term contract with GE unit GE Aviation for jet engine components in an agreement valued at more than USD 1.

Stoody adds nickel-based tungsten product

newsitemStoody, an ESAB brand has recently added new nickel-based tungsten carbide consumables to its product line, including several new wire formulations as well as new PTA and laser cladding powder families, all designed for extreme abrasion resistance. Stoody's nickel-based tungsten carbide consumables are developed for and utilized in some of the harshest industrial applications.

3D systems launch ProX DMP 320

3D Systems has declared the immediate commercial availability of the ProX™ DMP 320, the latest addition to the company's line of direct metal 3D printers.


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.