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.

Stainless steel prices set to stay high

Nickel prices are currently hovering around US $30,000 per tonne, according to MEPS.

EU average SS price forecast

According to Meps, price increases announced by EU mills during the previous month were successfully implemented.

Nickel surcharge increases

The specialty alloys operations unit of Carpenter Technology Corp. has announced that it is changing its surcharge mechanism to increase the nickel premium component from USD .30/lb. to USD .38/lb.

304 SS prices raised again

Japan's largest stainless steel producer Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Corp. has increased the price of its nickel-based SS for the 9th time in September because of higher nickel costs and a 10th rise may follow.

Ugitech hikes SS long product prices

France-based Ugitech (Schmolz & Bickenbach) has announced an increase in basic prices of EUR 100 per ton on Austenitic grades like 1.4305, 1.4307, 1.4404 etc and EUR 150 per ton on low nickel grades like 400 series, Duplex, etc.

304 SS price goes up

Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Corp. have raised prices of its nickel-based SS for an eighth straight month in August because of higher nickel costs.

SS product mix realignment

China’s stainless steel industry is looking to realign its product mix to low nickel grades due to acute shortage and high prices of nickel and promote production and utilization of ferrite stainless steel.

Backwardation limit for Nickel

At 1700 hours on 17 August 2006, The London Metal Exchange announced that the Special Committee has imposed a Backwardation limit of USD 300.00 per tonne per day in the nickel market and that there will be a suspension of the Lending Guidance in respect of those with nickel positions.

SS price hike in September

According to UK-based Meps the substantial rises in nickel costs in July have not been incorporated into selling values in any part of the world and are likely to have an impact in North America and the EU in September-October.

SS users look for substitute

According to Meps, nickel prices have retreated somewhat from the record high they reached earlier this month.


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.