Nickel-based alloys have been a cornerstone of manufacturing for decades, desirable for their broad range of varying resistances to heat, oxidation, and corrosion. Nickel alloys also have a high strength-to-weight ratio and superior electrical conductor abilities. Because of these mechanical and chemical properties, they are primarily used in aerospace, oil, electrical, and chemical industries.
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Understanding this valuable metal and how to properly machine it is imperative to delivering an optimal final part.
Machining Nickel Alloys. Image source: IMS-Stainless.comNickel is commonly found in the form of an alloy, as its crystalline structure allows the element to be paired well with other metals. These atoms are arranged in a face centered cubic lattice; this structure is shown in figure 1 below.
Lattice structure of Nickel. Image source: PriyamStudyCentre.comAccording to Priyam Study Centre&#;s Learning Chemistry, an open face lattice has the highest atomic packing number (the number of atoms per unit volume) of any metallic lattice configuration, with an atom present at each of the 6 faces and 8 corners of the cube. This structure is largely responsible for nickel&#;s strength and ability to create strong metallic bonds to chromium, cobalt, iron, and molybdenum, the most common metals found in these alloys.
According to City Special Metals&#; article on Machining Nickel and Nickel Alloys, nickel alloys are organized into five main categories: Groups A through E. These groups are determined through the percentage of nickel present, as well as the most prominent metal that the nickel is chemically bonded with.
Table 1 displays the breakdown of these groups, showing each group&#;s chemical composition and a few examples of common types of nickel alloys found in that category.
GroupPercentage of NickelPaired MetalsExamplesGroup A95% and greaterAlmost pure nickelNickel 200, 201, 205, and 212Group B29% to 42%CopperMonel 400, Invar 36Group C70% to 75%Chromium and ironInconel 600, Monel K-500, and Nickel 270Group D50% to 56%Chromium and ironInconel 718, Inconel 625, and Hastelloy C-22Group E63%Copper and ironMonel R405 is the only Nickel alloy in this categoryTable 1: Categories of nickel alloys and their chemical compositions. Table data source: Machining Nickel and Nickel Alloys: A Guide from CSM; Nickel Based Alloys: Everything You Need to Know.Understanding your workpiece material is just as important as understanding your machinery and tools. According to Global Market Insights (GMI), the nickel alloy market has been growing over 4% each year since , and this growth is seeing an upward trend. As these alloys increase in popularity and demand, knowing the chemical compositions and classification of your specific workpiece will play a key role in successfully machining it.
Fabricating products made of nickel alloys present common struggles in every machine shop. Learn how to select proper tooling and implement machining techniques to overcome these challenges by reading CNC Machining Nickel Alloys: Avoiding All-Too-Common Mishaps.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Nickel Base Alloy. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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Harvey Performance Company Technical Associate)
As a member of Harvey Performance Company&#;s technical team, Will works with customers to answer questions regarding tool selection, speeds & feeds, custom tool design and tool applications. Will earned his Bachelor&#;s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UNH.
If you want to learn more about nickel-based superalloys, you&#;ve come to the right place.
This beginner&#;s guide, has everything you need to understand the basics of nickel based superalloys and help your alloys business. You&#;ll also find links to useful resources from our alloys Blog and YouTube channel throughout, so you choose the suitable alloys materials and products for your project.
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