Introduction to Nickel Processing and Nickel Alloys
Nickel is a type of metal that is naturally found on Earth and is the fifth most abundant element. It is used in many everyday applications and is extremely versatile and recognizable due to its silver-white appearance. Additionally, it is highly flexible in its potential uses and is a refining agent in many industries such as aerospace, automotive and industrial. This paper will explore the chemical composition and shapes of nickel and its alloys, giving a general overview of the nickel processing industry.
Chemical Composition of Nickel
Nickel is a metallic element that belongs to the transition metals. It has the atomic symbol Ni, an atomic number of 28, and an atomic mass of 58.69. It is a silvery white metal with a slight yellow tint, and a high shine and brightness when polished. The main feature is that it is strongly magnetic.
Nickel is the primary element in most common types of nickel alloy and is typically combined with other metals, including copper, chromium, and iron, to create alloys for specific uses. Nickel alloys contain a wide range of chemical compositions, but the most common elements used to create alloys are molybdenum and manganese. Furthermore, cobalt, silicon, and aluminum are also often used.
The chemical composition of nickel, however, is not always the same and often varies between different applications. For example, nickel can be processed with the addition of chromium to increase the corrosion resistance and form stainless steel, or to create a softer metal such as low carb nickel.
Product Shapes of Nickel and Nickel Alloys
Nickel and its alloys can exist in a variety of shapes, although some of the most common product shapes are listed below.
Wires: Nickel wire is usually produced through drawing, which is the process of pulling a wire through a series of dies that gradually decrease the wires diameter. The wire is then sold in coils or spools.
Plates and Sheets: Nickel plates and sheets are pieces of metal that are cut, pressed, or rolled at a certain thickness or gauge for measuring metal thickness. Nickel sheets and plates are typically used in aerospace and industrial applications due to their high strength, durability, and corrosion resistant properties.
Rods and Bars: Nickel rods and bars are used for several different manufacturing applications. The most common forms of nickel rods and bars are hex bars, round bars, and shapes cut to different specifications.
Foils and Strips: Nickel foils and strips are thin sheets of nickel metal usually used as electrical components or in chemical processing.
Fittings: Nickel fittings, like most metal fittings, are designed with the purpose of joining two components securely. Nickel fittings are often used in charging and welding applications.
Conclusion
Nickel and its alloys are highly versatile and are used in a variety of industrial, aerospace and automotive applications. Nickel is known for its high strength and corrosion resistant properties, as well as its ability to be processed with other metals to create alloys with specific uses. It typically exists in the form of wires, plates, sheets, rods, strips, foils, and fittings. Nickel processing is a multi-faceted industry due to its wide range of uses and applications, from tiny jewelry components to commercial automobile parts. It is an important metal that continues to revolutionize different industries due to its resistance, strength, and malleability.
