Nickel-containing materials were used in the fabrication of many critical components
Nickel is primarily sold for first use as refined metal or Ferro Nickel. Ferro Nickel is primarily used in the manufacture of Austenitic stainless steels (known as 200 and 300 series), these are non-magnetic and contain between 8.5%-25% nickel, enhancing their corrosion resistance.
Some of the 400 series stainless steels are high chromium carbon steels that are not as fully corrosion resistant in spite of their inclusion in the category of stainless steels. The alloys 416 and 440C show slight corrosion (rust spotting) when left in water for a period of time or when water dries out on them.
Some of the features of austenitic stainless steel include:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Non-magnetic when annealed
- Rapidly work harden with cold work
- Not hardenable by heat treatment
- Ductile and readily formable
- Excellent weldability
- Hygienic with excellent cleanability
- Good performance at high temperatures
- Excellent performance at low temperatures