200 Series Nickel (Nickel 200 and Nickel 201)
200 Series Nickel Uses and Considerations
200 Series Nickel (Nickel 200 and Nickel 201) are commercially pure forms of Nickel (99.6%) featuring excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance to alkalis, high thermal conductivity, and good electrical conductivity. Thanks to its lower carbon content at 0.02%, Nickel 201 offers superior formability compared to Nickel 200 at 0.15%. Top industry uses include:
Food & Chemical Processing Equipment: Nickel 200 and Nickel 201’s positive electrical and thermal properties make them excellent metals for use in food processing equipment, where materials are often exposed to harsh chemicals and varying pH levels. In chemical processing, good electrical conductivity helps maintain precise control over reaction conditions, improving process efficiency and safety.
High thermal conductivity is also crucial for efficient heat transfer in the equipment to help maintain temperature control, which is essential for processes like pasteurization and sterilization. The 200 Series Nickel also possesses excellent mechanical properties, including good ductility and toughness, which enable the metal to withstand mechanical stress and wear over time. This durability is vital for the longevity and reliability of food and chemical processing equipment.
Electronic Components: The purity of Nickel 200 and 201 ensures minimal resistance to electrical current, and the excellent electrical conductivity properties make them ideal for use in electrical components where efficient electron flow is crucial. This also benefits applications involving electrical heating elements and temperature control systems. Nickel’s stability at high temperatures makes it suitable for use in components that operate under varying thermal conditions, such as resistors, thermocouples, fuel cells, anodes, battery connections, and heating elements.
Marine & Water Treatment: With strong corrosion resistance to alkalis, Nickel 200 and 201 are common in marine and seawater applications where corrosion due to saltwater is a significant concern. Their biocompatibility also ensures they do not negatively impact marine life. Because Nickel does not leach harmful substances into water, it is safe for water treatment applications where maintaining water purity is essential.
The excellent mechanical properties of Nickel 200 and Nickel 201, including their high tensile strength and ductility, make them ideal for components that must withstand the physical stresses encountered in marine and water treatment environments. Finally, the high thermal conductivity of these Nickel alloys aids in heat dissipation in water treatment systems, improving efficiency and performance.
What you need to know about buying Nickel 200 and 201:
- Nickel 200/201 is highly resistant to caustic soda and other alkalis, brines, seawater, acids, and chlorides.
- Can be easily formed and welded.
- 200 Series Nickel is ferromagnetic.
- Nickel 201 is typically selected for higher temperature applications up to 1250°F.
- Should be machined in the annealed condition when possible as the material can harden
Nickel 200 and 201 Product Selection and Purchasing Options
Formats and Standards – Nickel 200 (UNS N02200) and Nickel 201 (UNS N02201) are available in several formats, which require ATSM specifications as follows:
- ASTM B160 for round and shaped products
- ASTM B162 for flat Nickel products
- ASTM B161 for pipe and tubular products
Additional options – Other specifications are available for Nickel 200 and 201 upon request:
- Please advise if deep drawing or spinning quality sheet and plate are required per ASM B162.
- Flat material is available in hot rolled or cold rolled conditions and tempers (annealed, skin hard, quarter hard, half hard, three-quarter hard, and hard) as noted in ASTM B162 Appendix X1.
- Round 200 Series Nickel products are available on hot worked or cold worked in various surface conditions per ASTM B160- Appendix X1.
Industry Standards and Requirements
Industries constantly evolve, driven by a growing demand for scientific and technological advancement. Successful experimentation must ensure material integrity, safety, performance, and compliance with strict environmental and operational regulations.
These standards typically focus on aspects like purity, quality, and durability to guarantee that refractory metals meet the demanding conditions of high-stakes research applications. Because they serve multiple industries and extreme environments, this list includes more than average standards and requirements.
Standards and Requirements:
- ASTM International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers): Standards for materials used in energy applications.
- SAE Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS, formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE)
- ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code): Guidelines for materials used in pressure vessels and reactors.
- Department of Defense (DoD) Military Standards or Military Specifications (MIL) on the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) ASSIST Database
We adhere to quality compliance certification standards and statutory regulations that pertain to our exotic materials, processes, custom machining services, traceability, and other aspects of our in-house expertise. Our materials specialists provide expert counsel on metal selection and inspection to ensure you receive materials that meet or exceed your expectations.
Leading Edge Metals & Alloys Certifications include:
- ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D Registered
- ITAR Registered
- NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Complian
Our deep understanding of this industry stems from our extensive experience, skilled metallurgy professionals, and a history of successful partnerships with leading national research labs.
FAQs About Nickel Alloys
Customers should share operating temperature, chemical exposure, forming requirements, electrical or thermal performance needs, and compliance requirements. This allows Leading Edge Metals & Alloys to confirm whether Nickel 200 or 201 is the better fit.
Yes. LEMA supplies machined Nickel 200 and 201 components, near-net shapes, and precision blanks, coordinating machining and secondary processes as required.
Yes. Both alloys offer excellent formability. Nickel 201 is preferred for deep drawing and higher-temperature forming applications, and deep-drawing quality material should be specified at the time of inquiry.
Yes. Both alloys are readily weldable using standard welding techniques. Proper filler selection and process control help maintain corrosion resistance and mechanical properties after welding.
Yes. Both Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 are ferromagnetic, which may be relevant in applications involving magnetic fields or sensitive electronic equipment.
Nickel 200 is typically used in lower-temperature applications, while Nickel 201 is preferred for service up to approximately 1250°F, where reduced carbon content helps prevent embrittlement.
Nickel 200 and 201 are commonly supplied to ASTM standards based on form:
- ASTM B160 – round and shaped products
- ASTM B162 – sheet and plate
- ASTM B161 – pipe and tubular products
Additional specifications may be available depending on application requirements.
Customers should specify alloy (200 or 201), product form, applicable ASTM specification, temper or condition, dimensional requirements, and whether deep drawing or spinning quality material is required. Sharing service temperature and environment helps LEMA ensure correct alloy selection.
Nickel 200 and 201 are ductile but work-hardening materials. Machining is best performed in the annealed condition using sharp tooling and controlled feeds. If not managed properly, work hardening can increase tool wear and affect surface finish.
Leading Edge Metals & Alloys supplies Nickel 200 and 201 in sheet, plate, bar, rod, pipe, tubing, and strip, as well as cut-to-size blanks and machined components, based on customer requirements.
Nickel 200 and 201 are commonly used in food-processing equipment, chemical-processing systems, marine and water-treatment components, electronic parts, heating elements, battery connections, and fuel-cell systems. These applications benefit from Nickel’s corrosion resistance and conductive properties.
The primary difference is carbon content. Nickel 201 has a significantly lower carbon level than Nickel 200, which improves formability and prevents embrittlement at elevated temperatures. As a result, Nickel 201 is preferred for higher-temperature applications.
200 Series Nickel offers excellent resistance to caustic soda and alkalis, strong corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and good ductility and toughness. These properties make Nickel 200 and 201 well-suited for both process equipment and electrical applications.
Nickel 200 (UNS N02200) and Nickel 201 (UNS N02201) are used instead of conventional steels or stainless alloys when corrosion resistance to alkalis, stable performance at temperature, and reliable electrical or thermal conductivity are required. Conventional metals often degrade or lose integrity in caustic or chemically aggressive environments, where pure Nickel performs consistently.
