What Is Nickel Plate?
Nickel plate is a flat-rolled product made from commercially pure nickel rather than from a nickel alloy. The most familiar grades are nickel 200 and nickel 201, which differ mainly in carbon content and therefore in the temperature range where they can be used without graphitisation. Plate is supplied in a range of thicknesses for fabrication by welding and forming.
Grades and Composition
Nickel 200 contains a very low carbon level and is used for general corrosion service, while nickel 201 has an even lower carbon content that allows it to be used at higher temperatures where carbon would otherwise form graphite at grain boundaries. Both grades have high nickel content with tightly limited iron, sulphur, silicon and carbon.
Physical Properties
Commercially pure nickel has good thermal and electrical conductivity for a corrosion-resistant metal, a relatively high melting point and useful strength combined with ductility. It retains toughness at low temperature and can be formed and welded by conventional methods. Its magnetic behaviour is characteristic of nickel and changes with temperature.
Corrosion Resistance
Nickel resists attack by many alkalis, neutral salts and reducing acids, and it is particularly valued in caustic service. It forms a passive film in some environments, but it is not suitable for strongly oxidising media where other alloys perform better. Correct welding and clean surfaces are important to keep corrosion performance predictable.
Applications
Nickel plate is used for chemical process equipment, caustic handling vessels, heat exchangers, electronic components and as a base for plating. It also serves as an alloying addition and as a substrate where a stable, corrosion-resistant metal is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between nickel 200 and 201?
Mainly carbon content, which affects high-temperature graphitisation.
Q: Where is nickel plate most useful?
In caustic and chemical process service and in electronics.
Q: Can nickel plate be welded?
Yes, with clean surfaces and suitable filler and shielding.
Q: Is pure nickel magnetic?
Yes, nickel is ferromagnetic below its Curie temperature.
Q: What limits its corrosion use?
Strongly oxidising environments where a passive film does not form.
