Nickel Alloy 201 Plate vs Nickel Alloy 718 Plate: A Brief Comparison

Nickel alloys are widely used in various industries for their exceptional properties. Two popular nickel alloys, Nickel Alloy 201 and Nickel Alloy 718, have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let's explore their key differences.

1. Chemical Composition:
   Nickel Alloy 201:

• Nickel (Ni): Minimum 99.0%
• Carbon (C): Maximum 0.02%
• Manganese (Mn): Maximum 0.35%
• Iron (Fe): Maximum 0.40%
• Silicon (Si): Maximum 0.35%
• Copper (Cu): Maximum 0.25%

Nickel Alloy 718:

• Nickel (Ni): 50.00-55.00%
• Chromium (Cr): 17.00-21.00%
• Iron (Fe): Balance
• Columbium (Cb) + Tantalum (Ta): 4.75-5.50%
• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.80-3.30%
• Titanium (Ti): 0.65-1.15%
• Aluminum (Al): 0.20-0.80%
• Silicon (Si): Maximum 0.35%
• Carbon (C): Maximum 0.08%
• Manganese (Mn): Maximum 0.35%
• Sulfur (S): Maximum 0.015%
• Phosphorus (P): Maximum 0.015%

2. Corrosion Resistance:
   Nickel Alloy 201 provides excellent resistance to various corrosive environments, including acids, alkalis, and neutral salts. However, it may be prone to corrosion in oxidizing environments.

Nickel Alloy 718 demonstrates exceptional corrosion resistance in both oxidizing and reducing environments. It is highly resistant to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking, making it suitable for chloride-induced corrosion.

3. Mechanical Properties:
   Nickel Alloy 201 exhibits good mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, good impact strength, and low magnetic permeability. It also offers excellent thermal conductivity.

Nickel Alloy 718 possesses impressive mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength, fatigue strength, and fracture toughness. These properties are maintained even at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for high-stress applications.

4. Applications:
   Nickel Alloy 201 is commonly used in chemical processing, food processing equipment, electronic components, and batteries. Its low carbon content makes it suitable for environments that prohibit the use of high-carbon alloys.

Nickel Alloy 718 finds extensive applications in aerospace, oil and gas, and chemical industries. It is utilized in aircraft engine components, gas turbines, cryogenic tanks, and offshore drilling equipment.

In conclusion, Nickel Alloy 201 and Nickel Alloy 718 have notable differences in terms of chemical composition, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and applications. The choice between these alloys depends on specific requirements, such as the operating environment, temperature, and mechanical stresses involved.