What Is Nickel Chromium Steel?
Nickel Chromium Steel is an alloy steel that contains 1.0% to 3.5% nickel and 0.2% to 1.0% chromium added to carbon steel. The addition of nickel enhances toughness, while chromium improves hardenability. This steel is commonly used after quenching and tempering, offering improved strength, toughness, hardenability, and resistance to temper softening compared to carbon steel.
Applications of Nickel Chromium Steel
Historically used in heavy and military industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, nickel chromium steel was often employed in military vehicle armor plates and ship drive shafts. However, with the advent of carburizing technology and the development of nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel and chromium-molybdenum steel, its use has declined in favor of less expensive alternatives.
Types of Nickel Chromium Steel
Nickel chromium steels include various alloys used in different applications:
- Inconel: A super heat-resistant alloy known for its high-temperature properties, including heat, corrosion, and oxidation resistance. It’s challenging to cut due to its strength and is used in electric resistors, rocket engines, aircraft, and nuclear reactor parts.
- Hastelloy: A nickel alloy with added chromium and molybdenum, enhancing corrosion and heat resistance. Hastelloy is highly durable in oxidizing environments and is utilized in pollution control and flue-gas desulfurization equipment.
- Cr-Ni Stainless Steels: These stainless steels contain higher amounts of nickel and chromium, offering different properties compared to other nickel chromium steels.