Monel K500 is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-copper alloy that combines the excellent corrosion resistance characteristic of Monel 400 with the added advantage of greater strength and hardness. These amplified properties, strength and hardness, are obtained by adding aluminum and titanium to the nickel-copper base and by a thermal processing used to effect precipitation, typically called age hardening or aging. When in the age-hardened condition, Monel K-500 has a greater tendency toward stress-corrosion cracking in some environments than Monel 400. Alloy K-500 has approximately three times the yield strength and double the tensile strength when compared with alloy 400. Plus, it can be further strengthened by cold working prior to precipitation hardening. The strength of this nickel steel alloy is maintained to 1200° F but stays ductile and tough down to temperatures of 400° F. Its melting range is 2400-2460° F.
The characteristics of Monel K500
- Corrosion resistance in an extensive range of marine and chemical environments. From pure water to non-oxidizing mineral acids, salts and alkalis.
- Excellent resistance to high velocity sea water
- Resistant to a sour-gas environment
- Excellent mechanical properties from sub-zero temperatures up to about 480C
- Non-magnetic alloy
Standard Inventory Specifications
- QQ-N-286 – Form 1
- UNS N05500
Common Trade Names
- Monel K500
- Alloy K500
- Monel alloy K-500
Common Applications of K500
- Monel K-500 alloy finds wide applications in the marine, chemical, petrochemical and shipbuilding industries. Typical applications include:
- Valve seals, pump sleeves and wear rings in marine environments – high strength and resistance to seawater
- Pump shafts for fire-fighting pumps – high strength (resulting in smaller diameter shafts) and resistance to flowing seawater
- Propeller shafts – high strength (resulting in smaller diameter shafts and thus smaller bearings) and resistance to seawater
- Fasteners e.g. bolts, used in marine atmospheres and tidal waters – resistance to chloride – containing environments
- Doctor blades and scrapers
- Towing cable armoring – high strength, non-magnetic properties and resistance to seawater
- Springs – resistance to a variety of corrosive media
- Oil well drilling equipment such as non-magnetic drill collars, valves and instrumentation sleeves – resistance to chloride-containing media and sour gas environments
- Aviation instrument components – non-magnetic properties