The tensile strength of Nickel 200 is not a fixed value; it varies significantly depending on its heat treatment state and cold working degree (i.e., the amount of mechanical deformation applied at room temperature, which affects the material's hardness and strength). Below are the typical tensile strength ranges for Nickel 200 in common processing conditions, aligned with industry standards (such as ASTM specifications):
Annealed State (Full Soft Condition):
This is the most common state for Nickel 200, where the material is heated to a high temperature (typically 870–980°C, or 1600–1800°F) and slowly cooled to relieve internal stresses, resulting in maximum ductility and minimum strength.
Tensile Strength: 310–420 MPa (45,000–61,000 psi).
Key Note: In this state, Nickel 200 is highly malleable, making it suitable for forming processes like bending, welding, or deep drawing-common in applications such as chemical storage tanks or electrical components.
Cold-Worked State (e.g., Half-Hard, Full-Hard):
Cold working (e.g., rolling, drawing, or extrusion without subsequent annealing) increases the material's dislocation density, thereby raising its tensile strength at the cost of reduced ductility. The more severe the cold working, the higher the tensile strength:
Half-Hard Condition: Tensile strength ranges from 480–620 MPa (70,000–90,000 psi).
Full-Hard Condition: Tensile strength can reach 690–830 MPa (100,000–120,000 psi).
Application Example: Cold-worked Nickel 200 is used in parts requiring higher mechanical resistance, such as spring contacts or thin-walled pressure tubes, where ductility is less critical than strength.
It is important to reference the material's certificate of analysis (CoA) or manufacturer's datasheet for exact tensile strength values, as minor variations in impurity content (e.g., trace amounts of iron or copper) can also slightly affect performance.
ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) has developed a series of product-specific standards for Nickel 200, each governing the manufacturing, chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances, and testing requirements for different forms of the material. These standards ensure consistency and reliability across industries. The key ASTM standards for Nickel 200 are categorized by product type below: