UNS C75700 Nickel Silver: Composition, Properties, and Uses
Imagine a material that blends the aesthetic allure of silver with the robustness of industrial metals. Enter UNS C75700 Nickel…
Imagine an alloy that combines the elegance of silver with the strength and versatility of copper and nickel. This is precisely what C75200 nickel silver offers, a material prized across various industries for its unique blend of aesthetic appeal and functional properties. Whether you’re a manufacturer, engineer, or researcher, understanding the intricate details of this alloy’s composition, mechanical and thermal properties, and diverse applications can be a game-changer for your projects. What makes C75200 nickel silver stand out in demanding environments, and how can you leverage its properties to your advantage? Dive in to explore the secrets behind this remarkable alloy and discover why it’s a preferred choice in everything from musical instruments to food processing equipment.
C75200 Nickel Silver, also known as CuNi18Zn20 or 65-18-17, is a copper alloy prominently featuring copper, nickel, and zinc. It is well-regarded for its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and attractive appearance, making it suitable for various industrial and decorative applications.
Copper is the main element in C75200 Nickel Silver, making up 63.0% to 66.5% of the alloy. It provides excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, which enhances the alloy’s performance and workability.
Nickel makes up 16.5% to 19.5% of the alloy, including any cobalt present. It strengthens the alloy, increases hardness, and improves corrosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding uses.
Zinc, typically ranging from 12.7% to 20%, improves malleability and strength. Trace elements like manganese (up to 0.5%), iron (up to 0.25%), and lead (up to 0.05%) further enhance the alloy’s properties. Manganese acts as a deoxidizer, iron strengthens the alloy, and lead improves machinability.
The combined total of copper and other specified elements must be at least 99.5%, ensuring high quality and optimal performance of C75200 Nickel Silver.
C75200 Nickel Silver (CuNi18Zn20) offers mechanical properties ideal for demanding applications.
The elastic modulus of C75200 Nickel Silver is approximately 120 GPa (18 x 10^6 psi), indicating the material’s ability to deform elastically when a force is applied and removed.
With a Poisson’s ratio of 0.32, C75200 Nickel Silver demonstrates typical metal behavior, expanding in directions perpendicular to compression.
Hardness varies between Rockwell B 63 to 93 and Rockwell Superficial 30T 58 to 78, indicating good resistance to deformation and wear.
The shear modulus of C75200 Nickel Silver is about 47 GPa (6.8 x 10^6 psi), crucial for understanding the material’s response to shear stress.
Ultimate tensile strength ranges from 400 to 660 MPa, while yield strength typically falls between 200 and 400 MPa, depending on the material’s condition and form.
C75200 Nickel Silver also possesses significant thermal properties, contributing to its versatility in various thermal environments.
The latent heat of fusion for C75200 Nickel Silver is 210 J/g, essential for understanding the energy required to change the material from solid to liquid state during melting.
The alloy retains its mechanical properties up to a maximum temperature of 200°C (390°F), making it suitable for applications requiring stable performance at elevated temperatures.
The alloy starts melting at 1070°C (1960°F) and is fully liquid at 1110°C (2030°F).
With a specific heat capacity of 400 J/kg-K and thermal conductivity of 33 W/m-K, C75200 Nickel Silver efficiently manages and dissipates heat.
The thermal expansion coefficient is 18 µm/m-K, describing how much the material expands or contracts with temperature changes, crucial for applications involving thermal cycling.
These mechanical and thermal properties of C75200 Nickel Silver highlight its robustness and versatility, making it a preferred choice in a wide range of industrial and decorative applications.
C75200 Nickel Silver is well-known for its excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for applications that require durability and longevity.
This alloy excels in resisting corrosion, especially in challenging environments such as marine and chemical settings where exposure to moisture and reactive substances is common. C75200 Nickel Silver outperforms brass in terms of corrosion resistance, although it can slowly tarnish when exposed to sulfur in the air.
The high nickel content significantly enhances the alloy’s corrosion resistance, while copper and zinc improve its overall stability and protect against oxidation and stress corrosion cracking.
The formability of C75200 Nickel Silver is another key attribute that makes it highly versatile for manufacturing and industrial applications.
C75200 Nickel Silver can be easily shaped at room temperature, which is beneficial for processes like stamping, bending, and drawing. This cold working ability allows manufacturers to create intricate and detailed components efficiently.
While the alloy excels in cold working, its hot working capabilities are limited. The hot forgeability rating of C75200 Nickel Silver is considered poor, making it less suitable for processes that require high temperatures, such as hot forging or extrusion.
The machinability of C75200 Nickel Silver is moderate. With a machinability rating of 20, it is less machinable compared to other alloys like Alloy 360 FC Brass, which has a rating of 100. However, it can still be machined effectively with the right tools and techniques, making it suitable for producing precision components and parts.
Thanks to its corrosion resistance and formability, C75200 Nickel Silver is perfect for marine components, decorative arts, musical instruments, and optical parts, where both durability and intricate designs are essential.
By understanding the corrosion resistance and formability of C75200 Nickel Silver, manufacturers and engineers can better select and utilize this alloy for their specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity in their applications.
C75200 Nickel Silver is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with specific welding and soldering properties essential for various applications.
Soldering and brazing C75200 Nickel Silver are both rated as excellent. The alloy’s composition ensures strong, reliable joints and high thermal conductivity. These properties make it ideal for applications requiring precision and durability, such as in food and dairy equipment, musical instruments, and decorative items.
Several welding techniques can be used with C75200 Nickel Silver, each with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the application.
Oxyacetylene welding is effective for C75200 Nickel Silver. This method provides precise control, making it suitable for small projects and repairs.
Gas shielded arc welding can be challenging due to oxidation and porosity issues. However, it can still be effective under controlled conditions.
Spot welding is a good technique for joining thin sheets of C75200 Nickel Silver. It provides strong, localized welds with minimal thermal distortion, ideal for manufacturing small components and assemblies.
Seam welding is a continuous resistance welding process that joins overlapping sheets of metal. While effective for creating long, continuous welds, it requires precise control to avoid overheating and distortion.
Butt welding is also effective for C75200 Nickel Silver. This process is used for creating strong, continuous joints in pipes, rods, and other linear components.
Coated metal arc welding is not recommended for C75200 Nickel Silver due to the difficulty in controlling the weld quality and the potential for introducing contaminants.
C75200 Nickel Silver is excellent for soldering and brazing, with effective techniques including oxyacetylene, spot, and butt welding. Gas shielded arc and seam welding require careful control, while coated metal arc welding is not recommended. Understanding these properties ensures that C75200 Nickel Silver can be effectively utilized in various industrial and decorative applications.
C75200 Nickel Silver is prized in many consumer applications for its excellent combination of corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, and ease of fabrication.
The alloy is commonly used in components like keys, valves, and mouthpieces, appreciated for its excellent acoustic properties and resistance to tarnish, making it ideal for high-quality instruments.
Its durability and ease of machining make it perfect for producing precise optical device components like frames and housings.
The alloy’s attractive, silver-like appearance makes it popular for decorative items such as hollowware, costume jewelry, and tableware, providing a durable, corrosion-resistant finish that maintains its shine.
C75200 Nickel Silver is also utilized in the manufacturing of fasteners, including screws, rivets, and slide fasteners. These components benefit from the alloy’s strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of machining, ensuring reliable performance in various applications.
In industrial settings, C75200 Nickel Silver is chosen for its strength, durability, and excellent resistance to corrosion.
The alloy is widely used in marine applications, such as fittings and components for boats and ships. Its resistance to seawater corrosion makes it ideal for these environments.
C75200 Nickel Silver is used in fittings and components for food and dairy equipment due to its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand rigorous cleaning processes. Its non-reactive nature ensures that it does not contaminate food products.
The aesthetic appeal of C75200 Nickel Silver makes it a preferred material for architectural and decorative uses.
Its silver-like appearance and resistance to tarnish make it a popular choice for crafting fine and costume jewelry. The alloy can be easily worked into intricate designs, enhancing its appeal for jewelers.
In architectural applications, C75200 Nickel Silver is used for decorative elements such as trims, railings, and fixtures. Its durability and pleasing appearance make it a suitable material for both interior and exterior applications.
The versatility of C75200 Nickel Silver extends to various other applications due to its unique properties.
The alloy’s moderate electrical conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance make it suitable for electrical components, including connectors and terminals.
Its high strength and toughness allow C75200 Nickel Silver to be used in the production of springs and other industrial components that require resilience and durability.
C75200 Nickel Silver’s non-magnetic properties make it ideal for electronic components where magnetic interference is a concern. It is used in applications requiring precise and stable performance in magnetic-sensitive environments.
When selecting C75200 Nickel Silver for various projects, it is essential to consider several critical criteria to ensure optimal performance and suitability for the intended application.
It’s important to evaluate the precise blend of copper, nickel, and zinc in C75200 Nickel Silver to ensure it meets your project’s specific requirements. The typical composition includes:
This balanced composition ensures a combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability, making it suitable for various applications.
Knowing the mechanical properties of C75200 Nickel Silver helps you decide if it’s right for your project. Key mechanical properties include:
C75200 Nickel Silver’s excellent corrosion resistance is a significant factor in its selection for projects exposed to harsh environments, such as marine and industrial settings. Its high nickel content enhances its ability to resist corrosion, particularly in aqueous environments.
The alloy’s good formability is essential for manufacturing processes such as stamping, forming, and machining. C75200 Nickel Silver can be easily worked into complex shapes and designs, making it versatile for various industrial and decorative applications. However, its machinability rating is relatively low compared to other alloys, which may require specialized tools and techniques.
For projects requiring specific thermal and electrical characteristics, C75200 Nickel Silver offers:
These properties ensure efficient heat management and electrical performance, crucial for applications in electronics and thermal environments.
The alloy’s welding and joining properties are vital for projects requiring strong and reliable joints. C75200 Nickel Silver is excellent for soldering and brazing, with good oxyacetylene welding and fair gas shielded arc welding capabilities. However, coated metal arc welding is not recommended.
Here are some key considerations when choosing C75200 Nickel Silver for your specific needs:
By carefully evaluating these criteria, engineers and manufacturers can ensure that C75200 Nickel Silver meets the specific demands of their projects, providing optimal performance and longevity.
Composition:
Properties and Uses:
C75200 is known for its balanced properties, making it suitable for a variety of applications such as musical instruments, decorative items, and marine hardware. It offers good general corrosion resistance and moderate machinability. On the other hand, C76400 provides higher strength under tension, making it ideal for high-strength applications like springs and wire forms. Its slightly better corrosion resistance, due to higher zinc content, is beneficial in certain environments.
Composition:
Properties and Uses:
C75200, with its balanced strength and good corrosion resistance, is often used in consumer products, fasteners, and various industrial applications. C77000, with slightly higher strength and ductility, is better suited for applications requiring more flexibility, such as electrical and electronic components and musical instruments. Both alloys have similar thermal properties, making them versatile for various uses.
Composition:
Properties and Uses:
C75200 is suitable for decorative items, musical instruments, and optical instruments due to its balanced properties. C77600, however, excels in environments requiring superior corrosion resistance, particularly against stress corrosion cracking, making it ideal for marine and harsh industrial settings. While C77600 has good overall strength, its primary advantage is its exceptional resistance to corrosive conditions.
| Alloy | Composition | Key Properties | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| C75200 | 63-66.5% Cu, 16.5-19.5% Ni, 12.7-20% Zn | Balanced strength, good corrosion resistance | Musical instruments, decorative items, marine hardware |
| C76400 | 65% Cu, 12% Ni, 23% Zn | Higher strength under tension, better corrosion resistance | High-strength applications like springs and wire forms |
| C77000 | 64% Cu, 14% Ni, 22% Zn | Higher strength and ductility | Electrical and electronic components, musical instruments |
| C77600 | 65% Cu, 10% Ni, 25% Zn | Superior corrosion resistance, good overall strength | Marine and harsh industrial environments |
In summary, while C75200 Nickel Silver provides a well-rounded composition suitable for a wide range of applications, other nickel silver alloys offer specific advantages. C76400 is ideal for high-strength needs, C77000 excels in flexibility and electrical applications, and C77600 is the best choice for environments requiring superior corrosion resistance. By understanding these differences, you can select the most appropriate alloy for your specific requirements.
The manufacturing process of C75200 nickel silver starts by melting and blending the primary raw materials: copper, nickel, and zinc. These elements are carefully measured and loaded into a crucible or furnace. The metals are then heated to extremely high temperatures until they are fully melted, ensuring a homogeneous alloy.
After the metals are melted and thoroughly stirred for even distribution, the molten alloy is poured into casting molds or billets to cool and solidify. Once solidified, the alloy undergoes rolling to form various shapes such as sheets, strips, and wires, with heating between sessions to maintain malleability. Rolling not only shapes the alloy but also enhances its mechanical properties through work hardening.
Annealing is a heat treatment that softens the alloy and makes it more flexible. During this process, C75200 nickel silver is heated to a specific temperature and then slowly cooled. This treatment relieves internal stresses and refines the grain structure, making the material easier to work with in subsequent manufacturing steps.
Polishing the alloy gives it a shiny, attractive finish and can also involve plating with silver or other metals for extra corrosion protection and aesthetic appeal. This process smooths the surface, enhancing both the visual and functional qualities of the alloy.
Machining C75200 nickel silver can be tricky due to its tendency to produce long, stringy chips. Using the right tools, like inserts designed for aluminum and appropriate end mills, and coolants like neat oil can help achieve good results.
The final processing steps may include various finishing techniques to prepare the alloy for its intended application. These steps can involve additional heat treatments, surface treatments, and inspections to ensure the alloy meets the required specifications and quality standards.
By understanding these manufacturing and processing techniques, manufacturers can effectively utilize C75200 nickel silver to create high-quality components and products that leverage the alloy’s unique properties.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
The primary elements in the composition of C75200 nickel silver are copper (63.5% to 66.5% by weight), nickel (16.5% to 19.5% by weight, including cobalt in some specifications), and zinc (12.7% to 20% by weight). Minor elements include manganese (up to 0.5%), iron (up to 0.25%), and lead (up to 0.05%). This specific blend of elements gives C75200 nickel silver its unique properties, making it suitable for various applications such as decorative items, musical instrument components, and industrial uses, as discussed earlier.
C75200 nickel silver exhibits a range of mechanical and thermal properties making it versatile for various applications. Mechanically, it has an elastic modulus of 120 GPa, a Poisson’s ratio of 0.32, and a Rockwell B hardness ranging from 63 to 93. Its ultimate tensile strength spans 400 to 660 MPa, with the highest strength in the spring-tempered variant. Thermally, C75200 has a melting range between 1070°C and 1110°C, a thermal conductivity of 33 W/m-K, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 18 µm/m-K. Additionally, its specific heat capacity is 400 J/kg-K, and it retains mechanical properties up to 200°C.
C75200 nickel silver, also known as Copper-Nickel-Zinc alloy, is widely used in various applications due to its excellent formability, corrosion and tarnish resistance, and attractive silver-like appearance. Common uses include musical instrument parts, optical and radio instrument components, nameplates, hollowware, costume jewelry, camera parts, table flatware, and zippers. It is also employed in fasteners like screws and rivets, industrial applications such as truss wire and core bars, and decorative architectural applications. Additionally, it is utilized in fittings for food and dairy equipment, optical instruments, and musical instrument valves.
The composition of C75200 nickel silver, primarily consisting of copper (63.5-66.5%), nickel (16.5-19.5%), and zinc (12.7-20%), significantly influences its properties and uses. The high copper content enhances ductility and corrosion resistance, while nickel improves strength, especially at elevated temperatures, and further boosts corrosion resistance. Zinc contributes to corrosion resistance but can make the alloy prone to tarnishing. This combination results in a material with good mechanical strength, attractive silver-like appearance, and excellent formability, making it ideal for decorative items, industrial applications, and technical components, as discussed earlier.
C75200 nickel silver compares favorably with other copper alloys due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and attractive silver-like appearance, making it ideal for decorative and industrial applications. Compared to other nickel silver alloys like C76400 and C77000, C75200 offers balanced mechanical and thermal properties, including moderate tensile strength and good cold working capacity. While other alloys might provide slightly higher strength or different compositional advantages, C75200 remains a versatile choice with superior aesthetic properties and reliable performance in harsh environments, distinguishing it from standard copper and brass alloys.
C75200 nickel silver exhibits excellent corrosion resistance due to its high nickel content, making it suitable for marine and industrial environments. It also has good formability, allowing it to be easily shaped and molded. The alloy is manageable in machining despite a lower machinability rating and has good to excellent welding properties for various methods, except for coated metal arc welding. These characteristics make C75200 nickel silver versatile for applications requiring both durability and ease of manufacturing.
