Nickel Plated Steel (Coated): Properties and Key Applications

Nickel Plated Steel (Coated) is a specialized steel grade that combines the inherent properties of steel with the protective benefits of a nickel coating. This steel is classified primarily as low-carbon mild steel or medium-carbon alloy steel, depending on its specific composition and intended application. The nickel plating process enhances the steel's resistance to corrosion, wear, and oxidation, making it suitable for a variety of demanding environments.

Comprehensive Overview

Nickel Plated Steel is characterized by its unique combination of mechanical strength and enhanced corrosion resistance due to the nickel coating. The primary alloying element in this steel grade is nickel, which typically constitutes around 5-15% of the coating, although the base steel may contain varying amounts of carbon, manganese, and silicon. The nickel coating significantly influences the steel's properties, providing a protective barrier that mitigates the effects of environmental exposure.

The most significant characteristics of Nickel Plated Steel include:

• Corrosion Resistance: The nickel layer provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, particularly in humid or saline environments.
• Wear Resistance: The coating enhances the wear resistance of the underlying steel, making it suitable for applications involving friction and abrasion.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The shiny, reflective surface of nickel plating is often desirable for aesthetic applications.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages	Limitations
Excellent corrosion resistance	Higher cost compared to uncoated steel
Enhanced wear resistance	Limited high-temperature performance
Improved aesthetic appearance	Potential for coating delamination if improperly applied
Good electrical conductivity	May require specific welding techniques

Nickel Plated Steel holds a significant position in the market due to its versatile applications in automotive, aerospace, and electrical industries. Historically, nickel plating has been used since the early 20th century, evolving with advancements in plating technology to improve adhesion and durability.

Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents

Standard Organization	Designation/Grade	Country/Region of Origin	Notes/Remarks
UNS	N02200	USA	Closest equivalent to ASTM B162
ASTM	B162	USA	Nickel-coated steel specification
EN	2.4066	Europe	Minor compositional differences to be aware of
JIS	G3302	Japan	Similar properties but different coating thickness standards

The above table highlights various standards and equivalents for Nickel Plated Steel. It is important to note that while these grades may appear equivalent, differences in coating thickness, adhesion properties, and base steel composition can significantly affect performance in specific applications.

Key Properties

Chemical Composition

Element (Symbol and Name)	Percentage Range (%)
C (Carbon)	0.05 - 0.15
Mn (Manganese)	0.30 - 0.60
Si (Silicon)	0.10 - 0.40
Ni (Nickel)	5.0 - 15.0 (coating)

The primary role of nickel in this steel grade is to enhance corrosion resistance and improve the overall toughness of the coating. Carbon contributes to the hardness and strength of the base steel, while manganese and silicon improve the steel's ductility and weldability.

Mechanical Properties

Property	Condition/Temper	Test Temperature	Typical Value/Range (Metric)	Typical Value/Range (Imperial)	Reference Standard for Test Method
Tensile Strength	Annealed	Room Temp	350 - 550 MPa	50.8 - 79.8 ksi	ASTM E8
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)	Annealed	Room Temp	200 - 400 MPa	29.0 - 58.0 ksi	ASTM E8
Elongation	Annealed	Room Temp	20 - 30%	20 - 30%	ASTM E8
Hardness (Rockwell B)	Annealed	Room Temp	70 - 90 HRB	70 - 90 HRB	ASTM E18

The combination of these mechanical properties makes Nickel Plated Steel suitable for applications requiring moderate strength and good ductility, such as fasteners and structural components. Its wear resistance also allows it to perform well under mechanical loading conditions.

Physical Properties

Property	Condition/Temperature	Value (Metric)	Value (Imperial)
Density	Room Temp	7.85 g/cm³	0.284 lb/in³
Melting Point/Range	-	1450 - 1520 °C	2642 - 2768 °F
Thermal Conductivity	Room Temp	16 W/m·K	92 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F
Specific Heat Capacity	Room Temp	0.46 kJ/kg·K	0.11 BTU/lb·°F

The density and melting point of Nickel Plated Steel indicate its suitability for high-temperature applications, while its thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity suggest effective heat dissipation in electrical applications.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosive Agent	Concentration (%)	Temperature (°C/°F)	Resistance Rating	Notes
Saltwater	3.5	25/77	Excellent	Risk of pitting
Sulfuric Acid	10	25/77	Fair	Susceptible to SCC
Chlorides	1	25/77	Good	Risk of localized corrosion

Nickel Plated Steel exhibits excellent resistance to saltwater, making it ideal for marine applications. However, it can be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in acidic environments, particularly in the presence of chlorides. Compared to stainless steels, Nickel Plated Steel may offer lower resistance to certain corrosive agents, but its cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice in less aggressive environments.

Heat Resistance

Property/Limit	Temperature (°C)	Temperature (°F)	Remarks
Max Continuous Service Temp	300	572	Suitable for moderate temperatures
Max Intermittent Service Temp	400	752	Short-term exposure only
Scaling Temperature	600	1112	Risk of oxidation beyond this temp

At elevated temperatures, Nickel Plated Steel maintains its structural integrity up to approximately 300 °C (572 °F). However, prolonged exposure to higher temperatures can lead to oxidation and degradation of the nickel coating.

Fabrication Properties

Weldability

Welding Process	Recommended Filler Metal (AWS Classification)	Typical Shielding Gas/Flux	Notes
MIG	ER70S-6	Argon/CO2	Good fusion characteristics
TIG	ER308L	Argon	Clean welds, requires preheat

Nickel Plated Steel can be welded using standard techniques, but care must be taken to avoid overheating, which can lead to coating degradation. Preheating may be necessary to prevent cracking.

Machinability

Machining Parameter	Nickel Plated Steel	AISI 1212	Notes/Tips
Relative Machinability Index	70	100	Moderate machinability
Typical Cutting Speed	30 m/min	50 m/min	Use sharp tools and coolant

Machinability is moderate, and using appropriate cutting speeds and tooling can enhance performance.

Formability

Nickel Plated Steel exhibits good formability, allowing for cold and hot forming processes. However, care must be taken to avoid excessive work hardening, which can lead to cracking during bending operations.

Heat Treatment

Treatment Process	Temperature Range (°C/°F)	Typical Soaking Time	Cooling Method	Primary Purpose / Expected Result
Annealing	600 - 700 / 1112 - 1292	1 - 2 hours	Air	Softening, improving ductility
Quenching	800 - 900 / 1472 - 1652	30 minutes	Oil	Hardening

Heat treatment processes such as annealing can significantly alter the microstructure of Nickel Plated Steel, enhancing its ductility and toughness.

Typical Applications and End Uses

Industry/Sector	Specific Application Example	Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application	Reason for Selection
Automotive	Fasteners	High strength, corrosion resistance	Durability and safety
Aerospace	Structural components	Lightweight, high strength	Performance under stress
Electrical	Connectors	Good conductivity, corrosion resistance	Reliability in harsh environments

Other applications include:

• Marine hardware
• Electrical enclosures
• Decorative items

Nickel Plated Steel is chosen for these applications due to its excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights

Feature/Property	Nickel Plated Steel	AISI 304 Stainless Steel	Carbon Steel	Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note
Key Mechanical Property	Moderate strength	High strength	Variable	Nickel Plated Steel is cost-effective
Key Corrosion Aspect	Good	Excellent	Fair	Stainless offers superior corrosion resistance
Weldability	Moderate	Good	Good	Nickel Plated requires care during welding
Machinability	Moderate	Poor	Good	Nickel coating can affect machining
Formability	Good	Fair	Good	Nickel plating can limit forming
Approx. Relative Cost	Moderate	High	Low	Cost-effective for many applications
Typical Availability	Common	Common	Very Common	Availability varies by region

When selecting Nickel Plated Steel, considerations include cost-effectiveness, availability, and specific performance requirements. Its unique combination of properties makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly where corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal are paramount.