Monel K500 round bar with marked specifications, stored in a workshop.

Monel K500

MONEL K500 is a nickel-copper alloy that combines the excellent corrosion resistance of MONEL 400 with added strength and hardness through aluminum and titanium additions.

Material Specification

SpecificationStandard/Designation
ASTM StandardASTM B865
British Standard (BS)BS 3075 NA 18, BS 3076 NA 18
ISO StandardISO 15156-3 (NACE MR0175)
Federal SpecificationQQ-N-286
UNS NumberN05500
DIN/EN2.4375

Possible Alternative Grades

Alternative GradeWhy Choose This Over MONEL K500
MONEL 400Lower cost, excellent resistance to seawater, ideal for marine environments but lacks K500’s strength.
INCONEL 718Higher strength, superior fatigue resistance at elevated temperatures, ideal for aerospace applications.
HASTELLOY C-276Better pitting and stress corrosion resistance in highly aggressive and acidic environments.
INCOLOY 825Superior performance in acidic environments like sulfuric and phosphoric acids, more cost-effective.
HASTELLOY B-3Exceptional resistance to hydrochloric acid at all concentrations and temperatures.
TITANIUM GRADE 5High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, but lower temperature resistance.
ALLOY 20Excellent sulfuric acid resistance, making it ideal for chemical processing industries.
INCONEL 600Good high-temperature resistance and cost-effective but lacks the high strength of MONEL K500.
HASTELLOY C-22Superior resistance to a wide range of acids and oxidizing agents compared to MONEL K500.
TITANIUM GRADE 2Lightweight with exceptional corrosion resistance, but much lower strength compared to MONEL K500.
DUPLEX 2205Cost-effective with high strength and good corrosion resistance, but lacks K500’s nickel-based properties.

Inventory

Product FormSize Range (From)Size Range (To)
Alloy K-500 Pipe0.5 in8 in
Alloy K-500 Tube12 mm260 mm
Alloy K-500 Pipe Fittings0.5 in8 in
Alloy K-500 Flanges0.5 in8 in

Technical Data Sheet

Corrosion Resistance

Monel K-500 offers superior corrosion resistance compared to its primary components, nickel and copper. It demonstrates exceptional resistance to chlorinated solvents, glass etching chemicals, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and a wide range of other acids, as well as nearly all alkaline environments. The alloy performs excellently in seawater applications, particularly in high-velocity conditions where resistance to cavitation and erosion is crucial. Corrosion rates in aerated and agitated seawater are extremely minimal.

While Monel K-500 is generally resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking, only annealed forms of the alloy provide resistance to stress cracking when exposed to mercury or mercury compounds. Additionally, stress corrosion cracking has been observed in the presence of hydrofluoric acid vapors. For applications involving nitric acid, Monel K-500 is not recommended. For tailored advice related to specific applications, please consult Austral Wright Metals.

Thermal Properties

Temperature (°F)Temperature (°C)Mean Linear Expansion (in/in/°F x 10⁻⁶)Thermal Conductivity (Btu-in/h/ft²°F)Thermal Conductivity (W/m°C)Specific Heat (Btu/lb/°F)Specific Heat (J/kg°C)Electrical Resistivity (ohm-circ mil/ft)Electrical Resistivity (µΩ·m)
-320-2006.212.30.071297.3330.80.550
-250-1576.58613.10.077322.43700.615
-200-1306.89213.10.087364.33720.618
-100-707.210314.70.100418.73780.628
702112117.20.107448.03850.640
2001007.613619.40.114477.33900.648
4002008.115622.20.117489.93930.653
6003008.319825.40.120502.43960.658
8004008.522031.40.125523.44000.665
10005008.724034.20.132552.74080.678
12006009.126237.30.141590.34180.695
14007009.328243.10.157657.34180.695
16008009.630245.00.168778.74180.695
180090032247.50.186797.54180.695

Fabrication and Welding Information

Welding

  • Monel K-500 is known for its excellent weldability, and it can be effectively welded using standard commercial procedures. The gas-tungsten-arc welding (GTAW) process is particularly recommended for this alloy due to its precision and reliability.
  • For optimal results, it is advised that Monel K-500 be annealed before welding. Additionally, any welded components should undergo stress relief after welding and before the aging process to ensure maximum strength and durability. This step is crucial for preventing any issues related to internal stresses and enhancing the overall weld quality.

Fabrication

  • Heavy Machining: When performing heavy machining operations, it is best to work with Monel K-500 in its annealed or hot-worked and quenched condition. This ensures ease of machining and prevents excessive wear on the tools. For fine tolerances and smoother finishes, it is recommended to machine the material slightly oversize, then age-harden the alloy, and finally finish it to size. This process allows for minimal warpage due to the low temperatures and slow cooling rates involved during aging.
  • Age-Hardening: It is essential to note that during the age-hardening process, a slight permanent contraction occurs in the material. However, this contraction is minimal, and because of the low temperatures and slow cooling rates, warpage is generally not a concern.

Key Machining Considerations

Monel K-500, due to its high shear strength, work hardening characteristics, and resistance to metal removal, can be challenging to machine. Nevertheless, conventional machining methods can achieve satisfactory results if proper practices are followed:

  1. Machine Capacity: The machine should be rigid and appropriately powered to handle the high resistance to cutting posed by the alloy.
  2. Tool Rigidity: Ensure that both the tool and the workpiece are held rigidly to maintain precision and efficiency during machining.
  3. Tool Maintenance: Keep tools sharp at all times. Regularly replacing or sharpening tools ensures consistent machining quality. A 0.015-inch wear land is considered a dull tool.
  4. Tool Selection: Use positive rake angle tools for most operations. Negative rake angle tools are suitable for heavy stock removal or intermittent cuts. Carbide-tipped tools are recommended for most machining tasks.
  5. Cutting Strategy: Employ heavy and constant feeds to avoid tool dwell, which can lead to work hardening and decreased tool life.
  6. Lubrication: Use lubricants, particularly soluble oils, to improve cutting performance and reduce tool wear.

Magnetic Characteristics

Non-Magnetic Nature

  • Monel K-500 is primarily non-magnetic, even at low temperatures, as shown in the provided data.

Formation of Magnetic Layer

  • During processing, a magnetic layer can develop on the surface of the material.
  • This occurs due to the selective oxidation of aluminum and copper during heating, leaving a nickel-rich magnetic film on the surface.

Effect on Thin Wire or Strip

  • The magnetic effect is more noticeable on thin wire or strip, where the surface-to-weight ratio is high.

Removal of Magnetic Layer

  • The magnetic layer can be removed by pickling or bright dipping in acid.
  • Once treated, the material’s non-magnetic properties are restored.

Applications

  • Monel K-500’s low magnetic permeability, high strength, and corrosion resistance make it suitable for use in:
    • Oil-well surveying equipment
    • Electronic components

Applications

Customized Package

Effective packaging solutions are crucial for preserving the quality of stainless steel sheets during transportation. The image showcases neatly stacked sheets wrapped in green protective covers and secured with strong straps, ensuring they remain intact.

Oil-Coated Paper

Secure packaging plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and integrity of metal pipes during storage and transportation. The image illustrates pipes wrapped in durable protective material to prevent surface damage and corrosion.

Thick Woven Plastic Bag

Efficient packaging ensures the safe transportation of stainless steel and alloy tubes. The image displays robust wooden crates used to secure and protect the tubes, minimizing damage during transit.

Air Cushion Film + Wooden Case

At Alloyxpert

  • Sheets and plates are wrapped in oil-coated paper for corrosion protection, placed on wooden pallets, and strapped securely to prevent shifting during transport.
  • Bars and rods are bundled together using thick woven plastic bags and carefully packed, ensuring each bundle weighs no more than 1500 KG for safe handling.
  • Tubes and pipes are packed in air cushion film to protect them from dirt and scratches. For added protection, they are placed in wooden cases to prevent damage during transit.

Logistics

sea freight

By Sea

air freight

By Air

rail freight

By Land

Alloyxpert provides three transportation options: sea, land, and air. Sea transportation is the most commonly chosen method for most orders and is therefore regarded as the default transportation mode. Quotations are typically based on terms such as FOB, CFR, or CIF. For urgent requirements, we also offer air transportation, while land transportation is available for specific regional needs.

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