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Nickel 200 welding wire is a commercially pure nickel filler metal known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and superior weldability. It is widely used in chemical processing, aerospace, marine, and electronic industries. This article provides an in-depth overview of Nickel 200 welding wire, its specifications, applications, and current market prices, supported with structured tables and detailed comparisons.
What is Nickel 200 Welding Wire?
Nickel 200 welding wire is made from UNS N02200, a commercially pure wrought nickel (with 99.6% minimum nickel content). It is used for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW/TIG) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG) processes. It offers excellent corrosion resistance in reducing and neutral environments and is particularly effective in handling caustic alkalis, acids, and seawater.
Key Chemical Composition of Nickel 200 Wire
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | ≥ 99.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.01 |
Mechanical Properties of Nickel 200
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 380 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 105 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ≤ 100 HB |
Nickel 200 Welding Wire Sizes
| Diameter (mm) | Process | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8 | MIG | Precision electronics |
| 1.2 | MIG | General fabrication |
| 2.4 | TIG | Piping and pressure vessels |
| 3.2 | TIG | High-corrosion applications |
Nickel 200 Welding Wire Price Range (2025)
| Wire Diameter | Form | Packaging | Price (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 mm | Spool | 15 kg spool | $65 – $90 |
| 1.2 mm | Spool | 15 kg spool | $60 – $85 |
| 2.4 mm | Cut Length | 5 kg pack | $70 – $95 |
| 3.2 mm | Cut Length | 5 kg pack | $75 – $100 |
Factors Influencing Price
- Nickel Market Price: Raw nickel is expensive and price fluctuations directly impact the wire cost.
- Purity: Higher purity and certified batches cost more.
- Manufacturing Origin: US/EU products are pricier than those from India or China.
- Wire Form: Spools are cheaper per kg than cut-length rods.
Major Nickel 200 Welding Wire Suppliers
| Supplier | Country | Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Special Metals | USA | Spools and rods |
| Lincoln Electric | USA | MIG and TIG wires |
| Voestalpine Böhler | Austria | High-purity TIG wires |
| Ador Welding | India | Affordable MIG wires |
| Weldwell | New Zealand | Nickel-based consumables |
Applications of Nickel 200 Welding Wire
- Joining pure nickel components
- Welding in caustic alkali environments
- Chemical processing plants
- Battery connectors and terminals
- Evaporators and heat exchangers
Related Questions
1. Why is Nickel 200 welding wire expensive?
Nickel 200 is made from high-purity nickel which is costly to mine and refine, and its corrosion resistance and conductivity features make it a premium alloy.
2. Can Nickel 200 wire be used for dissimilar metal welding?
Yes, Nickel 200 is sometimes used to weld dissimilar metals, especially in corrosion-sensitive environments, though compatibility testing is advised.
3. What welding processes are compatible with Nickel 200 wire?
Nickel 200 welding wire is suitable for both TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding processes, depending on the wire form and application.