Nickel & Nickel-Chromium Alloy Steels
Nickel-bearing alloy steels are used where toughness, through-section hardenability and low-temperature performance are important.
Composition & metallurgy
Nickel is commonly combined with chromium and molybdenum. In cryogenic pressure steels, nickel levels such as 3.5%, 5% and 9% are used for specified low-temperature service.
Common grades and standards
AISI 43xx and 86xx families; 34CrNiMo6; ASTM A203 nickel-alloy pressure-vessel plate and ASTM A553 9% Ni plate for cryogenic applications.
Typical applications
Heavy shafts and gears, pressure vessels, LNG storage, low-temperature equipment, aerospace and defense components, demanding forgings.
Engineering characteristics
Nickel improves toughness and hardenability without the severe ductility penalty associated with simply raising carbon. Welding procedures depend on grade and service.
Known manufacturers and producer regions
Japan — Nippon Steel, JFE; Europe — Dillinger, Industeel/ArcelorMittal, voestalpine; South Korea — POSCO; China — Baowu; India — major plate and alloy-steel producers including SAIL and JSW.
Selection checklist
Confirm product form, design code, strength level, toughness/impact requirement, service temperature, corrosion exposure, weldability, forming route, heat-treatment condition, dimensional tolerance, inspection level and mill certification. Do not substitute a “similar” grade solely from a cross-reference table without checking the governing specification.
Element Folio engineering reference. Grade ranges are typical and may vary by standard. Verify the latest ASTM/ASME, EN, JIS, API or other governing specification and the mill’s current product data before procurement.
