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Wrought Nickel and Nickel-Related Alloys: A Comprehensive Reference for Engineers
1. Overview of SAE J470-2018 🛠️
SAE J470-2018 is an information report that provides general data on over 50 wrought nickel and nickel-related alloys. It serves as a stabilized reference for mature technologies, focusing on materials where nickel either predominates or is a significant alloying element. The standard deliberately excludes the so-called “superalloys” (covered in SAE J467) and iron-base stainless steels (covered in SAE J405). It is intended for use as a comparative guide, not a substitute for supplier-specific specifications.
📘 Stabilized Notice: This document has been declared “Stabilized” and will no longer undergo periodic reviews. Users are responsible for verifying references and ensuring continued suitability for their applications. Newer technology may exist.
2. Key Information Provided: Compositions, Properties, and Constants
The report is organized into tables that summarize the following for each alloy:
- Nominal Chemical Composition (Table 2) – weight percentages of nickel, chromium, copper, iron, and other elements.
- Average Physical Constants (Table 3) – density, modulus of elasticity, thermal expansion, and other engineering values.
- Range of Mechanical Properties (Table 4) – tensile strength, yield strength (0.2% offset), elongation, hardness, and impact values, correlated with available forms (sheet, bar, pipe, etc.).
To illustrate the type of data provided, the table below compiles selected information for representative alloys. Note: All values are nominal or average; actual properties may vary with heat treatment and product form.
| Key No. | Nickel (Ni %) | Other Major Elements | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1A | 99.4 | 0.18 Mn, 0.18 Si | 415 – 1140 | 103 – 1070 | 2 – 50 |
| 5A | 67 | 30 Cu, 1.4 Fe | 483 – 1173 | 172 – 1104 | 2 – 50 |
| 9A | 70 | 29 Fe | 483 – 1035 | 241 – 965 | 0.5 – 35 |
| 10B | 77 | 20 Cr, 0.5 Fe | 690 – 1380 | 345 – 1311 | 0.5 – 35 |
| 13A | 65 | 28 Mo, 5.5 Fe | — | — | — |
Table adapted from SAE J470-2018 Tables 2 and 4. Blank cells indicate data not provided in the source ranges.
3. Practical Considerations and Engineering Insights
⚠️ Caution on Using Nominal Values: All values in this report are average or nominal and should not be used as guaranteed minimum or maximum specifications. For critical design applications, contact the alloy producer for certified properties and tighter tolerances.
Engineering design insight: Alloy selection requires balancing composition, physical properties, and mechanical performance for the intended application. The report serves as a starting point for comparing candidate materials, but heat treatment, processing history, and product form can significantly alter final properties. For example, the same alloy in sheet form may exhibit different strength and ductility than in bar form. Additionally, alloying elements such as aluminum, titanium, and molybdenum strongly influence corrosion resistance and strength at elevated temperatures.
🔍 Scope Note: Because J470 is restricted to wrought alloys, it does not cover cast versions. If the application requires superalloy or stainless steel data, refer to SAE J467 (Special Purpose Alloys) and SAE J405 (Chemical Compositions of SAE Wrought Stainless Steels), respectively.
📊 Using physical constants: The provided physical constants (density, modulus, thermal expansion) are averages. They are suitable for preliminary design calculations but should be verified with producer data for final analyses, especially when the material will be subjected to extreme conditions or tight dimensional tolerances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does SAE J470-2018 cover cast nickel alloys?
No. The scope explicitly states that it covers primarily wrought materials. Cast alloys are not included.
2. Are superalloys included in this standard?
No. Superalloys and nickel-base high-temperature alloys are covered by SAE J467. J470 specifically excludes the “so-called superalloys.”
3. Can I use the nominal compositions from Table 2 as purchasing requirements?
No. The values are nominal (typical) compositions and are not guaranteed limits. For procurement, you must refer to the applicable material specification (e.g., ASTM, AMS) that defines acceptable composition ranges.
4. Where can I find data for alloys that are not listed in J470?
J470 includes information on over 50 alloys. If a specific wrought nickel alloy is not listed, contact the producer or consult other SAE or ASTM standards for nickel alloys. The report warns that it is “not necessarily all inclusive.”
