A range of nickel copper alloys exist. They display different characteristics. They are used differently. These alloys are also called cupro nickels.

The best known copper alloys include the ones that contain 45 per cent nickel, which are called constantan; the ones that contain 25 per cent nickel and 0.05-0.4 per cent manganese; those with 30 per cent nickel; and with 10 per cent nickel.

The per cent of nickel present in alloys does not determine its quality. It is only a variant of alloy. Its use differs.

Characteristics of nickel copper alloy

Characteristics, no doubt, vary with alloy composition. Alloy with copper to nickel ratio of 90:10 and 70:30 display the following characteristics:

• Excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in sea water
• The 70:30 ratio alloy is stronger than the other one. It displays excellent resistance to impingement corrosion.
• The 90:10 ratio alloy has an edge over the other one in terms of resistance to bio-fouling.

Alloys rich in copper display the following characteristics:

• Appreciable strength
• Superior corrosion resistance
• Good ductility
• Special cold working is required to harden them
• Temperature co-efficient is low of electrical resistance

Nickel present in copper alloys makes the material stronger than alloys sans nickel so that they can endure higher temperatures. So, they pose as safe bets for electrical applications where things can get heated often.

Applications of nickel copper alloy

Nickel copper alloy with 45 per cent nickel is used in high precision resistors as resistance wires. The temperature co-efficient of electric resistivity of the alloy is low. This enables the resistor using cupro nickel alloy wire to provide almost the same resistance irrespective of temperature.

The same alloy (with 45 per cent nickel) is used in thermo coupling. The alloy has a quality of creating consistent and high EMF (electro motive force), which is the voltage created, when it is coupled with other metals such as iron and copper.

Alloys of copper and nickel possess high resistance to sea water, especially 70:30 ratio and 90:10 ratio alloys. They are used in desalination plants and condenser systems in sea water. They also find a place in pipe work of chemical plants.

The 90:10 ratio alloy needs no surface protection. This characteristic of copper alloy makes it an extremely safe material for usage in brakes of vehicles. They are also used in cooling systems and hydraulic suspension systems of vehicles.

Alloys of 90:10 ratio and 70:30 ratio are used in cladding for hulls of ships, platform pillars of oil rigs, and intake screens in sea water due to their high resistance to corrosion in sea water and high resistance to bio-fouling.

Do you know alloys with 25 per cent nickel and 0.05-0.4 per cent manganese are used to make medals, coins, and other semi valuable things? So, the next time you hold a coin, observe it carefully. You are holding one of the finest metals on the earth!

Cupro nickels also find usage in ammunition, cooling circuits, and more. It is important to get them from an esteemed manufacturer. Products like enamelled copper wire, copper strip, braided wire, and more are available online.