MONEL K500 is a nickel-copper alloy from SSM that enhances the base of MONEL 400. This alloy is created by adding aluminum and titanium and then subjecting it to an age-hardening (precipitation-hardening) treatment. Because of its increased strength, it is suitable for applications in aerospace, oil and gas drilling equipment, high-speed rotating parts, and other fields that demand superior mechanical properties.
What is Monel K500？
Monel K500 is composed primarily of approximately 63% nickel and 27-33% copper, with small amounts of aluminum (2.3-3.15%) and titanium (0.35-0.85%). It finds application in marine engineering, chemical and hydrocarbon processing equipment, pump shafts, and propeller shafts.
Monel K500 History
The MONEL alloy known as MONEL K500 was created by the International Nickel Company (INCO) as an upgrade to the original MONEL 400 alloy. To enhance the alloy’s strength and mechanical properties, small amounts of aluminum and titanium were added to the nickel-copper base alloy, allowing for the age-hardening process. The specific alloy composition and its properties were discovered and developed by the research and development team at INCO.
Equivalent Materials for Monel K500
| Standard/Specification | UNS | DIN | Werkstoffnummer | AFNOR | British Standard (BS) |
| Equivalent Material | N05500 | 2.4375 | 2.4375 | NW 4400 | NA 18 |
Application & Types of Monel K500.
Monel K500 is widely used in several industries because of its excellent corrosion resistance. Some of the key applications include:
- Chemical and hydrocarbon processing equipment
- Pump shafts
- Propeller shafts
The types of products provided by SSM include:
| Product | UNS | DIN | ASTM | BS | AFNOR | JIS |
| MONEL K500 Pipes | N05500 | 2.4375 | B165 | NA 18 | NW 4400 | NCF 500 |
| MONEL K500 Pipe Fittings | N05500 | 2.4375 | B366 | NA 18 | NW 4400 | NCF 500 |
| MONEL K500 Flanges | N05500 | 2.4375 | B564 | NA 18 | NW 4400 | NCF 500 |
| MONEL K500 Fasteners | N05500 | 2.4375 | B164 | NA 18 | NW 4400 | NCF 500 |
| MONEL K500 Plates | N05500 | 2.4375 | B127 | NA 18 | NW 4400 | NCF 500 |
| MONEL K500 Bars | N05500 | 2.4375 | B865 | NA 18 | NW 4400 | NCF 500 |
Monel K500 Chemical Composition
| Element | Percentage (%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | 63.0 min |
| Copper (Cu) | 27.0 – 33.0 |
| Aluminum (Al) | 2.30 – 3.15 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.35 – 0.85 |
| Iron (Fe) | 2.00 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.50 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 max |
| Carbon (C) | 0.25 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01 max |
Monel K500 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 110 – 140 ksi (760 – 965 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 65 – 100 ksi (450 – 690 MPa) |
| Elongation | 20 – 30% |
| Hardness | Rockwell B (RB) 80 – 100 |
| Density | 8.44 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 26,000 ksi (179 GPa) |
| Melting Point | 1350 – 1390 °C (2460 – 2534 °F) |
Monel K500 vs Monel 400
This table provides a concise comparison of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and typical applications of Monel 400 and Monel K500.
| Property/Feature | Monel 400 | Monel K500 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 63.0 min | 63.0 min |
| Copper (Cu) | 28.0 – 34.0 | 27.0 – 33.0 |
| Aluminum (Al) | – | 2.30 – 3.15 |
| Titanium (Ti) | – | 0.35 – 0.85 |
| Iron (Fe) | 2.5 max | 2.0 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.0 max | 1.5 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 max | 0.5 max |
| Carbon (C) | 0.3 max | 0.25 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.024 max | 0.01 max |
| Tensile Strength | 70 – 100 ksi (480 – 690 MPa) | 110 – 140 ksi (760 – 965 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 25 – 50 ksi (170 – 345 MPa) | 65 – 100 ksi (450 – 690 MPa) |
| Elongation | 20 – 30% | 20 – 30% |
| Hardness | Rockwell B (RB) 60 – 75 | Rockwell B (RB) 80 – 100 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Applications | Marine, chemical processing, valves, pumps | Oil & gas drilling, high-strength applications |
| Notable Features | Excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in seawater and acids | Higher strength and hardness due to precipitation hardenin |
