Monel 400

Monel® 400 is a nickel-copper alloy (about 67% Ni – 23% Cu) that is resistant to seawater and steam at high temperatures as well as to salt and caustic solutions. Monel® 400 is a solid solution alloy that can only be hardened by cold working. This nickel alloy exhibits characteristics like good corrosion resistance, good wearability, and high strength. A low corrosion rate in rapidly flowing brackish or seawater combined with excellent resistance to stress-corrosion cracking in most freshwaters, and its resistance to a variety of corrosive conditions led to Monel® 400’s wide use in marine applications and other non-oxidizing chloride solutions. This nickel alloy is particularly resistant to hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids when they are de-aerated. As would be expected from its high copper content, Monel® 400 is rapidly attacked by nitric acid and ammonia systems.

Monel® 400 has great mechanical properties at subzero temperatures, can be used in temperatures up to 1000° F, and its melting point is 2370-2460° F. However, alloy 400 is low in strength in the annealed condition so, a variety of tempers may be used to increase the strength.

Monel® 400 can easily be welded by gas-tungsten arc, gas metal arc, or shielded metal arc processes using appropriate filler metals. There is no need for post-weld heat treatment, however, thorough cleaning after welding is critical for optimum corrosion resistance, otherwise, there is the risk of contamination and embrittlement. Finished fabrications can be produced to a wide range of mechanical properties when proper control of the amount of hot or cold working and the selection of appropriate thermal treatments is done.

Like most other nickel alloys, Monel® 400 is typically tough to machine and will work harden. However, excellent results can be obtained if you make the correct choices for tooling and machining.