Copper Nickel 90/10
Copper nickel 90/10 alloys offer exceptional corrosion resistance in seawater. At Arbor/Metals Inc., you will find a complete range of 90/10 grade products for industrial applications, such as bar, tube, pipe, fittings, flanges, sheet and plate. We provide 90/10 alloys in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the most demanding project specifications.
What Is Copper Nickel 90/10 Alloy?
This grade of copper-nickel alloy has a ratio of 90% copper and 10% nickel. For industrial applications, 90/10 alloys generally also contain small amounts of iron and manganese. The resulting combination offers superior corrosion resistance, superior strength, and durability.
Copper-nickel alloys are also known as cupronickel or CuNi. Other names for 90/10 grade products include C70600, CW352H, CN102, and 706 alloys.
Which Industries Use 90/10 Grade Products?
Due to the seawater resistance of 90/10 copper-nickel alloys, the most common uses involve marine applications. Industries that benefit include:
- Offshore drilling
- Chemical
- Shipbuilding
- Oil and gas
- Power generation
Any industry that comes into contact with seawater during its processes often uses copper-nickel alloy for critical parts. This can include cooling plants for manufacturing.
What Are the Benefits of 90/10 Copper-Nickel Alloys?
Overall, 90/10 cupronickel alloys offer an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, strength, toughness, and ductility. Some key advantages are:
- High resistance to stress corrosion cracking and heavy loads: This alloy can endure heavy pressure loads for long periods in corrosive environments.
- Excellent performance at a wide range of temperatures: Copper-nickel 90/10 products maintain their mechanical properties at elevated temperatures down to cryogenic levels.
- Natural resistance to biofouling: Cupronickel 90/10 has strong antimicrobial properties and forms a layer of cuprous oxide in the presence of seawater. This protective layer makes 90/10 alloys a smart choice for marine and brackish-water applications.
- Flexibility for fabrication: Working with this grade of copper-nickel is practical in a variety of environments. Its ductile nature supports welding, fabrication, annealing, and cold-working.
There are few downsides to this material, outside of copper’s higher cost compared to stainless steel.
How Are Copper-Nickel Products Used for Commercial and Industrial Applications?
Copper nickel 90/10 alloy is an ideal choice for applications involving long-term seawater exposure, high-pressure or high-intensity water flow, and saltwater corrosion. This alloy works well in fittings, flanges, tube and pipe for off-shore drilling rigs, desalination systems, engine cooling and solid waste filtration on commercial ships and U.S. Navy vessels. Copper Nickel 90/10 is also used in industrial heat exchangers and condensers. Other applications include hydraulic lines for automotive, building and construction, tube sheets, pressure vessels, and evaporator tubes.
Why Choose Us?
At Arbor/Metals Inc., we’re a trusted copper-nickel alloy supplier. We provide high-quality products with exceptional mechanical properties and precision. Contact us to see our full range of copper nickel 90/10 products and pricing options.