Monel® Alloy K-500 (UNS N05500)
Monel® Alloy K-500 is a unique nickel-copper alloy that takes the exceptional corrosion resistance of Monel 400 and pushes its mechanical performance to the next level. By incorporating aluminum and titanium into the matrix, this alloy becomes "precipitation-hardenable." Through a controlled heat-treatment process (age hardening), it achieves nearly three times the yield strength and double the tensile strength of standard Monel 400, all while remaining virtually non-magnetic down to ultra-low temperatures.
At Aries Alloys, we supply Monel K-500 to industries where extreme torque, high pressure, and corrosive seawater intersect. From heavy-duty marine shafts to oil-well drill collars, our K-500 inventory is sourced to meet the most demanding structural requirements.
The K-500 Performance Edge
- Extraordinary Mechanical Strength: Offers high tensile and yield properties that rival many alloy steels, but with the added benefit of nickel-alloy corrosion protection.
- Non-Magnetic Excellence: Unlike many high-strength alloys, K-500 remains non-magnetic even at cryogenic temperatures, making it ideal for sensitive electronic housings and subsea sensors.
- Superior Fatigue Resistance: Exceptional resistance to cyclic stress, which is vital for rotating shafts and high-pressure valve components.
- Low-Temperature Toughness: Maintains its ductility and impact strength in cryogenic environments, avoiding the brittleness associated with many high-strength steels.
- Immunity to "Sour Gas": Highly resistant to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking, a necessity for deep-well oil and gas extraction.
Technical Profile & Age Hardening
The Strengthening Mechanism:
- The superior strength of Alloy K-500 is achieved by the addition of Aluminum (2.30 - 3.15%) and Titanium (0.35 - 0.85%). When these elements are "aged" at specific temperatures, they form sub-microscopic particles throughout the matrix, significantly increasing the metal's hardness without sacrificing its fundamental corrosion resistance.
Mechanical Capabilities:
- Yield Strength: Up to 100,000 psi (690 MPa) in aged conditions.
- Density: 8.44 g/cm3
- Spark Resistance: Excellent resistance to sparking, making it safer for use in explosive or volatile environments.
- Ductility: Remains workable in the annealed state before final age hardening.
Primary Industrial Use Cases
Aries Alloys provides Monel K-500 for high-stress, high-consequence applications:
- Marine Infrastructure: High-strength propeller shafts, pump impellers, and naval valve components.
- Oil & Gas Drilling: Drill collars, "fishing" tools, and subsea instrument housings in sour gas environments.
- Electronic Components: Gyroscope parts and non-magnetic components for aerospace navigation.
- Industrial Fasteners: Heavy-duty bolts and springs used in chemical processing and marine environments.
- Paper & Pulp: Doctor blades and scrapers used in highly corrosive chemical pulping processes.
Available Product Forms at Aries Alloys
We supply Monel K-500 in various heat-treated conditions (Annealed or Aged) per ASTM B865:
- Precision Ground Bars: Round and hex bars optimized for high-speed machining of shafts and bolts.
- Heavy Forgings: Custom rings, discs, and blocks for structural subsea hardware.
- Wire & Springs: High-strength wire for corrosive-service compression and extension springs.
- Sheets & Plates: For specialized high-strength enclosures and structural panels.