Nickel is a durable metal that's use has been traced back to as early as 20 B.C. Nickel is a transition metal that is hard and ductile with a silvery-white finish. Nickel is similar to chromium, titanium and aluminum in that it is slow to react at average temperatures and pressure.

Many consumer and industrial products contain a form of nickel, such as stainless steel, magnets, coins and special alloys. Nickel is used as a plating for goods such as silverware, and is the ingredient that gives glass a green tint. Nickel is mainly distinguished as an alloy metal. The primary use of nickel alloys are nickel steels and nickel cast irons. Nickel is also used for other alloys such as brass, bronze, copper, silver and more. Consider that following as you think about your nickel needs:

1. Work with nickel alloy producers to form custom metals to your exact need and specifications

2. Purchase nickel and nickel parts from metal distributors

3. Locate nickel plating services

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a nickel alloy producer

Nickel alloy producers have the capability of controlling the chemistry of the alloy for a specific use. Producers will melt and form the alloy according to your specifications.

I recommend: All Metals & Forge specializes in metal supply and forging. AMF has nickel and nickel alloys that can be forged into seamless rings, blocks, nickel bars and more. They also offer custom melting for specific needs. Rolled Alloys is also a metal specialist that works with nickel alloys.

Work with nickel distributors

Companies that are nickel distributors sell nickel in a form that allows businesses to manufacturer nickel products to their specifications, or they manufacturer the products themselves and distribute the finished product.

I recommend: Accro-Met is a nickel distributor. Find several grades and forms of nickel including nickel bar, plate and round. B&S Aircraft Alloys is another nickel distributor. BSAA purchases their nickel from top manufacturers with the following certifications: AMS, ASTM and ASME. They are a supplier to many large companies such as Boeing, GE, GM and Honeywell.

Protect corrosion-prone metals with nickel plating

Plating for anti-corrosion purposes is one of the more common uses of nickel plating. Iron, copper, or zinc alloys all benefit from nickel plating. Plating is used for engineering purposes as well, offering wear and abrasion resistance and corrosion protection for chemical environments, undersized parts and more.

I recommend: ProPlate is a specialist in electroless nickel plating. ProPlate offers plating for standard and custom orders. EPI is a metal finisher that also specializes in electroless nickel plating. They have been in business since 1954 and have ISO certifications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Working with companies that have certifications will help to ensure you are receiving quality nickel and nickel alloys. Look for companies with the following certifications. MIL, AMS, ASTM, AISI, QQ and ISO.