Nickel Silver
Form |
Size Range |
 |
1/8" – 1.1/2" diameter |
 |
0.5mm – 1.5mm thick |
Nickel silvers are copper alloys with additions of zinc and nickel. Their special blend of mechanical properties, physical properties and performance characteristics depend on the relative proportions of the three elements. Their attractive colour varies from pale gold to silvery white. They are termed nickel silvers because they contain nickel and are, by and large, silvery in appearance. However, the term is somewhat misleading since they are neither nickel-based nor do they contain silver! They are best considered as brasses to which nickel is added, primarily to improve tarnish resistance, oxidation resistance and general mechanical performance characteristics.
Nickel silvers are capable of providing a unique combination of strength, high modulus spring properties, corrosion and oxidation resistance, anti-galling properties, excellent cryogenic performance and numerous other atttributes combined with ease of forming, machining, plating and joining.