In our two previous blog posts, we looked at the corrosion resistance and weldability of Monel®—two of the reasons why it is often the alloy of choice for applications that depend on these features. Here, we will take a look at the third most common question we receive about it:

What is Monel Made of?

Monel

Specifically, Monel is the trademark name for a series of alloys mostly made up of nickel and copper, with some iron and other trace elements. Monel alloy 400 exhibits the same proportions of nickel and copper, found naturally in the nickel ore from certain mines. Other grades of Monel include 401, 404, K-500, and R-405. The additions of other metals and slight changes in characteristics are what differentiate these grades; K-500, for example, includes small additions of aluminum and titanium.

Monel is known for its corrosion resistance, but the specific properties and applications of each type vary:

  • Monel 401 – Often used in electrical and electronic applications, it has a very low temperature coefficient of resistance.
  • Monel 404 – Its composition is specifically adjusted for low temperature, low permeability, and good brazing. It is often used for electronics due to its low permeability.
  • Monel R-405 – This alloy includes a controlled amount of sulfur, which provides sulfide inclusions that act as chip breakers during machining. It is often used for screw-machine products, fasteners, and valve parts.
  • Monel K-500 – This alloy has the same corrosion resistance as Monel 400, but with even greater strength and hardness. Like Monel 404, it has low permeability. It is often used for oil well tools, instruments, pump and marine propeller shafts, doctor blades, scrapers, and more.

Monel, in its varying grades, is available in fittings, plate, pipe, round bar, strip, sheet, tube, and wire form. Below is a chart of the various grades of Monel.

Name UNS ASTM/AISI steel type
Monel 400 N04400 B 127, B, 164
Monel 401 N04401
Monel 404 N04404 B 164
Monel K-500 N05500 B 865
Monel R-405 N04405

*Source:  Wikipedia

We hope that this three-part look at Monel and its characteristics has helped answer questions about the alloy. Should you have any more questions as to its availability, please do not hesitate to contact us.