Interesting facts about metals for precision alloys and special steels: iron, nickel, chromium

Metals play an important role in modern industry and technology. Iron, nickel and chromium, three key elements that make up precision and special steels and alloys, occupy a special place among them. Each of these metals has unique characteristics and applications, which makes them indispensable in precision production. In this article, we'll share interesting and little-known facts about each of these elements.

Iron: the basis of many technologies

Iron — one of the most common elements on our planet. It is the main component for creating various types of steels and alloys. Here are some interesting facts about this metal:

1. Presence in the Earth's crust. Iron makes up about 5% of the Earth's crust, making it one of the most abundant elements on Earth.
2. Crystal lattice change. Iron can exist in two forms: alpha and gamma iron. When heated, its crystal structure changes, which affects its properties.
3. Magnetic properties. Iron has magnetic properties, which makes it the basis for creating electric motors and generators.
4. Role in the human body. An adult's body contains about 4 grams of iron, most of which is found in hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia.
5. Use in the food industry. Iron is an ingredient in some food additives and preservatives.
6. Ancient metal. Iron has been known since antiquity and has been used to make weapons, tools, and jewelry. It is interesting that at the dawn of civilization, iron was valued higher than gold.
7. Cosmic origin. Iron can even be found in meteorites. The largest piece of pure iron found on Earth weighed 66 tons and was part of a meteorite that fell in Namibia.
8. Metal for the aristocracy of the Middle Ages. In medieval Europe, only the most noble people were allowed to wear iron jewelry.

Nickel: a metal with multiple uses

Nickel — silver-white metal, which is a transition metal and has high chemical resistance. It plays a key role in creating high-strength alloys, for which high strength and corrosion resistance are important. Here are some interesting facts about nickel:

1. Rarity in its purest form. Although nickel is one of the most common elements on Earth, it is rarely found in its pure form. It is usually extracted from minerals such as pentlandite and garnierite.
2. Discovery and name. Nickel was discovered in 1751 by Swedish mineralogist Axel Fredrik Kronstedt. The name of the metal comes from the name of the mythical mountain spirit Nick.
3. Biological role. The human body contains about 0.1 mg of nickel. This microelement is involved in metabolism, hematopoiesis and maintaining blood sugar levels. It can be toxic at high concentrations. However, in small amounts, it does not pose a health risk.
4. Corrosion protection. Nickel is resistant to corrosion due to the formation of a thin oxide film on the surface, which makes it ideal for use in aggressive environments.
5. Metal processing. Nickel is a ductile metal that can be easily processed by pressure (forging, rolling, stamping, etc.). Nickel can be used to produce very thin sheets and tapes. For example, NP-2 thin foil is used in spacesuits astronauts.
6. Industrial applications. Nickel plays an important role in the production of catalysts used in the petrochemical and chemical industries.
7. Imperial tableware. In the past, nickel-plated cookware was considered a luxury. However, in the 19th century, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, who was served only in such dishes, temporarily banned its use due to suspected toxicity. Only 20 years later did it become clear that the dishes were safe.

Chrome is a metal named after the Greek word for “color”

Chrome — another important component of precision alloys and special steels. Due to its chemical and physical properties, it has become an indispensable element in metallurgy and other industries. Here are some interesting facts about chrome:

1. Appearance and application. Chromium is a hard and shiny bluish-white metal that is widely used in steels to improve their corrosion resistance.
2. Discovery. Chromium was first isolated by French chemist Louis Vauqulin in 1797 from a mineral called crocoite found in the Urals.
3. Natural sources. Chromium occurs naturally in the form of chromium iron ore (FeCr₂O₂) and other minerals. The main source of chromium is chrome ore.
4. Importance for the body. In the human body, chromium participates in metabolic processes, the regulation of blood sugar levels and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
5. Magnetic properties. Chromium is the only metal that exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering at room temperature in a solid state at room temperature and below. When heated above 38°C, it becomes paramagnetic.
6. Corrosion resistance. Chromium is a transition metal and has high chemical resistance. Steels containing at least 13% Cr are highly corrosion resistant.

Iron, nickel and chromium-based alloys produced by PZPS

Materials based on iron, nickel and chromium are widely used in the electric power industry, mechanical engineering, aerospace and other industries. PZPS products are characterized by durability, strength and resistance to various effects.

• Electrical steels — iron-based alloys with a low content of carbon and alloying elements. They have high magnetic properties and are used in the manufacture of transformers and electric machines. PZPS produces several grades of electrical steels: 20895, 20880, 20860, 20832, 21895, 21880, 21860, 21832.
• Soft magnetic alloys — have high magnetic permeability and low coercive force. They are used in transformers, electromagnets and other devices where the stability of magnetic characteristics is important. PZPS releases: some text
  • 50N, 50NP, 79NM, 80NM, 81NMA;
  • 49K2FA-VI with an iron content of approximately 50%;
  • 27KH, which contains 27% chromium.
• Precision alloys for elastic elements — they are used in precision mechanisms and instruments where the stability of parameters is important when temperature and loads change. Examples: some text
  • 40KHNM — contains 11-18% Fe, 15-17% Ni, 19-21% Cr;
  • 36NHTYU — 44— 48% Fe, 35— 37% Ni, 12— 13% Cr;
  • 17HNGT — 6.5— 7.5% Ni and 16.5— 17.5% Cr.
• Corrosion resistant steels — they are used in mechanical engineering and the chemical industry, where high resistance to aggressive environments is required. PZPS offers:some text
  • 12X18N9 — contains 18% Cr, 9% Ni;
  • 12X18H10T — 18% Cr, 10% Ni;
  • 10X17N13M3T — 17% Cr, 13% Ni.
• Precision alloys with high electrical resistance — ensure stable operation of equipment at high temperatures and constant loads. They are used in heating elements, resistors and other devices. The factory manufacturers:some text
  • X15YU5— contains 13.5— 15.5% Cr;
  • X23U5— 21.5— 23.5% Cr;
  • X20N80N — 73— 79% Ni and 20— 23% Cr;
  • X15N60N — 55— 61% Ni and 15— 18% Cr.
• Precision alloys with a given temperature coefficient of linear expansion — are used in devices where dimensional stability is important when temperature changes. PZPS offers:some text
  • 29NK — contains 28.5— 29.5% Ni and 51— 54% Fe;
  • 36N — 35— 37% Ni;
  • 42N — 56— 58% Fe and 41— 43% Ni.
• Heat-resistant and heat-resistant alloys — resistant to oxidation and deformation at extreme temperatures. They are used in the energy, petrochemical industry and aircraft construction. PZPS manufactures: some text
  • 20X13 — contains 12-14% Cr;
  • HN78T — 70— 80% Ni and 19— 22% Cr.

PZPS invites enterprises and organizations interested in high-quality alloys with unique performance characteristics to cooperate. We offer materials that meet international quality standards, we develop alloys for specific customer tasks and constantly we improve production processes, introducing modern technologies. If you need precision alloys and special steels for complex and demanding applications, our products are a time-tested choice. Contact us, and we will offer you the best solutions for your business.

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