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Stainless Steels, nickel alloys, and other nickel-containing alloys are used extensively in the medical field.  Included in the scope of medical applications is surgical implants, medical tools, health care equipment and fixtures, as well as dental tools and implants.  Cosmetic body modification such as body piercing can also be considered as a medical application.

Nickel Alloy Medical Applications are commonplace for a variety of reasons:

1. Nickel-containing stainless steels tools, contact surfaces and other equipment can be repeatedly and effectively sterilized using rather harsh disinfecting chemicals without degradation of the material.
2. Nickel-containing stainless steels can be produced with no ferromagnetism to ensure compatibility with a diagnostic tool such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).  Stainless steels are also compatible with X-rays.
3. Nickel-containing stainless steels are highly ductile materials, which have good strength properties.  Increased levels of strength can be obtained by modifying the alloy composition or by cold working the material where needed.
4. Nickel-containing stainless steels for implant applications are considered to be biocompatible in appropriate applications. Certain  have been successfully employed with a well characterized level of biological response. However, no implant material has ever been shown to be completely free of adverse reactions in the human body.
5. Most nickel-containing stainless steels are suitable for applications where long term contact with the skin is involved, and capable of passing the European Jewellery directive acceptance test.
6. Shape-memory alloys are possible, e.g. nickel-titanium alloys, which have been used in stents and dental appliances.
7. Pure nickel, whether as plating or powder embedded in plastic, is effective in reducing EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and preventing EMI from effective sensitive medical equipment.

Nickel Alloys Applications include wipers, brackets, tubing, springs, clamps, fasteners, sensors, gaskets, air bag assemblies, flanges, wheels, fuel tanks, and bus structurals/panels. Parts are made from austenitic stainless steels, which contain nickel, or ferritic stainless steels, with little or no nickel in less demanding applications. Some of these parts are made in stainless steel only for use in higher quality autos or where superior performance is desired.

This page contains information on nickel-containing alloys other than stainless steels. Click here for information on stainless steels.

Nickel-containing alloys are subdivided into various families, based on the other major alloying elements. In the automotive industry, these families include:

• Nickel-chromium and nickel-chromium-iron
• Nickel-iron
• Nickel-containing alloy steels
• Nickel-copper and copper-nickel
• Nickel-titanium
• Nickel-aluminum (nickel aluminide)

Nickel-chromium alloys and nickel-chromium-iron alloys are employed in heating elements and exhaust components such as exhaust valves and diesel glow-plugs.

Nickel-containing cast irons and cast nickel alloys are used in turbocharger housings and manifolds.

Nickel-containing alloy steels are used sometimes in gears, drive shafts, special vehicles for low temperature and/or high wear uses. A typical alloy in this family is AISI 4340 with about 1.75% nickel.

Copper-nickel alloy tubing is used in some brake fluid lines.

Nickel-titanium alloys are used in shape-memory alloys for actuators and connectors.

Nickel-aluminum alloys are used in pistons and cylinder inserts.

Sometimes, nickel and nickel alloys are use in powder form and used, for example, in electronic shielding applications and batteries for hybrid electric vehicles.

Nickel alloy foam is proposed for reducing emissions.

The reasons for choosing stainless steel in countless food and beverage related applications are best illustrated by a few examples of why its special properties make it uniquely suited to them. We’ve chosen the following:

The Kitchen Sink

The formability of stainless steel provides great versatility for the design of sinks. Double bowls, integral draining boards, etc. are a great convenience compared to earlier ceramic versions, while the material is much more resistant to heat and damage than plastic composites. It also complements any worktop colour or design.

Nickel Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel has become the dominant material for both commercial and domestic cookware. The pans must resist attack by even the most aggressive foodstuffs and must survive harsh cleaning over many years. It is also ideal for the handles which remain cool due to its low thermal conductivity. 304, often called 18-8 or 18-10, is the most common alloy used. Some high-end cookware is available in a more corrosion resistant stainless steel called 316L.

Modern Kitchen Design

Stainless steel transforms the modern kitchen. Its clean, contemporary lines lend elegance to the design while its functionality means that it is easy to maintain and safe in contact with food.

Colour Compatibility

A major advantage of stainless steel is that it blends harmoniously with so many different colours and materials. It is truly the chameleon of modern design.

Commercial Food Processing

Many food products are corrosive to many materials. This is especially true when they are acidic and contain salt (sodium or calcium chloride). For tomato paste equipment such as this, highly-alloyed duplex or super-austenitic grades of stainless steel are available to provide the essential pitting and stress corrosion cracking resistance.

Commercial Kitchens

Stainless steels, mainly Type 304, have largely replaced traditional materials such as ceramic tiles, aluminum and plastic laminates as they are heat-resistant, less easily damaged and can be kept scrupulously clean.

Brewing Beer

Micro-organisms thrive in beer, so that strict hygiene is an absolute must for a modern brewery. Stainless steel is used extensively for items such as tanks, piping, valves, pumps and heat exchangers because it can be kept scrupulously clean.

Beer Kegs

Stainless steel is strong, easily sterilized and does not contaminate or flavour the product — all you taste is the beer. And the kegs are easily refurbished for reuse.

Wine Storage

To store wine for long periods without spoilage requires a material that is easy to fabricate, strong and resistant to a highly acidic environment, especially in the vapour space. Types 304 and 316 stainless steels are standard materials for wine tanks.

Meat Processing

Cleanliness and hygiene are critical. Stainless steel meat hooks resist attack by meat juices and by the aggressive chemicals used to clean and sterilize them.