Nickel 200 vs 201: Technical Analysis & Strategic Selection Guide for Industrial Applications

Core Composition: The Carbon Differential

Nickel 200 (UNS N02200) and Nickel 201 (UNS N02201) are both ≥99% pure nickel alloys, but their carbon content defines their operational boundaries:

Nickel 200: Carbon ≤0.15% – Optimized for strength at lower temperatures

Nickel 201: Carbon ≤0.02% – Engineered to prevent graphite-induced embrittlement above 315°C (600°F) 

Table: Key Chemical Composition (wt%)

This 0.13% carbon differential enables Nickel 201 to resist graphitization – a failure mode where carbon precipitates form brittle networks in high-temperature environments.

​​​​​​​Temperature Performance: Decisive Application Boundaries

Operational Insight: Nickel 200 is cost-effective for boilers, electronics, and food processing below 315°C. For caustic evaporators or aerospace combustion chambers exceeding 315°C, Nickel 201 is mandatory.

Mechanical & Physical Properties

1. Room Temperature Performance

Tensile Strength: Nickel 200: 415-585 MPa vs Nickel 201: 345-415 MPa 

Elongation: Nickel 200: 35-55% vs Nickel 201: 40-60% 

Work Hardening: Nickel 200 hardens faster during cold working, requiring intermediate annealing 

2. Key Physical Properties

Corrosion Resistance: Critical Differences

While both resist alkalis, organic acids, and neutral salts, divergence occurs in:

High-Temp Caustics (>315°C): Nickel 201’s low carbon prevents intergranular corrosion in NaOH/KOH evaporators 

Static Seawater: Nickel 201 resists under-deposit corrosion 2.5× better than Nickel 200 

Sulfur Compounds: Nickel 201’s stability drops if exposed to sulfur-rich lubricants during fabrication 

Hydrochloric Acid: Nickel 201 shows 40% lower corrosion rates in deaerated HCl ≤15% 

Fabrication & Processing

Welding: Use TIG/GTAW with ERNi-1 filler for Nickel 201 to prevent carbon pickup 

Hot Working: 1200-2250°F (650-1230°C); Heavy forming >1600°F (870°C) 

Cold Forming: Nickel 201’s lower yield strength (70-170 MPa) enables deep drawing (2.5:1 ratio) for electronic casings

Application Matrix by Industry

Economic Analysis: Total Cost of Ownership 

Upfront Cost: Nickel 201 is 7-10% more expensive than Nickel 200 

Lifecycle Savings: Nickel 201 extends service life 2-3× in >315°C environments, reducing downtime 

Cost-Driven Selection: 

For temperatures <315°C + budget constraints → Nickel 200

For high-temp, critical safety, or inaccessible installations → Nickel 201

Alloy 200/201 Dual Certification Strategy

Suppliers increasingly offer dual-certified (Nickel 200/201) products, combining Nickel 200’s strength with Nickel 201’s carbon control. This hybrid is ideal for:

• Equipment facing variable temperatures 
• Projects requiring ASME compliance up to 665°C
• Streamlined procurement of pipes/valves

Decision Workflow: Selecting the Optimal Alloy

Use this 4-step protocol for alloy 200 201 selection:

Temperature Check: >315°C? → Yes → Nickel 201 

Corrosion Exposure: Sulfur/static seawater? → Yes → Nickel 201 

Fabrication Needs: Deep drawing/spinning? → Yes → Nickel 201 

Budget vs Lifecycle: Low upfront cost → Nickel 200; Minimal downtime → Nickel 201

 Conclusion: Strategic Positioning

The nickel 200 vs 201 debate resolves not by superiority, but by application alignment:

Nickel 200: Dominates cost-sensitive, sub-315°C applications (electronics, food processing).

Nickel 201: Essential for high-temp industrial systems (chemical processing, aerospace), where carbon control prevents catastrophic failure.

Future Trend: The dual-certified alloy 200/201 merges performance boundaries, but understanding the core difference between nickel 200 and 201 remains vital for failure-free operation.

Industry Alert: Misapplying Nickel 200 in >315°C environments caused a $2M valve explosion in a chlor-alkali plant – a preventable error underscoring temperature-compliance necessity 

 

 

ABOUT TSM

TSM is a leading supplier and stockist of superior nickel alloys and special metals. We are dedicated to providing high-quality alloys, such as Nickel, Monel, Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy, and High-Temperature alloys, to the precision engineering industry and machine shops globally, including those in the pharmaceutical, pharmachemical, marine, offshore (oil and gas), and medical industries.

 

Our international trading journey began in 2011 in Hong Kong. Over the 14 years, TSM has continuously evolved and grown, building a reputation for innovation, reliability, and quality in the superior Nickel alloy area.

 

AS9120

Quality Control

 

70+

Global Supply

 

110+

Number of Employees

 

50000㎡

Modern factory