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Nickel (plus Cobalt) .....................................................63.0 min.

Carbon ........................................................................0.25 max.
Manganese ...................................................................1.5 max.
Iron................................................................................2.0 max.
Sulfur ..........................................................................0.01 max.
Silicon ...........................................................................0.5 max.
Copper ......................................................................27.0 - 33.0
Aluminum ..................................................................2.30 - 3.15
Titanium ....................................................................0.35 - 0.85

Table 2 - Physical Constants of MONEL Alloy K-500

3

Density, g/cm .....................................................................8.44

3
lb/in. ...................................................................0.305
Melting Range, F .....................................................2400-2460
C .....................................................1315-1350
3
Modulus of Elasticity, 10 ksi
Tension .............................................................................26.0
Torsion ................................................................................9.5
Poissons Ratio (aged material at room temperature).........0.32

The nominal physical constants of MONEL alloy K-500

are shown in Table 2. Thermal and electrical properties
appear in Table 3, and magnetic characteristics in Table
4. Effect of temperature on modulus of elasticity is
shown in Figure 1.

Publication Number SMC-062

Copyright Special Metals Corporation, 2004 (Sept 04)
MONEL is a trademark of the Special Metals Corporation group of companies.
The data contained in this publication is for informational purposes only and may be revised at any time without prior notice. The data is believed to be accurate
and reliable, but Special Metals makes no representation or warranty of any kind (express or implied) and assumes no liability with respect to the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained herein. Although the data is believed to be representative of the product, the actual characteristics or performance of the
product may vary from what is shown in this publication. Nothing contained in this publication should be construed as guaranteeing the product for a particular use
or application.

MONEL alloy K-500

PHYSICAL CONSTANTS AND

THERMAL PROPERTIES

Table 1 - Limiting Chemical Composition, %,

of MONEL Alloy K-500

MONEL alloy K-500 (UNS N05500/ W.Nr. 2.4375) is

a nickel-copper alloy which combines the excellent
corrosion resistance of MONEL alloy 400 with the
added advantages of greater strength and hardness. The
increased properties are obtained by adding aluminum
and titanium to the nickel-copper base, and by heating
under controlled conditions so that submicroscopic
particles of Ni3 (Ti, Al) are precipitated throughout the
matrix. The thermal processing used to effect
precipitation is commonly called age hardening or
aging. The composition of the alloy is given in Table 1.
Typical applications for MONEL alloy K-500
products are chains and cables, fasteners and springs for
marine service; pump and valve components for
chemical processing; doctor blades and scrapers for
pulp processing in paper production; oil well drill
collars and instruments, pump shafts and impellers,
non-magnetic housings, safety lifts and valves for oil
and gas production; and sensors and other electronic
components.

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 3 - Thermal Properties of MONEL Alloy K-500
Temperature
F
-320
-250
-200
-100
70
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800

C
-200
-157
-130
-70
21
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900

Mean Linear Expansion

in/in/F x 10

-6

6.2
6.5
6.8
7.2

7.6
8.1
8.3
8.5
8.7
9.1
9.3
9.6

m/mC
11.2
11.7
12.2
13.0

13.7
14.6
14.9
15.3
15.7
16.4
16.7
17.3

Thermal Conductivity
2

Btu-in/h/ft /F

W/mC

86
92
103
121
136
156
178
198
220
240
262
282
e
302

Specific Heat
Btu/lb/F

Electrical Resistivity

J/kgC

ohm-circ mil/ft
d

12.3
13.1
14.7
17.2
19.4
22.2
25.4
28.2
31.4
34.2
37.3
40.2

0.071
0.077
0.087
0.100
0.107
0.114
0.117
0.120
0.125
0.132
0.141
0.157

297.3
322.4
364.3
418.7
448.0
477.3
489.9
502.4
523.4
552.7
590.3
657.3

330.8

370
372
378
385
390
393
396
400
408

0.550

0.615
0.618
0.628
0.640
0.648
0.653
0.658
0.665
0.678

43.1

0.186

778.7

418

0.695

a
Between 70F (21C) and temperature shown. Age-hardened material.
b
Material was in the annealed condition prior to test.
c

Electrical resistivity is markedly influenced by thermal history because of the age-hardening characteristics of the alloy. The data shown represent values
measured on decreasing temperature on material in an equivalent to annealed condition with a small amount of age hardening.
d
Resistivity of sample from this test tested at room temperature: 355.5 ohm/circ mil/ft.
e
Extrapolated.

Table 4 - Magnetic Characteristics of MONEL alloy K-500

26

Tensile
Strength,
ksi

Permea-

Annealed,
Quenched

92.5

Annealed,
Age-Hardened

Modulus of Elasticity, 103 ksi

Condition

25

24

1.02

1.05

1.1

1.0011

-210

-210

151.0

1.0018

-153

-178

Cold-Drawn
20%

137.0

1.0011

-210

Cold-Drawn
20% and AgeHardened

186.5

1.0019

-130

-150

Cold-Drawn
50%

151.3

1.0010

-210

Cold-Drawn
50% and AgeHardened

198.0

1.0019

-130

-150

Room temperature, 200 oersted.

200

400
600
Temperature, F

800

1000

Figure 1. Effect of temperature on modulus of elasticity in tension

of MONEL alloy K-500 (determined by dynamic method).

Curie Temperature, F
for Permeability of
1.01

23

bility

-202 -210

-182 -210

-182 -210

MONEL alloy K-500

A useful characteristic of the alloy is that it is virtually nonmagnetic, even at quite low temperatures (see Table 4). It is
possible, however, to develop a magnetic layer on the surface of the material during processing. Aluminum and copper may
be selectively oxidized during heating, leaving a magnetic nickel-rich film on the outside of the piece. The effect is particularly
noticeable on thin wire or strip where there is a high ratio of surface to weight. The magnetic film can be removed by pickling
or bright dipping in acid, and the nonmagnetic properties of the material will be restored.
The combination of low magnetic permeability, high strength and good corrosion resistance has been used to advantage
in a number of applications, notably oil-well surveying equipment and electronic components.
Emittance and solar absorptance of alloy K-500 are given in Figures 2 and 3.
MONEL alloy K-500 has been found to have exceptionally good dimensional stability, both in long-time exposure tests
and in cyclic tests. Results are shown in Table 5. This property of the alloy has led to its use in high-precision devices, such
as gyros.
Age hardening causes an initial volume contraction. An annealed rod contracted 2.5 x 10-4 in. per in. during aging.

Clean and smooth

0.6

As-received
0.2

0.8
Polished

0
-400

400

800

1200

As-received

0.8

0.2

0.6

0.4
Clean and smooth

0.4

0.6
Polished

0.2

Total Solar Reflectance

0.4

0.6

0.4

Total Solar Absorptance (Emittance)

0.2

After prolonged heating

above 2000F

Normal Total Reflectance

Normal Total Emittance

0.8

1.0

1.0

0.8

1.0
2000

1600

1.0
2000

Temperature, F

Figure 2 - Normal total emittance of MONEL alloy K-500. (Total

radiation detector; comparison blackbody. Measured in a 10micron pressure of helium.)

400

800

1200

1600

Temperature, F, to Which Sample Heated Before Test

Figure 3 - Total solar absorptance at 100F of MONEL alloy K-500.
(Comparison standards; comparison pyroheliometer. Measured in
air.)

Table 5 - Dimensional Stability of MONEL alloy K-500

Length Change, microinch/inch
Condition

Cold-Drawn
b
Cold-Drawn, Aged

Aged at 70F

Cycled

Aged at 160F

1 Month

3 Months

12 Months

1 Month

3 Months

0
-5

-5
-5

-5

-5

Cycled 10 times between 70F and -95F.

1000F/9 hr, F.C. to 900F, A.C.

MONEL alloy K-500

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Tensile Properties and Hardness
The nominal range of room-temperature tensile properties and hardness are shown in Table 6. Approximate relationships
between tensile properties and hardness for rods and forgings appear in Figures 4 and 5, and similar relationships for sheet
and strip are shown in Figure 6. Notch properties are compared with those of smooth specimens in Table 7.
Short-time, high-temperature tensile properties of alloy K-500 rod in various conditions are shown in Figures 7-9. Testing
speeds for hot-rolled bar were 0.016 inch per minute through the yield strength and 0.026 inch per minute from there to
fracture. The cold-drawn specimens were tested at 0.00075 inch per minute through the yield strength, then 0.075 inch per
minute.
Effect of temperature on hardness of hot-finished and hot-finished, aged material is shown in Table 8.

180

140

160

120

140

Tensile Strength

80
Reduction of Area

60

60

40

40
Elongation

20

20

120
Yield Strength

100

80

60

60

Reduction of Area
40

40
0

0
70

80
Rockwell B

100

90

Elongation

110

20

20
10

15

20

25

30 35

Hardness
Rockwell C
Figure 4 - Approximate relationships between tensile properties
and hardness of MONEL alloy K-500 hot-finished rods and
forgings and cold-drawn rods.

0
20

25

30

35

40

Elongation Reduction of Area, %

Yield Strength
80

Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) Tensile Strength, ksi

100

Elongation Reduction of Area, %

Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) Tensile Strength, ksi

Tensile Strength

Hardness, Rockwell C
Figure 5 - Approximate relationships between tensile strength and
hardness of MONEL alloy K-500 age-hardened rods and forgings.

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 6 - Nominal Mechanical Property Rangesa of MONEL Alloy K-500
Tensile Strength

Form and Condition

ksi
Rod and Bar
Hot-Finished
Hot-Finished, Agedb
Hot-Finished, Annealed
Hot-Finished, Annealed and Agedb
Cold-Drawn, As-Drawn
Cold-Drawn, Agedb
Cold-Drawn, Annealed
Cold-Drawn, Annealed and Agedb
Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Annealed
Strip, Cold-Rolled
Annealed
Annealed and Agedb
Spring Temper
Spring Temper, Agedb
Tube and Pipe, Seamless
Cold-Drawn, Annealed
Cold-Drawn, Annealed and Agedb
Cold-Drawn, As-Drawn
Cold-Drawn, As-Drawn, Agedb
Plate
Hot-Finished
Hot-Finished, Agedb
Wire, Cold Drawnc
Annealed
Annealed and Agedb
Spring Temper
Spring Temper, Agedb

90-155
140-190
90-110
130-165
100-140
135-185
90-110
130-190
90-105

MPa
621-1069
965-1310
621-758
896-1138
690-965
931-1276
621-758
896-1310
621-724

Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)
ksi
40-110
100-150
40-60
85-120
70-125
95-160
40-60
85-120
40-65

MPa

Elongation,
%

276-758
690-1034
276-414
586-827
483-862
655-1103
276-414
586-827
276-448

45-20
30-20
45-25
35-20
35-13
30-15
50-25
30-20
45-25

Hardness
Brinell
(3000-kg)
140-315
265-346
140-185
250-315
175-260
255-370
140-185
250-315
-

Rockwell

75B-35C
27-38C
75-90B
24-35C
88B-26C
25-41C
75-90B
24-35C
85B max.

90-105

621-724

40-65

276-448

45-25

85B max.

130-170
145-165
170-220

896-1172
1000-1138
1172-1517

90-120
130-160
130-195

621-827
896-1103
896-1345

25-15
8-3
10-5

24C min.
25C min.
34C min.

90-110
130-180
110-160
140-220

621-758
896-1241
758-1103
965-1517

40-65
85-120
85-140
100-200

276-448
586-827
586-965
690-1379

45-25
30-15
15-2
25-3

90B max.
24-36C
95B-32C
27-40C

90-135
140-180

621-931
965-1241

40-110
100-135

276-758
690-981

45-20
30-20

140-260
265-337

75B-26C
27-37C

80-110
120-150
145-190
160-200

552-758
827-1034
1000-1310
1103-1379

35-65
90-110
130-180
140-190

241-448
621-758
896-1241
965-1310

40-20
30-15
5-2
8-3

The ranges shown are composites for various product sizes and therefore are not suitable for specification purposes.
Nominal properties for material age-hardened to produce maximum properties.
c
Properties shown are for sizes 0.0625 - 0.250-in. diameter. Properties for other sizes may vary from these.
b

Table 7 - Room-Temperature Smooth and Notch Tensile Properties of MONEL alloy K-500

Sample

Rod (2 5/8-in. Dia.)

Temper

Cold-drawn,
Annealed & Aged
Rod (3 5/8-in. Dia.) Hot-Rolled & Aged
Rod (3-in. Dia.)
Cold-Drawn & Aged
Threaded cap screw Cold-Drawn & Aged
Threaded Stud
Cold-Drawn & Aged

Yield
Strength
(0.2%
Offset), ksi

Notched
Tensile
Strength, ksi

Tensile
Strength,
ksi

NT/TSa

97.5

185.5

152.5

1.22

25

43.0

28

119.0
122.0
125.5
128.0
129.5

212.0
215.0
205.0
232.0
237.5

165.0
161.0
169.0
165.0
165.5

1.28
1.34
1.21
1.41
1.43

22
22
18
20
20

45.2
43.2
28.5
42.0
41.5

32
29
31
33
32

Elongation, Reduction
%
of Area, %

Hardness,
Rc

Ratio of notch tensile strength to smooth tensile strength.

MONEL alloy K-500

220

160

200

140
Annealed and
Heat-Treated

140

100

60

100

All Tempers,
No Heat Treatment

80

200
20, 40 or 50%
Reduction,
Heat-Treated

180
160

70

120

20, 40 or 50%
Reduction,
Heat-Treated

120

Tensile Strength

Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)

50

80

40

30

60
Elongation

140
40

20

20

10

All Tempers,
No Heat Treatment

120
100

10% Reduction,
Heat-Treated

80
Annealed and
Heat-Treated

60

40
10

15

20
25
30
Hardness, Rockwell C

35

40

0
0

200

400

600
800
Temperature, F

1000

1200

Figure 8. High-temperature tensile properties of hot-finished agehardened MONEL alloy K-500.

Figure 6. Approximate relationships between tensile properties and

hardness of MONEL alloy K-500 strip and sheet.

110
50

100
90

Tensile Strength

Stress, ksi

70
Elongation

60
50
40

20

Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)

30

30

Elongation, %

40

80

10

20
10
0

0
0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200 1400

Temperature, F
Figure 7 - High-temperature tensile properties of MONEL alloy K500 rod (hot-rolled, as-rolled).

The low-temperature properties of MONEL alloy K500 are outstanding. Tensile and yield strengths increase
with decrease in temperature while ductility and toughness
are
virtually
unimpaired.
No
ductile-to-brittle
transformation occurs even at temperatures as low as that of
liquid hydrogen. Thus the alloy is suitable for many
cryogenic applications.
Properties of alloy K-500 base metal and welded sheet
at temperatures down to -423F, as reported by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, are shown in Figures
10-12. Welds can be produced with the strength of agehardened base metal with no serious loss in ductility if aging
treatments are performed after welding annealed material.
Welding of age-hardened material should be avoided
because of greatly reduced ductility.
Tensile tests on sheet and autogenous welds by Watson
et al are shown in Table 9.

Elongation, %

160

Stress, ksi

Tensile Strength, ksi

180

Yield Strength, ksi

80

10% Reduction,
Heat-Treated

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 8 - Hot Hardness of MONEL alloy K-500 Rod

Condition

70F (21C)

700F (371C)

241
331

223
311

Hot-Finished
Hot-Finished, Aged

Hardness, Brinell
800F (427C)
900F (482C)
207
302

80

160

1000F (538C)

201
293

1100F (593C)

170
255

179
229

200
Annealed
Aged

180

Tensile Strength
70

140

Tensile Strength

160
Tensile Strength

140
120

60

Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)

50

40

Stress, ksi

80

100
Elongation, %

Stress, ksi

100

Yield Strength

50
Elongation

80

Yield Strength

60

40

Elongation, %

120

30

Elongation
40

20

20

10

30

60

Elongation
40

20

0
-500

0
-400

-300

-200

-100

100

Temperature, F
10

20

Figure 10. Low-temperature tensile properties of MONEL alloy K-500.

(0.063-in. sheet).

0
0

200

400

600

800

Temperature, F
Figure 9. High-temperature tensile properties of annealed and agehardened MONEL alloy K-500.

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 9 - Tensile Properties of MONEL Alloy K-500 Sheet and Butt Weldsa
Test
Temperature,
F
78
-100
-320
-423

Sheet
Tensile
Strength,
ksi

Yield
Strength,
ksi

154
166
183
200

97.3
107
120
136

Weld
Tensile
Strength,
ksi

NT/
TSb

Elongation,
%
22
24
30
28

0.93
0.93
0.95
0.99

141
154
170
190

Joint
Efficiency,
%

Elongation,
%

92
93
93
95

11
14
15
14

0.020-in. sheet age-hardened 1080F/16 hr. Heliarc welds heat-treated after welding. Longitudinal tests.
Ratio of notch tensile strength to smooth tensile strength, Kt=6.3.

200

200

180

180
Tensile Strength

160

160

140

140
Tensile Strength

Yield Strength

40

Elongation

60

30
Yield Strength

40

20

20

10

Elongation, %

80

0
-500

Stress, ksi

Stress, ksi

50

100

0
-400

-300
-200
-100
Temperature, F

100

Figure 11 - Low-temperature tensile properties of MONEL alloy K500 welded and annealed (gas tungsten arc welds in 0.063-in.
sheet with MONEL Filler Metal 64).

100

50

80

40

60

30
Elongation

40

20

20

10

0
-500

Elongation, %

120

120

0
-400

-300

-200
-100
Temperature, F

100

Figure 12 - Low-temperature tensile properties of MONEL alloy K500 welded and age-hardened (gas tungsten arc welds in 0.063-in.
sheet using MONEL Filler Metal 64).

MONEL alloy K-500

Torsional Properties
Table 10 contains the results of torsional tests made on
MONEL alloy K-500 bar in various tempers. These tests
were made using reduced-diameter specimens, which were
1-in.-diameter rods turned down to 0.750-in. diameter in the
gage section. For making the computations of yield strength
and Johnsons apparent elastic limit, it was assumed that the
shear stress varied directly from zero at the center of the test
piece to a maximum at the outer surface.
More data comparing tensile and torsional properties
are shown in Table 11.

Table 10 - Torsional Properties of MONEL Alloy K-500 Bar

Yield Strength
Johnsons
(0.00% Offset), Apparent Elastic
Limit, ksi
ksi a

Condition
Hot-Rolled
Hot-Rolled, Aged
Cold-Drawn
Cold-Drawn, Aged
a

27
57
48
62

Angle of
Twist,
deg/in.

29
67
55
71

620
104
360
76

Ss= 5.08 Mt , where Ss = torsional stress on the outer fiber, psi

d3
Mt = Torsional moment, in.-lb
d = specimen diameter, in.

Table 11 - Comparison of Tensile and Torsional Properties of MONEL Alloy K-500 Rod and Wire

Rod (1-in. Dia.)

Breaking
Strength,
ksi

Proportional
Limit,
ksi

Torsional
Breaking
Strength/
Tensile
Strength

Torsional
Torsional
Proportional Proportional
Limit/
Limit/Torsion
Tensile
-al Breaking
Strength
Strength

107

68

0.657

0.417

0.635

Cold-Drawn 50%
Cold-Drawn 50%,
Age-Hardened

163

Yield
Strength
(0.2%
Offset), ksi
-

197

137

75

0.696

0.380

0.547

Hot-Rolled
Hot-Rolled, AgeHardened
Cold-Drawn 20%
Cold-Drawn 20%,
Age-Hardened

98

45

69

18

0.704

0.184

0.261

134

103

80

62
45

0.597

0.336

0.562

155

125

102

50

0.658

0.373

0.490

Condition

Form

Wire (0.148-in. Dia.)

Ratios

Torsional

Tensile
Tensile
Strength,
ksi

Shear Properties
Shear strength of alloy K-500 is shown in Table 12. Tests
were made in double shear on duplicate 0.050 x 0.250-in.
specimens with the cutters set to 0.005-in. clearance. This
type of test simulates the service requirements of pins used
in shackles or clevises.
Table 13 lists the shear strength of rivet wire. Properties
were determined from the load required to produce double
shearing of a 0.118 x 1.00-in. wide wire specimen in a
tongue and groove jig with 0.002-in. clearance. These data
show that rivets can be made to develop exceptionally high
strength by partial or full heat treatment prior to driving. The
ratio of shear strength to ultimate tensile strength decreases
very slightly with increasing hardness, indicating that the
longer aging periods increase tensile strength more rapidly
than shear strength. Based on these tests, aging for 4 hr at
1080 to 1100F followed by air cooling is recommended
for cold-headed rivets; this treatment is adequate to develop
a shear strength of about 85 ksi in the shank.
Bearing strength data are given in Table 14. These were
determined with 0.062 x 1.25 x 2.5-in. material having a
3/16-in. hole drilled 3/8-in. from the edge. The pin fitted

closely into the hole. The maximum load for tearing out of
the hole and the load required for a permanent enlargement
of the hole diameter by 2% were determined and calculated
as ultimate and yield strengths, respectively, in bearing.

Table 12 - Shear Strength of MONEL Alloy K-500

Condition
Annealed
Annealed, aged
Half-hard
Half-hard, aged
Full-hard
Full-hard, aged

Tensile
Hardness,
Maximum Deflection
Elongation
Rockwell
Strength, at Maximum Strength,
%
Strength, ksi
ksi
C
ksi

65.3
96.5
71.0
98.8
89.5
98.5

0.08
0.06
0.04
0.05
0.04
0.04

97.5
147.2
122.0
155.6
151.5
168.5

49.0
29.0
12.5
24.0
16.5
12.5

84B
29
25
31
33
37

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 13 - Properties of MONEL Alloy K-500 Rivet Wire and Rivets
Condition
Property

Average Shear Stress, ksi

Ultimate Tensile Stress, ksi
Ratio
Hardness, Rc

As
Received

Aged
2 Hoursa

69.3
107.3
0.64
13

83.2
133.0
0.63
24

34
23

40
30

Hardness, Rc
Head
Shank
a

Aged
8 Hoursc

Aged
4 Hoursb
Rivet Wire
85.3
137.6
0.62
26
Rivetse

85.0

26

40
32

40
30

1080F/8 hr, A.C.

1080F/16 hr, furnace cool to 900F at the rate of 15F/hr, A.C.

1080F/2 hr, A.C.

1080F/4 hr, A.C.

Aged
16 Hoursd
89.2
147.0
0.61
32

40
34

1/8-in. diameter x 1/4-in. long.

Table 14 - Bearing Strength of MONEL Alloy K-500

Bearing Strength

Tensile Properties
Condition

Tensile
Strength, ksi

Annealed
Annealed, Aged
Hard
Hard, Aged

92.2
145.5
145.9
195.5

Yield Strength
(0.2% offset),
ksi

Ratio, Bearing Strength/

Elongation.
%

Ultimate
Strength,a
ksi

Yield
Strength,b

49.0
31.0
5.0
10.0

178.0
295.0
294.0
358.0

68.8
162.0
190.0
262.0

38.5
98.5
139.0
177.0

ksi

Ultimate
Strength

Yield
Strength

1.93
2.03
1.72
1.83

1.79
1.65
1.37
1.48

Tearing out.
2% enlargement of hole dia. in sheet.

Compressive Properties
The results of compressive tests on alloy K-500, made on
triplicate samples from the same melt, are given in Table 15.

Impact Strength
Impact strength at room temperature is shown in Table 16
for typical specimens of various tempers. Charpy V-notch
impact strength of annealed and aged hot-rolled and colddrawn rod is in Tables 17 and 18.
The effect of low temperature on bending impact and
tension impact strength, as determined by the Naval
Engineering Experiment Station is shown in Table 19; all
samples showed ductile fracture. Charpy impact test results
down to -320F may be found in Table 20.

10

Table 15 - Compressive Strength of MONEL Alloy K-500 Rod

Hot-Rolled
Property
Hardness
Brinell (3000 kg)
Rockwell C
Vickers (30 kg Diamond pyramid)
Tension
Tensile Strength, ksi
Yield Strength
(0.2% offset), ksi
Elongation, %
Compression
Yield Strength
(0.2% offset), ksi
Yield Strength
(0.1% offset), ksi

AsRolled

Cold-Drawn

Aged

AsDrawn

Aged

165
5

300
33

205
23

330
35

167

316

210

336

100.0

151.0

106.0

158.0

47.0
42.5

111.0
30.0

85.0
26.5

120.0
22.0

40.0

121.0

76.0

121.0

34.0

96.0

55.0

102.0

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 18 - Properties of Cold-Drawn MONEL alloy K-500 Rod
(Annealed 1900F/ hr and aged 1100F/16 hr, F.C. to 1000F/6
hr, F.C. to 900F/6 hr, A.C.)

Table 16 - Impact Strength of MONEL alloy K-500

Test
Orientation

Charpy Keyhole
Impact
Strength, ft-lb

Hot-Finished

Longitudinal
Transverse

74
51

Hot-Finished, Annealeda

Longitudinal
Transverse
Longitudinal
Transverse
Longitudinal
Transverse
Longitudinal
Transverse
Longitudinal
Longitudinal
Longitudinal
Longitudinal
Longitudinal

75
48
39*
23*
25*
20*
38*
22*
40
90
26*
20*
46*

Condition

Hot-Finished, Agedb
Hot-Finished, Agedc
Hot-Finished, Annealed & Agedd
Cold-Drawn
Cold-Drawn,
Cold-Drawn,
Cold-Drawn,
Cold-Drawn,

Annealeda
Agedb
Agedc
Annealed & Agedd
c

* Specimen fractured completely.

a
1800F/1 hr, W. Q.
b
1100F/16 hr, A.C.

1100F/16 hr, F.C. 15F/hr to 900F.

Anneal (a) + age (c).

Diameter,

in.

Yield Strength
(0.2% offset), ksi

Charpy V-Notch
Impact Strength, ft-lb

92.5
103.0
110.6

76.25
43.75
39.5

1.250
0.812
0.687
a

Each diameter from different heat. Data are averages of 2 tests.

Table 19 - Impact Properties of MONEL alloy K-500

Average Energy Absorbed, ft-lb
Smooth Specimen

Condition

Notched Specimena

-200F -120F +80F -200F -120F +80F

Hot-Finished, Aged
Cold-Drawn, Aged

158
127

Hot-Finished, Aged
Cold-Drawn, Aged

Tension Test
145
141
37
108
117
34
Bending test

42

185
30

37
28

35
29

50
30

55
32

In tension test, Kt = 3.00; in bending test, Kt = 4.00.

Table 17 - Properties of Hot-Rolled MONEL alloy K-500 Rod

(Annealed 1800F/ hr and aged 1100F/16 hr, F.C. to 1000F/6
hr, F.C. to 900F/6 hr, A.C.)
Diameter,
in.

1.250
1.250
0.875
1.00
a

Yield Strength
(0.2% offset), ksi

Charpy V-Notch
Impact Strength, ft-lb

97.3
92.5
109.3
111.0

54
72
45
38

Each diameter from different heat.

Table 20 - Charpy V-Notch Impact Strength of MONEL alloy K500a at Low Temperatures
Temperature, F

Impact Strength, ft-lb

Room
-110
-320
a

37.0
34.0
31.0

-in. bar, aged 1100F/21 hr, 1000F/8 hr, A.C.

Fatigue Strength
Fatigue strength (108 cycles) at room temperature of various tempers of alloy K-500 are given in Table 21. The data on rod
were developed on high-speed (10,000-rpm) rotating-beam machines using polished specimens and represent average values
of a number of tests. Data on strip were reported by Greenall and Gohn. Specimens were subjected to alternate back-and-forth
bending as a flat spring; specimens were cut with the longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of rolling.
Fatigue strength of wire is shown in Figure 13.
Table 22 shows fatigue of aged MONEL alloy K-500 at 1000F. At low temperatures, fatigue strength increases (see Table
23). The material used in these tests was 0.051-in. sheet, cold-rolled half-hard and aged, with a tensile strength of 182.0 ksi.
Tests were in flexure (R = -1) at 1800 cpm except those at -423F, which were at 3450 cpm.
The effect of surface finish on fatigue strength has been studied. Table 24 shows the detrimental effect of an oxidized
surface. These tests indicate that it is advisable to use polished surfaces for parts subject to cyclical stresses. The oxide surface
was produced by age hardening in air.

11

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 21 - Room-Temperature Fatigue Strength of MONEL alloy K-500
Form and Condition
Rod,

Strip,

Fatigue Strength (108 cycles)

ksi

Tensile Strength,
ksi

Ratio,
Fatigue Strength/Tensile Strength

38
43
51
45
47
27
37

88
99
155
120
170
88
153

0.43
0.43
0.33
0.37
0.28
0.31
0.24

Annealed
Hot-Rolled
Hot-Rolled, Aged
Cold-Drawn
Cold-Drawn, Aged
Annealed
Spring-Temper, Aged

Table 22 - Fatigue Strength of MONEL alloy K-500 at Elevated

Temperature

Stress, ksi

80

Condition

Age-Hardened

Fatigue Strength,
(108 cycles), ksi

80
1000
80
1000

46.0
43.0
52.0
48.0

Hot-Finished, Aged

Stress-Equalized

60

Temperature, F

Cold-Drawn, Aged
40

105

106

107

108

Table 23 - Fatigue Strength of MONEL alloy K-500 at Low

Temperature

Cycles to Failure
Figure 13 - Fatigue strength of commercially produced MONEL
alloy K-500 wire (0.0375-in. diameter, cold-drawn 75% after final
anneal). Tested in processed condition. Data determined with a
rotating-wire (5000 rpm) arc-fatigue machine.

Stress, ksi, for a Fatigue Life of

Temperature,
F

105 cycles

106 cycles

107 cycles

70
-110
-320
-423

90
99
105
143

55
67
69
101

37

Table 24 - Effect of Surface Finish on Fatigue Strength of MONEL alloy K-500

Condition
Hot-Rolled, Aged
Cold-Drawn, Aged

Surface Finish

Tensile Strength,
ksi

Fatigue Strength
(108 cycles), ksi

Ratio, Fatigue
Strength/Tensile Strength

Polished
Oxidized
Polished
Oxidized

171.0
172.5
174.5
167.5

50.0
39.5
57.0
39.5

0.29
0.23
0.33
0.24

R.R. Moore rotating-beam specimens.

Low-Cycle Fatigue
Cyclic strain fatigue of alloy K-500 is shown in Figure 14. The curve represents a best fit for data on material in different
initial conditions but having received the same age-hardening treatment (1080-1100F/16 hr, F.C. 15-25F/hr to 900F).
Also, since data from both axial and completely reversed bending were used to derive the curve, it would be conservative when
pure bending is being considered. In Figure 14, Sa, stress amplitude, was calculated from

Sa = _____ x E
2
where = total strain range applied to the specimen after shakedown, and E = Youngs modulus of the specimen.
12

MONEL alloy K-500

12
10

10

104
10

10

10

10

10

Relaxation Load Loss, %

Stress Amplitude ( Sa ), psi

106

60 ksi
Reloaded to original length
at 8-day intervals

35 ksi

30 ksi
25 ksi

20 ksi
2

15 ksi

Cycles to Failure ( Nf )
0
0

Figure 14 - Cyclic-strain fatigue of age-hardened MONEL alloy K500.

16

24

32

40

48

56

64

Time, days
Figure 15 - Relaxation at 500F of MONEL alloy K-500 springs,
age-hardened at 1000F/6 hr. All stresses are shearing stresses
corrected for curvature; modulus corrected for temperature.

Spring Properties

MONEL alloy K-500 is useful for corrosion-resistant springs at temperature up to 500F. Typical usage stresses are shown in
Table 25.
The recommended aging treatment after cold coiling is 1000F/10 hr; or 980 to 1000F/6 hr followed by cooling to 900F
at a rate of 15 to 25F/hr. Some effects of heat treatment on properties of springs are shown in Table 26. The springs were
coiled on standard automatic equipment, cold-pressed to solid height several times, and heat-treated.
Relaxation of alloy K-500 springs at 500F is shown in Figure 15. Using a criterion of 5 to 6% relaxation in 7 days, these
data indicate a maximum useful temperature of 500F.

Table 25 - Typical Usage Stresses for MONEL alloy K-500 Springs

Temper and
Diameter, in.
Spring 5/8 and underb
Hot-Rolled 1/2 and overb

Method of
Coiling

Aging Treatment
After Coiling

Cold
Hot

1000F/10 hr, A.C.

1100F/8 hr, A.C.

Maximum Shearing Stress, ksi, for Metal Temperature

Up to 400F

400 to 450F

450 to 500F

65
65

65
65

50
55

All values include the Wahl Curvature Correction Factor and are based on 5% relaxation maximum at stress and temperature after 7 days. Stresses at
temperature are adjusted for modulus (G) at temperature.

Selection of break in size for hot or cold winding will be governed largely by the spring index and processing.

Table 26 - Properties of MONEL alloy K-500 Helical Springs (0.148-in. dia. Spring-Temper Wire, 65% Reduction)
Properties of Wires
Thermal Treatment after
Cold Coiling

As-Drawn
Stress-Equalized 525F/3 hr
Aged 980F/6 hr, plus 900F/6 hr

Tensile
Strength, ksi

Torsional
Breaking
Strength, ksi

Torsional
Proportional
Limit, ksi

162.5
171.8
197.0

106.3
107.2
137.2

67.5
67.5
74.6

Fatigue Strength or Stress Range of Springs, ksi

(Curvature Correction Factor included)
106 Cycles

55.0
59.5

107 Cycles
Initial Stress - 10.0 ksi

44.0
Initial Stress - 20.0 ksi
51.0

108 Cycles

39.5
47.0

13

MONEL alloy K-500

Creep and Rupture Properties

MICROSTRUCTURE

Typical creep and rupture properties of aged alloy K-500 are

shown in Figures 16 and 17.

MONEL alloy K-500 is produced by adding aluminum and

titanium to the basic MONEL nickel-copper composition.
Suitable thermal treatments produce a submicroscopic
gamma prime precipitate throughout the matrix.
Typical microstructure of hot-rolled, as-rolled alloy K500 is shown in Figure 18.

100
80

750F

800F

60

900F

Stress, ksi

40

30

20

1000F

10
0.01

0.1
Creep Rate, %/1000 hr

Figure 16 - Creep properties of MONEL alloy K-500 (cold-drawn,

aged).
100
80

Stress, ksi

60

900F

40

1000F

30

1100F

20

10

100

1,000

10,000

Rupture Life, hr
Figure 17 - Rupture life of hot-finished aged MONEL alloy K-500.

Bolting Applications
MONEL alloy K-500 is approved by the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code as an acceptable material for use as
bolting. Allowable stresses for Section VIII, Division 1
usage up to 500F are presented in ASME Code Case 1192,
latest revision.

14

Figure 18 - Microstructure of hot-rolled, as-rolled MONEL alloy K500. Etchant: Carapellas and glyceregia. 100X.

CORROSION RESISTANCE
The corrosion resistance of MONEL alloy K-500 is
substantially equivalent to that of alloy 400 except that,
when in the age-hardened condition, alloy K-500 has a
greater tendency toward stress-corrosion cracking in some
environments.
MONEL alloy K-500 has been found to be resistant to a
sour-gas environment. After 6 days of continuous immersion
in saturated (3500 ppm) hydrogen sulfide solutions at acidic
and basic pHs (ranging from 1.0 to 11.0), U-bend specimens
of age-hardened sheet showed no cracking. Hardness of the
specimens ranged from 28 to 40 Rc.
The combination of very low corrosion rates in highvelocity sea water and high strength make alloy K-500
particularly suitable for shafts of centrifugal pumps in
marine service. In stagnant or slow-moving sea water,
fouling may occur followed by pitting, but this pitting slows
down after a fairly rapid initial attack.
For more information on the resistance of alloy K-500
and other alloys to attack by various corrosive media, the
reader is directed to the Special Metals publication High
Performance Alloys for Resistance to Aqueous Corrosion
on the website www.specialmetals.com.

MONEL alloy K-500

WORKING INSTRUCTIONS
Heating and Pickling
The Federal Standard for alloy K-500, QQ-N-286,
addresses only solution annealing. In-process annealing is
left to the discretion of the heat treater. The stated solution
annealing temperature range in Revision F is 1600 to
1900F. Thus, if an alloy K-500 component must be solution
annealed at 2050F because of the presence of titanium
carbide, it must subsequently be reduced in section thickness
before final heat treatment (solution annealing + age
hardening) to comply with the requirements of the
specification. Revision G has amended the solution
annealing requirement to a minimum annealing temperature
of 1600F. Thus, material solution-annealed at 2050F can
be aged without further reduction in section thickness and is
acceptable if it meets the other requirements of the
specification (mechanical properties, etc.)
For optimum aging response and maximum softness, it
is important to obtain an effective water quench from the
heating temperature without delay. A delay in quenching or
a slow quench can result in partial precipitation of the agehardening phase and subsequent impairment of the aging
response. Addition of about 2% by volume of alcohol to the
water will minimize oxidation and facilitate pickling.
The effect of water quenching from various
temperatures is shown in Figure 19.

300

Hardness, Brinell (3000-kg)

Thermal Treatments
General procedures and precautions for heating and pickling
of MONEL alloys may be found in the Special Metals
Corporation publication Fabricating on the website,
www.specialmetals.com.
Two types of annealing procedures are performed on
MONEL alloy K-500: solution annealing and process
annealing. The treatments are different in both their purpose
and procedure.
Solution Annealing - MONEL alloy K-500 is hardened
by the formation of submicroscopic particles of a secondary
phase, Ni3(Ti,Al). Formation of the particles takes place as a
solid state reaction during an age-hardening (or
precipitation-hardening) heat treatment. Prior to the aging
treatment, the alloy component should be solution-annealed
to dissolve any phases that may have formed in the alloy
during previous processing. Solution annealing is normally
performed by heating hot-finished products to 1800F and
cold-worked products to 1900F. To avoid excessive grain
growth, time at temperature should be kept to a minimum
(normally, less than 30 minutes). Heating (ramp) and
cooling times must be kept to a minimum to avoid
precipitation of detrimental phases. Cooling after solution
annealing is normally accomplished by quenching in water.
Process Annealing - During mechanical processing in
production and subsequent forming of alloy K-500 products,
intermediate process annealing may be required to soften the
product. Such anneals recrystallize the structure and are
typically conducted at temperatures between 1400-1600 F.
While higher temperatures will anneal the product,
intermediate process annealing temperatures are limited to
avoid excessive grain growth. Time at temperature must be
limited to avoid the formation of secondary phases which
can compromise the hardness of the aged alloy K-500
product.
Holding for one hour after the part has reached the set
temperature and equalized is normally sufficient to soften
the alloy product during processing. The user is cautioned
that exposure at temperature for times greater than 1.5 hours
is not recommended. Excessive exposure can result in the
formation of titanium carbide (TiC). This compound is
stable at the aging temperatures used to harden alloy K-500
such that the titanium cannot participate in the hardening
reaction, the formation of Ni3(Ti,Al). Thus, the strength and
hardness can be compromised.
Obviously, it is best to avoid the formation of the
titanium carbide phase. If, however, the phase is formed as a
result of improper processing, solution annealing at 2050F
for 30 minutes is required to dissolve the particles. It should
be noted that this heat treatment will result in a large grain
size which can somewhat compromise formability.
However, the high-temperature solution treatment is
necessary if the component is to develop full hardness and
strength during the aging treatment.

250

200

150

400

800

1200

1600

2000

Temperature, F
Figure 19 - Effect of water quenching from various annealing
temperatures on hardness of MONEL alloy K-500.

15

MONEL alloy K-500

The following age-hardening procedures are recommended for achievement of maximum properties.
1. Soft material (140-180 Brinell, 75-90 Rockwell B).
Hold for 16 hr at 1100 to 1125F followed by furnace cooling at a rate of 15 to 25F per hr to 900F. Cooling from
900F to room temperature may be carried out by furnace or air cooling, or by quenching, without regard for cooling rate.
This procedure is suitable for as-forged and quenched or annealed forgings, for annealed or hot-rolled rods and large colddrawn rods (over 1 in. diameter) and for soft-temper wire and strip.
2. Moderately cold-worked material (175-250 Brinell, 8-25 Rockwell C).
Hold for 8 hr or longer at 1100 to 1125F, followed by cooling to 900F at a rate not to exceed 15 to 25F per hr. Higher
hardnesses can be obtained by holding for as long as 16 hr at temperature, particularly if the material has been coldworked only slightly. As a general rule, material with an initial hardness of 175-200 Brinell should be held the full 16 hr.
Material close to the top figure of 250 Brinell (25 Rockwell C) should attain full hardness in 8 hr.
These procedures are applicable to cold-drawn rods, half-hard strip, cold-upset pieces and intermediate-temper wire.
3. Fully cold-worked material (260-325 Brinell, 25-35 Rockwell C).
Hold for 6 hr or longer at 980 to 1000F followed by cooling to 900F at a rate not exceeding 15 to 25F per hr. In some
instances slightly higher hardnesses may be obtained (particularly with material near the lower end of the hardness range)
by holding 8 to 10 hr at temperature.
This procedure is suitable for spring-temper strip, spring wire or heavily cold-worked pieces such as small, cold-formed
balls.
NOTE: Cooling may be done in steps of 100F, holding the furnace 4 to 6 hr at each step. For example, procedure 1 could be
16 hr at 1100F + 4 to 6 hr at 1000F + 4 to 6 hr at 900F. Procedures described under 1, 2, and 3, however, will usually give
higher properties. Effects of furnace cooling and step cooling on yield strength of cold-drawn rod are compared in Table 27.
In some instances it may be desired to decrease heat-treating time, either for cost saving or for obtaining intermediate
properties. It is difficult to make specific recommendations which would cover the full range of possibilities. The best
procedure is to make pilot tests on specimens which duplicate the cross section of the material to be hardened.
Table 28, showing the effect of short-time aging at 1100 and 1000F, can be used as a guide. More information is given
later under Cold Forming.
Material which has been heated for any appreciable length of time in the temperature range 1100 to 1400F will be
overaged to an extent dependent on time and temperature of exposure. Overaged material will have lower mechanical
properties than properly aged metal, and the properties cannot be raised by subsequent aging treatments. In order to strengthen
overaged material, it must be solution-annealed (1800-1900F) to redissolve the age-hardening constituents, and then reaged.
All benefits of cold work are lost in annealing. The highest strength obtainable is that corresponding to the annealed and aged
condition.
Material that has been age-hardened to produce maximum hardness will not show an appreciable change in properties if
again heated to or held at any temperature up to that at which the original heat treatment was carried out. There may be a small
increase in properties if the rate of cooling in the original heat treatment was too rapid between 1050 and 800F. If the
hardened material is subsequently heated above 1100F and then cooled, there will be a decrease in properties.
Hardened MONEL alloy K-500 has been subjected to long continued heating at 800F. A further slow aging occurred
during the first month of exposure, but continued heating caused no further significant change in properties. Average data for
three typical heats are shown in Table 29.

Pickling
Pickling is a standard method for producing a clean surface on alloy K-500. Procedures and precautions are described in the
Special Metals publication Fabricating on the website www.specialmetals.com.

16

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 27 - Properties of MONEL alloy K-500 Cold Drawn Rod (Annealed 1900F/1/2 hr, W.Q. and Aged 1100F/16 hr, F.C. 15F/hr to 900F,
A.C.)
Diameter,
in.

Tensile
Strength, ksi

Yield Strength
(0.2% offset), ksi

Elongation,
%

Reduction
of Area, %

Hardness,
Rc

Yield Strength
(0.2% offset),b ksi

156.5
154.0
152.0
149.0
156.0
160.5
152.0
153.0
150.0
153.0
155.5
156.5
156.0
155.0

98.0
95.0
96.5
91.5
99.0
102.0
100.5
100.5
96.5
100.0
99.5
101.5
100.5
99.5

26
24
26
26
25
26
26
26
26
26
26
25
27
27

42
39
46
45
45
42
49
47
51
49
45
45
46
47

29
29
28
27
29-30
29
29
28
27
28
29
29
28
26

94.5
94.0
95.5
90.0
98.0
98.5
98.5
97.5
96.0
100.0
99.0
101.5
97.5
97.0

3 1/4
3
3
2 3/4
2 5/8
1 1/2
1 1/2
1 3/8
1 1/4
1 1/4
1
1
5/8
5/8
a

Each diameter from different melt.

Aged by step procedure: 1100F/16 hr, +1000F/6 hr, +900F/6 hr, A.C.

Table 28 - Effect of Short-Time Aging on Properties of MONEL alloy K-500a

Thermal
Treatment
Condition
Temperature,
F

Rod,
Hot-Rolled

Strip,
Annealed

Strip, ColdRolled 10%

Yield
Tensile Strength ElonStrength,
(0.2% gation,
ksi
offset),
%
ksi

Hardness,
Rockwell C

1100

0
2
4
8

93
132
136
142

45
82
86
90

44
36
34
33

82B
17
20
22

1100

0
2
4
8

100
142
141
140

50
90
96
98

39
31
27
27

85B
24
25
26

0
2
4
8
2
4
8

111
155
155
156
141
144
149

90
122
122
123
124
123
129

27
23
21
21
24
23
22

19
31
31
31
31
31
32

Condition
Temperature,
F

Strip, ColdRolled 20%

1100

1000

1100

1000

Time,
hr

Thermal
Treatment

Tensile Properties

These data are offered as a guide to short-time aging treatments and are
not suitable for specification purposes.

Strip, ColdRolled 40%

1100

1000

Strip, ColdRolled 50%

1100

1000

Time,
hr

Tensile Properties
Yield
Tensile Strength ElonStrength,
(0.2% gation,
ksi
offset),
%
ksi

Hardness,
Rockwell C

0
2
4
8
2
4
8

125
163
163
163
169
170
174

115
140
142
141
143
143
148

14
18
18
18
17
18
18

23
34
33
33
34
34
35

0
2
4
8
2
4
8

143
175
176
174
182
183
184

136
159
159
156
165
164
167

5
14
14
14
11
14
13

27
37
36
36
37
37
38

0
2
4
8
2
4
8

148
179
181
177
187
189
189

141
166
165
161
173
174
174

4
12
12
13
10
13
11

29
38
38
38
39
39
39

17

MONEL alloy K-500

Table 29 - Long-Time Aging of Hot-Rolled MONEL alloy K-500 Rod

Hot-Rolled
1080F/16 hr
1080F/16 hr
1080F/16 hr
1080F/16 hr
1080F/16 hr
1080F/16 hr

+
+
+
+
+

800F/1 month
800F/2 months
800F/4 months
800F/8 months
800F/16 months

Tensile
Strength,
ksi

Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset),
ksi

Elongation,
%

Izod Impact,
ft-lb

Hardness,
Brinell,
(3000-kg)

97.5
147.0
161.5
165.0
162.3
164.3
163.5

40.5
92.0
109.0
112.0
109.2
113.2
112.0

44.0
28.0
26.0
25.0
25.5
23.1
24.5

83
48
26
23
24
27
25

169
270
310
307
310
308
305

Fabricating
MONEL alloy K-500 is readily fabricated by standard
commercial procedures. Recommendations are given in
Special Metals publication Fabricating on the website,
www.specialmetals.com.
Hot Forming. Proper temperature during deformation is the
most important factor in achievement of hot malleability.
Maximum recommended heating temperature for hotworking MONEL alloy K-500 is 2100F. Metal should be
charged into a hot furnace and withdrawn when uniformly
heated. Prolonged soaking at this temperature is harmful. If
a delay occurs, such that the material should be subjected to
prolonged soaking, the temperature should be reduced to or
held at 1900F until shortly before ready to work, then
brought to 2100F. When the piece is uniformly heated, it
should be withdrawn. In the event of long delay, the work
should be removed from the furnace and water-quenched.
The hot-working temperature range is 1600 to 2100F.
Heavy work is best done between 1900 and 2100F;
working below 1600F is not recommended. To produce
finer grain in forgings, the final reheat temperature should be
2000F and at least 30% reduction of area should be taken in
the last forging operation.
When hot working has been completed, or when it is

46

210

44

Cold Work
Plus Age Hardening

190

42
40
37

450

INCONEL alloy X-750

400
INCONEL alloy 718
350
300
250

INCONEL alloy 625

Steel
Stainless
Type 304
600
INCONEL alloy
K-500
oy
MONEL all

00
Nickel 2

200
150

MONEL alloy 400

r
Coppe
Aluminum

100

Tensile Strength, ksi

170

500

Vickers Hardness No.

necessary for MONEL alloy K-500 to cool before further

hot working, it should not be allowed to cool in air but
should be quenched from a temperature of 1450F or higher.
If the piece is allowed to cool slowly it will self-heat-treat
(age-harden) to some extent, and stress will be set up that
may lead to thermal splitting or tearing during subsequent
reheating. In addition, quenched material has better response
to age hardening, since more of the age-hardening
constituent is retained in solution.
The surface of the material will be oxidized to a lesser
degree and will be easier to pickle if it is quenched in water
containing about 2% by volume of alcohol.
Cold Forming. In the annealed condition, alloy K-500 can
be cold-worked by standard procedures. Although the alloy
requires considerable power to form, it has excellent
ductility. Its increase in hardness with increasing cold work,
in comparison with other materials, is shown in Figure 20.
Figure 21 shows the effect of cold work and cold work plus
age hardening on tensile strength and hardness.

34
150

31
27

130

22
Cold Work Only

Hardness, Rockwell C

Thermal
Treatment

16

Mild Steel (1020)

110

9
0

50

90
0

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
Cold Work, %

Figure 20. Effect of cold work on hardness.

18

10

20

30

40

50

60

Cold Work, %
Figure 21 - Effect of cold work and age hardening on properties of
MONEL alloy K-500.

MONEL alloy K-500

Machining

Joining

Heavy machining of alloy K-500 is best accomplished when

the material is in the annealed condition or hot-worked and
quenched condition. Age-hardened material, however, can
be finish-machined to close tolerances and fine finishes. The
recommended practice, therefore, is to machine slightly
oversize, age-harden, then finish to size. During aging, a
slight permanent contraction (about 0.0002 in./in.) takes
place, but little warpage occurs because of the low
temperatures and slow cooling rates involved.
Information on procedures and tooling for machining
alloy K-500 is given in Special Metals publication
Machining on the website, www.specialmetals.com.

MONEL alloy K-500 products may be joined by

conventional processes and procedures. Information on
welding, brazing and soldering are found in the Special
Metals publication Joining, on the website
www.specialmetals.com.
Welding alloy K-500 is best accomplished by the gastungsten-arc welding (GTAW) process. MONEL filler metal
60 is normally used. However, the weldments are not age
hardenable and, thus, do not have strength matching that of
the hardened base metal. Weldments requiring strength
similar to the aged base metal should be deposited with filler
metal of matching composition which is available from
other suppliers.

AVAILABLE PRODUCTS AND

SPECIFICATIONS
MONEL alloy K-500 is designated as UNS N05500 and
Werkstoff Nr. 2.4375. It is listed in NACE MR-01-75 for
oil and gas service. Alloy K-500 is furnished in a wide
range of standard mill forms including pipe, tube, sheet,
strip, plate, round bar, flat bar, forging stock, hexagon and
wire. Popular forms and sizes are available from stock;
many specialty products may be obtained from converters.

Bar, Rod, Wire, and Forgings - BS3075NA18 (Wire),

BS3076NA18 (Rod and Bar), ASTM B 865 (Rod and Bar),
DIN 17752 (Rod and Bar), DIN 17753 (Wire), DIN 17754
(Forgings), QQ-N-286 (Rod, Bar, Wire, and Forgings),
SAE AMS 4676 (Rod and Bar), ASME Code Case 1192
(Rod and Bar), ISO 9723 (Bar), ISO 9724 (Wire), ISO
9725 (Forgings)

Plate, Sheet, and Strip - BS3072NA18 (Sheet and Plate),

BS3073NA18 (Strip), QQ-N-286 (Plate, Sheet and Strip),
DIN 17750 (Plate, Sheet and Strip), ISO 6208 (Plate, Sheet
and Strip)

Pipe and Tube - BS3074NA18 (Seamless Pipe and Tube),

DIN 17751 (Pipe and Tube)
Other Products - DIN 17743 (Chemical Composition),
SAE AMS 4676 (Chemical Composition), QQ-N-286
(Chemical Composition)

19

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