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

Metals play an important role in modern industry and technology. A special place among them belongs to iron, nickel, and chromium — three key elements that make up precision and special steels and alloys. Each of these metals has unique characteristics and fields of application, making them indispensable in precision manufacturing. In this article we share interesting and little-known facts about each of these elements.

Iron: the foundation of many technologies

Iron is one of the most widespread elements on our planet. It is the main component for producing various steels and alloys. Here are a few curious facts about this metal:

1. Presence in the Earth's crust. Iron makes up about 5% of the mass of the Earth's crust, making it one of the most common elements on Earth.
2. Change of crystal lattice. 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, making it the basis for electric motors and generators.
4. Role in the human body. An adult human body contains about 4 grams of iron, most of it in hemoglobin — the protein that carries oxygen to cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia.
5. Use in the food industry. Iron is part of some food additives and preservatives.
6. An ancient metal. Iron has been known since antiquity and was used to make weapons, tools, and ornaments. Interestingly, at the dawn of civilization iron was valued more highly than gold.
7. Cosmic origin. Iron can even be found in meteorites. The largest fragment of pure iron found on Earth weighed 66 tons and was part of a meteorite that fell in Namibia.
8. A metal for medieval aristocracy. In medieval Europe only the noblest people had the right to wear iron jewelry.

Nickel: a metal with many uses

Nickel is a silvery-white metal that belongs to the transition metals 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 pure form. Although nickel is one of the more common elements on Earth, it is rarely found in 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 Cronstedt. The metal's name comes from the mythical mountain spirit Nick.
3. Biological role. The human body contains about 0.1 mg of nickel. This trace element participates in metabolism, hematopoiesis, and maintaining blood sugar levels. It can be toxic at high concentrations. In small amounts, however, it poses no health hazard.
4. Corrosion protection. Nickel is corrosion-resistant thanks to a thin oxide film that forms on the surface, making it ideal for use in aggressive environments.
5. Metalworking. Nickel is a ductile metal that is easily worked by pressure (forging, rolling, stamping, etc.). Very thin sheets and strip can be produced from nickel. For example, thin NP-2 foil is used in astronauts' spacesuits. 
6. Industrial applications. Nickel plays an important role in producing catalysts used in the petrochemical and chemical industries.
7. Imperial tableware. In the past, nickel-plated tableware was considered a luxury. In the 19th century, however, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, who was served food only on such tableware, temporarily banned its use due to toxicity concerns. Only 20 years later was it established that the tableware was safe.

Chromium — a metal named after the Greek word for “color”

Chromium is another important component of precision alloys and special steels. Thanks to its chemical and physical properties, it has become indispensable in metallurgy and other industries. Here are interesting facts about chromium:

1. Appearance and applications. Chromium is a hard, lustrous bluish-white metal widely used in steels to improve their corrosion resistance.
2. Discovery. Chromium was first isolated by French chemist Louis Vauquelin in 1797 from the mineral crocoite, which was found in the Urals.
3. Natural sources. In nature, chromium occurs as chromite (FeCr₂O₄) 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, blood-sugar regulation, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
5. Magnetic properties. Chromium is the only metal that exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering in the solid state at room temperature and below. When heated above 38°C it becomes paramagnetic.
6. Corrosion resistance. Chromium belongs to the transition metals and has high chemical resistance. Steels containing from 13% Cr are characterized by high corrosion resistance. 

Iron-, nickel-, and chromium-based alloys produced by PZPS

Materials based on iron, nickel, and chromium are widely used in electric power, mechanical engineering, aerospace, and other industries. PZPS products are notable for durability, strength, and resistance to various influences. 

• Electrical steels — iron-based alloys with low carbon and alloying-element content. They have high magnetic properties and are used in transformers and electrical 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 stable magnetic characteristics are important. PZPS produces: some text
  • 50N, 50NP, 79NM, 80NM, 81NMA;
  • 49K2FA-VI with approximately 50% iron;
  • 27Kh, which contains 27% chromium.
• Precision alloys for elastic elements — used in precision mechanisms and instruments where parameter stability under changing temperature and loads is important. Examples: some text
  • 40KhNM — contains 11–18% Fe, 15–17% Ni, 19–21% Cr;
  • 36NKhTYu — 44–48% Fe, 35–37% Ni, 12–13% Cr;
  • 17KhNGT — 6.5–7.5% Ni and 16.5–17.5% Cr.
• Corrosion-resistant steels — used in mechanical engineering and the chemical industry where high resistance to aggressive media is required. PZPS offers:some text
  • 12Kh18N9 — contains 18% Cr, 9% Ni;
  • 12Kh18N10T — 18% Cr, 10% Ni;
  • 10Kh17N13M3T — 17% Cr, 13% Ni.
• Precision alloys with high electrical resistance — ensure stable equipment operation at high temperatures and continuous loads. They are used in heating elements, resistors, and other devices. The plant produces:some text
  • Kh15Yu5— contains 13.5–15.5% Cr;
  • Kh23Yu5— 21.5–23.5% Cr;
  • Kh20N80-N — 73–79% Ni and 20–23% Cr;
  • Kh15N60-N — 55–61% Ni and 15–18% Cr.
• Precision alloys with a specified temperature coefficient of linear expansion — used in instruments where dimensional stability under temperature change is important. 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 high-temperature alloys — resistant to oxidation and deformation at extreme temperatures. Used in power generation, petrochemicals, and aviation. PZPS produces:some text
  • 20Kh13 — contains 12–14% Cr;
  • KhN78T — 70–80% Ni and 19–22% Cr.

PZPS invites enterprises and organizations interested in high-quality alloys with unique service characteristics to cooperate. We offer materials that meet world quality standards, develop alloys for specific customer tasks, and continuously improve production processes by introducing modern technologies. If you need precision alloys and special steels for demanding, critical 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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