Copper-Nickel Alloys for shipbuilding
Copper-nickel (also known as cupronickel) alloys are widely used for marine applications due to their excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, low macrofouling rates, and good fabricability. They have provided reliable service for decades while offering effective solutions to today’s technological challenges.
The addition of nickel to copper improves strength and corrosion resistance while allowing the alloy to remain ductile. Other elements can be added to copper-nickel to increase strength, corrosion resistance, hardening, weldability and castability.
90-10 copper-nickel (C70600, CW352H), an alloy with 90% copper and 10% nickel, is the most commonly used alloy. It can be found in naval and commercial shipping, offshore oil and gas production as well as desalination and power generation. Alloys with 30% nickel content (C71500, C71640) and those which are more highly alloyed with aluminum, chromium or tin are used where greater resistance to seawater flow, sand abrasion, wear and galling, as well as higher mechanical properties, are required.
Why Use Copper-Nickel Alloys in Shipbuilding?
Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) alloys are widely used in shipbuilding and marine engineering due to their unique combination of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability in seawater environments.
Copper-Nickel alloys offer exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion, biofouling, and erosion, making them ideal for long-term use in marine environments. Key benefits include:
- Superior resistance to saltwater corrosion and marine growth
- Excellent thermal conductivity and anti-fouling properties
- Long service life with low maintenance cost
- High strength and toughness, even at elevated temperatures
- Excellent fabricability and weldability
Copper-Nickel Alloy Materials for Shipbuilding – C70600 / C71500 Marine Grade Supplier
We are a reliable supplier and exporter of Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) alloy materials designed specifically for demanding marine and shipbuilding applications. Our product range includes pipes, flanges, fittings, plates, and bars manufactured from high-performance 90/10 (C70600) and 70/30 (C71500) Copper-Nickel alloys that comply with international standards like ASTM B466, B467, B122, B171, and EEMUA 144 / 234.
Copper-Nickel Alloys for Marine Applications:
- C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni): Contains 10% nickel, iron, and manganese for enhanced corrosion resistance. Common in seawater piping, condensers, and seawater system components.
Chemical Composition of C70600
| Identification Symbol | Grade | Elements | Composition % |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS C70600 | 26 chromium, 6 nickel, 3.5 molybdenum with nitrogen and copper 255 | Copper, Incl Silver | remainder |
| Nickel, Incl Cobalt | 9.0-11.0 | ||
| Lead | 0.05 | ||
| Iron | 1.0-1.8 | ||
| Manganese | 1.0 | ||
| Zinc | 1.0 | ||
| Phosphorous | 0.02 | ||
| Sulfur | 0.02 | ||
| Carbon |
- C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni): With 30% nickel, this grade offers higher strength and is ideal for more aggressive seawater environments such as offshore platforms and naval vessels.
Chemical Composition of C71500
A 70/30 cupro nickel CuNi30Fe1 with the additions of iron and manganese giving excellent corrosion resistance in fresh and sea water and anti-biofouling properties. The alloy having a higher content of nickel than 90/10 cupro nickel gives enhanced mechanical properties, whilst still maintaining the excellent corrosion properties. The alloy meets the requirements of ASTM B 171 C71500 and ASTM B 151 C71500.
Composition
| Element | Cu | Ni | Mn | Fe | Impurities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | Bal | 30-32 | 0.5-1.5 | 0.6-1.0 | 0.3 Max |
Marine Applications of Copper-Nickel Materials:
- Seawater piping systems
- Ballast and bilge lines
- Heat exchangers and condensers
- Hull and structural cladding
- Desalination plants
- Offshore oil & gas platforms
- Firewater and cooling water systems
Our Product Offerings:
- Copper-Nickel Pipes & Tubes: ASTM B466 / B467,DIN 86019, C70600 Pipes
- Copper-Nickel Flanges & Fittings: EEMUA 144 / EEMUA 234, ASME B16.5,C70600 Flange,C70600 Elbow
- Copper-Nickel Plates & Sheets: ASTM B122, ASTM B171
- Bars, Rods & Forgings: Custom-cut sizes and shapes available,C70600 Round Bar
- Custom Machined Components for shipbuilding systems
All products are available with 3.1/3.2 certification, third-party inspection, and full traceability.
