Nickel 200 vs Nickel 201: How to Choose the Right Pure Nickel Grade
Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 are both commercially pure nickel, but a small difference in carbon content changes where each one belongs. Here is how to choose.
Use this article as an initial technical reference. Final material selection should also confirm grade, dimensions, tolerances, standards, quantity, and the actual service environment.
Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 are both commercially pure nickel, but a small difference in carbon content changes where each one belongs. Here is how to choose.
What Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 have in common
Nickel 200 (UNS N02200) and Nickel 201 (UNS N02201) are wrought commercially pure nickel grades with about 99% minimum nickel content. They share the same corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, and magnetic properties, and both are used in chemical processing, electronics, synthetic-fiber production, food equipment, and caustic-soda handling.
Both grades resist caustic alkalis, neutral and alkaline salt solutions, and certain reducing environments. They are supplied as plate, sheet, rod, bar, and wire to ASTM B160, B162, and B166.
The real difference: carbon content
The only significant difference is carbon. Nickel 200 has a carbon limit of about 0.15%, while Nickel 201 is held below 0.02%. This small change matters at elevated temperature. Above roughly 315 °C (600 °F), the higher-carbon Nickel 200 can precipitate graphite at grain boundaries, which causes embrittlement. Nickel 201 avoids this and is the preferred grade for long-term service above 315 °C.
Below 315 °C the two grades are essentially interchangeable, and Nickel 200 is often selected simply because it is more readily available and slightly lower in cost.
Key specification comparison
| Property | Nickel 200 | Nickel 201 |
|---|---|---|
| UNS number | N02200 | N02201 |
| Carbon limit | ~0.15% max | 0.02% max |
| Nickel content | 99.0% min | 99.0% min |
| Upper service temperature | ~315 °C | >315 °C |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
How to choose in practice
- Below 315 °C: Nickel 200 is usually the economical default.
- Above 315 °C or long soak times: specify Nickel 201 to avoid graphite embrittlement.
- Caustic-soda (NaOH) service: both grades work well; confirm temperature before choosing.
- Welded equipment: Nickel 201 is often preferred when weldments run hot, since its low carbon also reduces intergranular carbide sensitivity.
When you request a quotation, state the grade (or UNS number), product form, dimensions, temperature range, and the governing ASTM standard. Titanium Valley supplies both Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 in plate, sheet, rod, bar, and wire with material test certificates and export documentation.
FAQ
Are Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 the same material?
Nearly. They have the same corrosion resistance; the difference is carbon content, which controls high-temperature embrittlement behavior.
Which standard covers nickel plate and rod?
Nickel plate and sheet are typically supplied to ASTM B162, rod and bar to ASTM B160, and wire to ASTM B166.
When should I use Nickel 201 instead of Nickel 200?
Use Nickel 201 for sustained service above about 315 °C, or for hot weldments where low carbon reduces embrittlement risk.
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