Monel

From Free net encyclopedia

Monel is a term comprising a series of rustless metal alloys, primarily composed of nickel (up to 67%) and copper, with some iron and other trace elements. It is resistant to corrosion and acids, and some alloys can withstand a fire in pure oxygen. It is commonly used in applications with highly corrosive conditions. Small additions of aluminum and titanium form an alloy with the same corrosion resistance, but with very high strength.

It was created by Robert Crooks Stanley for INCO in 1901, and named for company president Ambrose Monell.

Monel is used as the material for valve pistons in some higher quality Bach Stradivarius Trumpets. It is also used in frames of eyeglasses. Some alloys are completely non-magnetic and are used for anchor cable aboard minesweepers, housing magnetic field measurement equipment, and have applications in the oil drilling industry. Monel is typically much more expensive than stainless steel.

Monel is very hard to machine as it work hardens instantly with heat and does not harden into a constant matrix. It needs to be turned and worked at slow speeds and low feed rates

MONEL is a trademark of Special Metals Corporation.

Rotosound pioneered the use of monel for bass strings, and these strings have been used on countless albums throughout the 60's and by such artists as the Who, Sting, John Deacon, and John Paul Jones.

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