Description
Alloy Geek Ni-Span-C Nickel-Iron Standard
Alloy Ni-Span-C, also known as Nilo® alloy 42 or ASTM F30, is a controlled-expansion alloy that belongs to the family of nickel-iron alloys. It is specifically designed to have a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) over a certain temperature range, making it ideal for applications where dimensional stability is critical when exposed to varying temperatures.
The composition of Alloy Ni-Span-C typically includes:
- Nickel (about 41-43%)
- Iron (about 57-59%)
- Small amounts of other elements like manganese and carbon
Key features and characteristics of Alloy Ni-Span-C:
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Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: Alloy Ni-Span-C is engineered to have a low CTE over a specific temperature range. This property allows it to maintain its dimensions and reduce thermal stress under varying temperature conditions.
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Dimensional Stability: The low thermal expansion of this alloy makes it well-suited for applications where maintaining consistent dimensions is crucial, such as in precision instrumentation, electronic components, and certain mechanical systems.
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Applications: Alloy Ni-Span-C is used in a variety of applications where minimal thermal expansion is required, including bi-metal thermostats, metal bellows, hermetic seals, and other components that need to withstand temperature fluctuations without causing distortion.
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Magnetic Properties: Alloy Ni-Span-C is magnetic due to its composition.
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Forms: Alloy Ni-Span-C is available in various forms, including sheets, plates, bars, and wires.
Due to its unique property of low thermal expansion, Alloy Ni-Span-C is chosen for applications where maintaining dimensional stability in response to temperature changes is essential. If you're considering using Alloy Ni-Span-C for a specific project, consulting with materials experts or manufacturers is recommended to ensure it meets your desired performance requirements, especially in terms of its dimensional stability and suitability for your intended application.
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In summary, the main difference between a reference material and a certified reference material lies in the level of characterization, validation, and certification. CRMs have undergone a more comprehensive and rigorous testing process, resulting in certified values and uncertainties that can be confidently used for instrument calibration, quality control, and research. Reference materials, on the other hand, can provide a point of comparison but might not have the same level of certification and traceability as CRMs. When accuracy and traceability are critical, certified reference materials are preferred.