What Is Nickel Aluminum Bronze and Where Is It Used?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Nickel Aluminum Bronze, from its composition and properties to its real-world industrial applications, chemical profile, and global availability.

Nickel Aluminum Bronze (NAB) is one of the most trusted materials in industries where strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance are critical. It is a family of copper-based alloys with aluminum as the primary alloying element, along with nickel, iron, and manganese to enhance specific mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties. NAB is often a preferred choice over other metals like stainless steel or even titanium in marine, aerospace, oil & gas, and defense applications due to its exceptional performance under extreme conditions.

What Is Nickel Aluminum Bronze?

Nickel Aluminum Bronze (commonly known as NAB) is part of the nickel alloy family, specifically tailored for demanding engineering applications. The alloy typically consists of:

Copper (Cu) – Base metal
Aluminum (Al) – 8–12%
Nickel (Ni) – 3–6%
Iron (Fe) – 3–5%
Manganese (Mn) – Small amounts for strength and toughness

This combination results in a strong, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant alloy that performs well even in saltwater, acidic, and erosive environments.

Nickel Aluminum Bronze Chemical Composition (UNS C63200)

Element	Percentage (%)
Copper (Cu)	Balance
Aluminum (Al)	8.5–9.5
Nickel (Ni)	4.0–5.5
Iron (Fe)	2.0–4.0
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 1.5
Others (Pb, Sn)	≤ 0.1

UNS C63200

UNS C63200, a prominent grade in the aluminum bronzes family, offers excellent machinability and resistance to seawater corrosion, making it ideal for shipbuilding and underwater components, especially in demanding industrial applications.

Physical & Mechanical Properties of Nickel Aluminum Bronze

Property	Value
Density	~7.6–7.8 g/cm³
Tensile Strength	550–850 MPa
Yield Strength	250–400 MPa
Elongation	12–25%
Hardness (Brinell)	140–220 HB
Melting Point	~1025–1050°C

These properties make NAB highly resistant to:

Cavitation
Seawater corrosion
Erosion & wear
Biofouling

Why Is Nickel Aluminum Bronze So Popular?

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Ideal for aerospace and marine applications, aluminum bronzes provide strength while controlling weight.

Excellent Corrosion Resistance

NAB, a complex alloy with high aluminum content, forms a protective oxide film, enhancing its corrosion performance.

- Saltwater
- Sulfide-rich environments
- Hydrocarbons
- Acids and oxidizers

Non-Magnetic & Non-Sparking

Useful in explosive environments such as offshore drilling rigs, military applications, and aircraft carrier components.

Common Applications of Nickel Aluminum Bronze

Industry	Application
Marine	Propellers, pump casings, valve stems, shafts
Oil & Gas	Bushings, bearings, valve seats, downhole tools
Aerospace	Landing gear parts, hydraulic pump parts
Defense	Missile launchers, underwater mines, torpedoes
Industrial Equipment	Gears, piston components, robotic joints

Nickel Aluminum Bronze vs Other Alloys

Alloy	Key Strength	Limitation
Nickel Aluminum Bronze	High corrosion & wear resistance	Costlier than basic bronzes
Stainless Steel (316)	High corrosion resistance	Lower wear resistance
Titanium Alloys	Superior strength & light weight	High material cost
Phosphor Bronze	Good corrosion & conductivity	Less strength than NAB

Nickel Aluminum Bronze Grades Overview

Grade	Description
UNS C63200	Most common marine grade, corrosion-resistant
C63000	Higher strength, often used in aerospace
C95500	Cast NAB grade, great for heavy-duty machinery

Global and Indian Market Reach

Looking for a supplier of nickel aluminum bronze alloys or manufacturers in India? Here’s how the market is evolving:

Nickel Alloy Manufacturers in India:

Focused on high-quality precision NAB castings and forgings.
Many offer custom machining and CNC-ready NAB rods and plates.
India is a rising hub for nickel alloy exports due to its competitive pricing and high quality.

What to Look for in a NAB Supplier:

Certified Quality: ISO 9001 certified processes
Material Expertise: Experience with marine/defense-grade NAB
Flexible Supply: Capacity to deliver in bulk and custom sizes
Quality Assurance: Strong testing and quality control infrastructure

Is Nickel Aluminum Bronze Right for Your Project?

Nickel Aluminum Bronze delivers reliable performance across some of the world’s most challenging industrial environments. With superior corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and durability, it’s no surprise that NAB continues to grow in popularity among engineers, manufacturers, and designers.

Whether you need precision NAB components for aerospace, marine, or oil & gas, choosing the right nickel alloy supplier with expertise in NAB grades such as UNS C63200 is key to long-term success.

Looking for a reliable Nickel Aluminum Bronze supplier in India?

Reach out to a trusted nickel alloy supplier that offers high-performance nickel, bronze fittings and precision engineering components.

FAQ

What is the density of Nickel Aluminum Bronze?

The density ranges between 7.6 to 7.8 g/cm³, making it denser than aluminum but lighter than steel.

Where is Nickel Aluminum Bronze most commonly used?

NAB, an aluminum bronze alloy, is widely used in marine propellers, valve components, and bearings due to its excellent corrosion performance and mechanical properties in offshore oil rigs and military-grade applications.

Is Nickel Aluminum Bronze resistant to seawater?

Yes, it is highly resistant to seawater, making it ideal for underwater and coastal applications. Its corrosion resistance is among the best for non-ferrous alloys.

What’s the typical price of Nickel Aluminum Bronze per kg?

As of the latest industry data, NAB can range from ₹800 to ₹1500 per kg in India, depending on the grade, form (rod, plate, bar), and supplier.