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Nickel Alloy Mu-metal-H02

Supply condition

UNS N14080 · ASTM A753 Type 4 · EN 2.4545 · GB 1J79 · also Mumetal / Permalloy 80

H02 = half hard

Intermediate cold-worked strip for stampings and springs that need extra stiffness before the final magnetic anneal.

High cost $$$$

Values for the H02 condition

Other Mu-metal tempers and conditions

Mu-metal is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at Mu-metal.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
ANN-H2Default
Annealed
Final condition for magnetic shields and cores: maximum permeability, lowest coercivity — do not cold-work or machine after this anneal.25055040115 HB3 % IACS
soft, formable (supplied for fabrication, anneal after forming)
Standard as-shipped sheet/strip condition: ductile for deep drawing, spinning and shearing; magnetic properties only partly developed until final hydrogen anneal.28058035130 HB3 % IACS
H02This page
Half hard
Intermediate cold-worked strip for stampings and springs that need extra stiffness before the final magnetic anneal.5607501010 HRC3 % IACS
Cold drawn
Cold-drawn rod and wire for machined cores, pole pieces and shield fittings; machine first, then hydrogen anneal the finished part.680830820 HRC3 % IACS
Cold worked
Full-hard rolled strip/foil for laminations and shims that must stay flat and dimensionally stable; permeability is low until the parts are hydrogen-annealed.760900322 HRC—

What is Mu-metal-H02?

Mu-metal-H02 is Mu-metal supplied in the H02 condition — intermediate cold-worked strip for stampings and springs that need extra stiffness before the final magnetic anneal. Mu-metal-H02 has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 81% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 215 GPa (31.2 Msi). Mu-metal-H02 has a density of 8.74 g/cm³ (0.316 lb/in³), heavier than 79% of nickel alloy grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). ANN-H2 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H02 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Easy to machine — 35/100, better than 97% of nickel alloy grades
  • Conducts heat well — 31 W/m·K (17.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of nickel alloy grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 10.5 kg CO₂/kg, better than 88% of nickel alloy grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 3 % IACS, better than 87% of nickel alloy grades
  • High strength — 560 MPa (81.2 ksi), better than 81% of nickel alloy grades

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 99% of nickel alloy grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 55/100, worse than 92% of nickel alloy grades
  • Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 85% of nickel alloy grades

Mu-metal-H02 properties

Typical room-temperature values for Mu-metal-H02; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Mu-metal reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among nickel alloy grades.

Physical3

Mu-metal-H02 has a density of 8.74 g/cm³ (0.316 lb/in³), heavier than 79% of nickel alloy grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).

Density8.74 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,400°C2,552 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,450°C2,642 °F

Mechanical14

Mu-metal-H02 has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 81% of nickel alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 215 GPa (31.2 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus215 GPa31.2 Msi
Shear Modulus80 GPa11.6 Msi
Bulk Modulus180 GPa26.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)750 MPa109 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)560 MPa81.2 ksi
Elongation at Break10%
Reduction in Area40%
Shear Strength480 MPa69.6 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)70 J51.6 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell180 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B92 HRB
Hardness, Vickers190 HV

Thermal6

Mu-metal-H02 is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 31 W/m·K (17.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of nickel alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 12.7 µm/m·K (7.06 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity31 W/m·K17.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12.7 µm/m·K7.1 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion285 J/g123 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)300°C572 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

Mu-metal-H02 conducts electricity at 3 % IACS, better than 87% of nickel alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity3 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity5.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m22.8 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic but strongly degraded — permeability drops by an order of magnitude from cold-work stresses; re-anneal required

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 92% of nickel alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.2 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood55/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood resistance to atmosphere, fresh water and mild alkalis thanks to high nickel; tarnishes and rusts lightly in humid/salt air so shields are usually passivated, plated or painted; attacked by oxidising and halide acids (HNO₃, FeCl₃) and by sulphur-bearing gases above 300 °C.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of Mu-metal-H02 takes about 140 MJ of energy and emits 10.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 81% of nickel alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)140 MJ/kg60,189 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)10.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

Mu-metal-H02's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 97% of nickel alloy grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability fair (45/100).

MachinabilityFair35/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)29%
WeldabilityFair50/100
Formability (cold)Fair45/100
CastabilityPoor30/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good70/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous/nickel alloy; use electroless Ni, tin or zinc plating, chromate-free passivation or paint for corrosion protection

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with Mu-metal-H02

Is Mu-metal easy to machine?

Gummy and work-hardening: use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS-Co, low speed (20–30 m/min), heavy feed, flood coolant, and re-anneal in dry hydrogen after machining to restore permeability.

Can Mu-metal be welded?

TIG, laser and electron-beam weld readily with matching or Ni-Fe filler; keep heat input low, avoid sulphur contamination, and hydrogen-anneal the assembly afterwards.

Can Mu-metal be formed, bent or molded?

Annealed sheet deep-draws, spins and rolls easily; plan for a final 1100–1175 °C dry-hydrogen anneal on the finished shape since every bend or shear edge destroys local permeability.

What surface finishes work on Mu-metal?

Not anodizable — protect with electroless nickel, tin plate, chromate-free passivation or paint; avoid abrasive blasting or hard handling on annealed shields as shock re-introduces stress.

Mu-metal chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
NiNi (+Co) content sets the permeability peak79 – 8280
Moraises resistivity, improves µi3.8 – 5.54.2
Cuup to ~5 % in the classic Ni-Fe-Cu-Cr 'Mumetal' composition0 – 0.50.1
Mn0.3 – 10.5
Si0.15 – 0.50.3
Ckept very low for magnetic softness≤ 0.030.02
S≤ 0.020.01
P≤ 0.020.01
Febalance ≈14–16 %balance—

Mu-metal-H02 — frequently asked

What is Mu-metal-H02 used for?

Mu-metal-H02 is typically used for magnetic shielding cans, sensor and CRT shielding, current transformer cores and audio transformer laminations. In short: highest-permeability shielding alloy; classic magnetic shield material; anneal after final forming.

What is the yield strength of Mu-metal-H02?

Mu-metal-H02 has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 81% of nickel alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is Mu-metal-H02 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 97% of nickel alloy grades). Gummy and work-hardening: use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS-Co, low speed (20–30 m/min), heavy feed, flood coolant, and re-anneal in dry hydrogen after machining to restore permeability.

Can Mu-metal-H02 be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). TIG, laser and electron-beam weld readily with matching or Ni-Fe filler; keep heat input low, avoid sulphur contamination, and hydrogen-anneal the assembly afterwards.

What surface finishes work on Mu-metal-H02?

Not anodizable — protect with electroless nickel, tin plate, chromate-free passivation or paint; avoid abrasive blasting or hard handling on annealed shields as shock re-introduces stress.

Can Mu-metal-H02 be formed, bent or molded?

Annealed sheet deep-draws, spins and rolls easily; plan for a final 1100–1175 °C dry-hydrogen anneal on the finished shape since every bend or shear edge destroys local permeability.

What is the maximum service temperature of Mu-metal-H02?

Mu-metal-H02 is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between Mu-metal ANN-H2 and Mu-metal-CW?

ANN-H2 is the default condition — final condition for magnetic shields and cores: maximum permeability, lowest coercivity — do not cold-work or machine after this anneal. CW: full-hard rolled strip/foil for laminations and shims that must stay flat and dimensionally stable; permeability is low until the parts are hydrogen-annealed. Yield strength is 250 MPa in ANN-H2 versus 760 MPa in CW.

Sources

  1. ASTM A753 — Wrought Nickel-Iron Soft Magnetic Alloys (Type 4) — ASTM International (2019)
  2. GB/T 14986 (1J79) (2018)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (soft magnetic alloys) — ASM International (1990)
  4. High-permeability Ni-Fe magnetic shielding alloy datasheets (Mumetal / Co-Netic / PERMENORM class) — shielding alloy producers (2023)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.