Precious Metal PdNi
PdNi is a palladium–nickel alloy used as a master alloy component in white gold and as a plating and contact metal, commonly deposited as an 80/20 composition.
Reference datasheet — PdNi is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the M condition
PdNi tempers and conditions
PdNi is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. M is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Vacuum-melted ingot, grain or shot used as the Pd–Ni master-alloy addition for white gold and for remelting into mill products. | 220 | 450 | 15 | 124 HB | 5 % IACS |
MDefault Thermomechanically controlled processed | Default stock condition for wrought Pd-20Ni strip, wire and foil that must be formed, drawn or welded. | 250 | 550 | 30 | 76 HRB | 5.2 % IACS |
Half hard | Choose when spring-back and stiffness are needed but some bend ductility must remain (contact springs, stamped strip). | 600 | 750 | 8 | 14 HRC | 5 % IACS |
Full hard | Maximum strength and elastic limit for fine spring wire and contact blades; bending must be minimal. | 850 | 950 | 2 | 28 HRC | 4.9 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PdNi is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
EP | As-plated 80Pd-20Ni electrodeposit | Surface finish |
TGT | Sputtering target | Surface finish |
What is PdNi?
PdNi is a palladium–nickel alloy used as a master alloy component in white gold and as a plating and contact metal, commonly deposited as an 80/20 composition. It provides 250 MPa yield, 550 MPa tensile, 30 % elongation and 76 HRB with service to 600 °C, and is supplied as strip and wire, plating anodes and targets. Conductivity is low (5.2 % IACS), machinability is the weakest in this family (score 28) because the alloy work-hardens strongly, and nickel oxidizes in air above 600 °C. Use Pd60Ag40 where deep forming dominates. PdNi has a density of 11.3 g/cm³ (0.408 lb/in³), heavier than 59% of precious metal grades. It melts at 1,275°C (2,327 °F). PdNi has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — stronger than 81% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 140 GPa (20.3 Msi).
What is PdNi used for?
- White gold master alloy
- Electroplating anodes
- Electronic contacts
Advantages
- Stiff — 140 GPa (20.3 Msi), better than 85% of precious metal grades
- High service temperature — 600°C (1,112 °F), better than 85% of precious metal grades
- High strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), better than 81% of precious metal grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 25 W/m·K (14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 96% of precious metal grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 5.2 % IACS, worse than 95% of precious metal grades
- Difficult to machine — 28/100, worse than 91% of precious metal grades
PdNi properties
Typical room-temperature values for PdNi-M; bars are the position among precious metal grades.
Physical3
PdNi has a density of 11.3 g/cm³ (0.408 lb/in³), heavier than 59% of precious metal grades. It melts at 1,275°C (2,327 °F).
Mechanical12
PdNi has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — stronger than 81% of precious metal grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 140 GPa (20.3 Msi).
Thermal6
PdNi is rated for continuous service to 600°C (1,112 °F). It conducts heat at 25 W/m·K (14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 96% of precious metal grades. Thermal expansion is 12.3 µm/m·K (6.83 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
PdNi conducts electricity at 5.2 % IACS, worse than 95% of precious metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 61% of precious metal grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PdNi takes about 58,000 MJ of energy and emits 3,100 kg of CO₂ — more than 62% of precious metal grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.
Manufacturability8
PdNi's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 91% of precious metal grades); weldability good (60/100); formability very good (75/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the precious metal family
Yield strength against density for every precious metal grade FabDigit runs. PdNi is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PdNi
Is PdNi easy to machine?
Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use sharp, polished-flute carbide or HSS tools, high rake, light constant feed, flood coolant, and capture all swarf/coolant for refining.
Can PdNi be welded?
Joins well by laser, micro-TIG and resistance welding under argon; avoid sulphur- and lead-bearing contaminants and prolonged air exposure above 600 °C which oxidises the nickel.
Can PdNi be formed, bent or molded?
Melted under vacuum/argon; cold-rollable and drawable with ~50 % reduction between anneals at 850–950 °C in inert or slightly reducing atmosphere.
PdNi 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Pdnominal 80/20 grade; 60/40 and 75/25 Pd-Ni variants are also sold | 78 – 82 | 80 |
| Other (each)Pt, Rh, Fe, Cu, Ag residuals from refining | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Other (total) | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Ni | ≥ 18 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PdNi?
Not anodizable; bright-electroplated 80/20 deposits over a nickel barrier are usually flash-gold topped (0.05–0.1 µm) to lower contact resistance, and the bulk alloy polishes to a bright white finish.
How much does PdNi cost?
PdNi is a high-cost precious metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PdNi — frequently asked
What is PdNi used for?
PdNi is typically used for white gold master alloy, electroplating anodes and electronic contacts. In short: strongest Pd alloy here; standard connector plating alloy; 600 °C service capability.
What is the yield strength of PdNi?
PdNi has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — stronger than 81% of precious metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is PdNi easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 91% of precious metal grades). Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use sharp, polished-flute carbide or HSS tools, high rake, light constant feed, flood coolant, and capture all swarf/coolant for refining.
Can PdNi be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Joins well by laser, micro-TIG and resistance welding under argon; avoid sulphur- and lead-bearing contaminants and prolonged air exposure above 600 °C which oxidises the nickel.
What surface finishes work on PdNi?
Not anodizable; bright-electroplated 80/20 deposits over a nickel barrier are usually flash-gold topped (0.05–0.1 µm) to lower contact resistance, and the bulk alloy polishes to a bright white finish.
Can PdNi be formed, bent or molded?
Melted under vacuum/argon; cold-rollable and drawable with ~50 % reduction between anneals at 850–950 °C in inert or slightly reducing atmosphere.
What is the maximum service temperature of PdNi?
PdNi is rated for continuous use to about 600°C (1,112 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between PdNi-M and PdNi-H04?
M is the default condition — default stock condition for wrought Pd-20Ni strip, wire and foil that must be formed, drawn or welded. H04: maximum strength and elastic limit for fine spring wire and contact blades; bending must be minimal. Yield strength is 250 MPa in M versus 850 MPa in H04.
How much does PdNi cost?
PdNi is a high-cost precious metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B867 — Electrodeposited Coatings of Palladium-Nickel for Engineering Use — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM B679 — Electrodeposited Coatings of Palladium for Engineering Use — ASTM International (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Precious Metals) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Alloy Phase Diagrams Database — Ni–Pd system — ASM International (2016)
- Palladium and palladium alloy technical data — Johnson Matthey / Umicore (2022)
- Life cycle assessment of metals (Pd cumulative energy demand and GWP) — Nuss & Eckelman, PLoS ONE (2014)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.