Precious Metal PdNi-M
Heat-treated state · default condition
M = thermomechanically controlled processed
Default stock condition for wrought Pd-20Ni strip, wire and foil that must be formed, drawn or welded.
Values for the M condition
Other PdNi tempers and conditions
PdNi is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at PdNi.
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 |
MDefaultThis page 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 |
What is PdNi-M?
PdNi-M is PdNi heat treated to M — default stock condition for wrought Pd-20Ni strip, wire and foil that must be formed, drawn or welded. PdNi-M 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). PdNi-M 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).
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-M properties
Typical room-temperature values for PdNi-M; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PdNi reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among precious metal grades.
Physical3
PdNi-M 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-M 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-M 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-M 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-M 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-M'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. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PdNi-M
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.
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.
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) | — |
PdNi-M — frequently asked
What is PdNi-M used for?
PdNi-M 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-M?
PdNi-M 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-M 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-M 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-M?
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-M 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-M?
PdNi-M 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.