NILO Alloy 42 – properties, applications and technical data
NILO Alloy 42 is a nickel-iron alloy containing approximately 42% nickel and is known for its very low and stable coefficient of thermal expansion.
The alloy is developed for applications where the thermal expansion of the material must match that of other materials, such as glass or ceramic components.
Alloy 42 is often used in the electronics, microelectronics and aerospace industries where dimensional stability during temperature changes is crucial.
Properties of NILO Alloy 42
NILO Alloy 42 is a binary nickel-iron alloy with controlled thermal expansion over a wide temperature range.
The material exhibits a low and relatively constant coefficient of expansion between approximately 20 °C and 300 °C, making it ideal in glass and ceramic seals.
- Type: nickel-iron alloy with low thermal expansion
- Alloy: Ni-Fe
- Structure: austenitic nickel-iron alloy
- Designations: NILO Alloy 42, Alloy 42, UNS K94100, W.Nr. 1.3917
- Typical composition: Ni ~42%, remainder Fe
Advantages
- Very low coefficient of thermal expansion
- Stable dimensional control over a wide temperature range
- Good compatibility with glass and ceramic materials
- Good machinability
- Suitable for precision components
Limitations
- Lower mechanical strength than many structural alloys
- Not designed for high temperature applications over the expansion range
- Limited corrosion resistance compared to some nickel-based alloys
Common product forms for Alloy 42
- Strip and sheet
- Round bar
- Wire
- Precision-made components
- Special dimensions according to drawing
Typical components manufactured in Alloy 42
- Lead frames for semiconductors
- Thermostatic rods
- Thermostatic bimetallic strips
- Glass seals in microelectronics
- Components in vacuum equipment and electric lamps
Thermal properties
NILO Alloy 42 has a low and relatively constant coefficient of thermal expansion in the temperature range of approximately 20–300 °C.
This makes the material particularly suitable for applications where metal must have the same expansion properties as glass or ceramic materials.
Environments where Alloy 42 performs well
- Microelectronics
- Glass-to-metal seals
- Semiconductor components
- Precision components in electronics
Environments to avoid
- Applications with high mechanical loads
- Environments where high corrosion resistance is required
Technical data
| Yield strength (0.2%) |
~350 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~550 MPa |
| Extension |
~30% |
| Density |
~8.1 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of elasticity |
~140 GPa |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion |
~4.5 ×10⁻⁶ /°C (20–300 °C) |
With a global network of suppliers we can offer NILO Alloy 42 in technical dimensions for demanding electronics and precision applications.
Contact us for price, availability and technical advice.
Supplier of Alloy 42 with certified quality
HARALD PIHL is one of Europe's largest suppliers of special alloys, including nickel-iron alloys with controlled thermal expansion such as NILO Alloy 42.
With over 100 years of experience in the metal industry, we deliver materials with full traceability and certification according to EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 as well as relevant ASTM and ISO standards.
Cutting, testing and quality assurance are carried out in-house to ensure the right tolerances and fast global delivery for technically demanding projects.
- Europe's largest warehouse of nickel and titanium alloys
- Special alloys from stock
- ASTM / ISO standards
- Top quality for safety-critical applications
- Fast global delivery
- Full material certification (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
- Over 100 years in the metal industry
- Nickel and titanium experts
