In the scrap market, not all nickel alloy scrap is created equal. Scrap from superheat-resistant alloys with high nickel content commands significantly higher prices, particularly waste engine components sourced from the aerospace sector. According to market research, the global nickel alloy scrap market reached $2.509 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $2.955 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4% during this period. These valuable scrap materials primarily include stainless steel, superheat-resistant alloys, and nickel-containing battery scrap.
High-value nickel alloy scrap typically contains abundant alloying elements like chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt. Take Hastelloy, for example: this nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy scrap is highly sought after in chemical and petroleum industries for its exceptional corrosion resistance, commanding prices far exceeding ordinary stainless steel scrap. Inconel scrap, containing higher proportions of chromium and iron, excels in high-temperature environments, making it a favorite in the aerospace industry.
Nickel alloy scrap has become an indispensable resource in modern industry due to its unique physical and chemical properties. These materials exhibit outstanding high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance, maintaining stability under extreme conditions.
From a cost perspective, producing new materials from nickel alloy scrap is more economical than mining virgin ore. Studies show that pure nickel plates recycled from nickel alloy scrap exceed standard requirements for tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Their surfaces are smooth and flat, free from defects like cracks, peeling, or compression fractures. This recycled product not only meets quality standards but also significantly reduces energy consumption and production costs.
The value of nickel alloy scrap further extends to its broad application spectrum. From aerospace to chemical equipment, and from power electronics to medical devices, this scrap can be reprocessed through nickel recycling and reused in manufacturing various high-performance products.
Take cobalt, for instance. This precious metal present in certain nickel alloy scraps is in high demand for battery manufacturing. Proper processing of cobalt-containing nickel alloy scrap allows recovery of this valuable component, significantly boosting the scrap's overall value. Similarly, rhenium—found in certain specialized high-temperature nickel-based alloys—is highly valuable due to its extremely high melting point and rarity, making it a critical material for manufacturing aircraft engine blades.
Identifying these hidden precious metals requires specialized expertise and testing equipment. Successful nickel alloy scrap recyclers utilize tools like X-ray fluorescence analyzers to quickly and accurately assess precious metal content in scrap, ensuring fair pricing.
In the specialized field of nickel alloy scrap recycling, Dongsheng Precious Metals Recycling has become a significant industry player through its precise identification of material value and efficient processing technologies. Like global giants such as Sims Metal Management and European Metal Recycling, DONGSHENG focuses on the recovery and reuse of high-value nickel alloy scrap.
DONGSHENG places particular emphasis on nickel alloy scrap containing precious metals, establishing specialized testing and separation processes to maximize extraction of valuable elements like nickel, cobalt, and molybdenum. This specialized operation not only enhances resource utilization but also delivers superior economic returns for clients.
Based on precious metal content, nickel alloy scrap is categorized into: conventional nickel alloy scrap and precious metal-containing nickel alloy scrap.
In industrial settings, the valuation and recycling of nickel alloy scrap is a highly specialized task. Different types of nickel alloy scrap vary significantly in value due to differences in composition, properties, and application fields. The following two tables systematically outline conventional nickel alloys and precious metal-containing nickel alloy scrap, helping you quickly grasp their characteristics and market overview.
(In addition to these listed nickel alloy scraps, if you have other nickel alloy scraps, please contact us and we will give you a very high nickel alloy scrap recycling price.)
| Alloy Type/Grade Examples | Primary Characteristics & Key Parameters | Primary Application Industries | Reference Price (USD/ton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel-based High-Temperature Alloy (Inconel 718) | Maintains high strength and excellent oxidation/gas corrosion resistance at 650-1000°C. | Aerospace (engine blades), rocket engines, nuclear reactors, energy conversion equipment. | 15,000 - 25,000 (Note: Price influenced by market supply/demand, LME nickel price, and alloy form; same applies below.) |
| Nickel-based Corrosion-Resistant Alloys (Monel 400, Hastelloy C-276) | Resistant to various acid corrosion and stress corrosion. Monel 400 (nickel-copper alloy) exhibits outstanding corrosion resistance in alkaline solutions and seawater. The Hastelloy series (nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys) demonstrates exceptional resistance to reducing acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid). | Chemical processing equipment, offshore engineering, food industry, flue gas desulfurization systems. | 12,000 - 20,000 |
| Nickel-based precision alloys | Includes soft magnetic, precision resistive, and electric heating alloys. For example, Permalloy (80% nickel) features high magnetic permeability and low coercivity. Nickel-based electric heating alloys (20% chromium) can operate continuously at 1000-1100°C. | Electronics industry (core materials), resistors, heating elements. | 10,000 - 18,000 |
| Nickel-based Shape Memory Alloys (Ni-Ti Alloys) | Excellent shape memory effect; recovery temperature adjustable between 30-100°C via composition. | Aerospace structural components, self-actuating fasteners, biomedical applications (e.g., artificial heart motors). | High, varies based on composition and application requirements |
These alloys are typically used in critical components for their specific physical properties (e.g., electrical contact performance). Though precious metal content may be low, their value remains significant. (In addition to these listed nickel alloy scraps, if you have other nickel alloy scraps, please contact us and we will give you a very high nickel scrap recycling price.)
| Alloy Type/Grade Examples | Primary Characteristics & Key Parameters | Primary Application Industries | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-Nickel Alloy (AuNi9, AuNi10) | Solid solution strengthening in nickel significantly enhances alloy hardness (e.g., AuNi9 reaches 120HV), while maintaining excellent electrical conductivity and stable contact resistance. | Electrical contact materials (relay contacts, microswitches), aerospace engine blade brazing filler. | Pricing typically based on precious metal content, referencing London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) gold prices plus processing fees. |
| Gold-Nickel Multicomponent Alloys (AuNiCr5-1) | Incorporating elements like chromium and yttrium into AuNi alloys yields low resistivity temperature coefficients, wear resistance, and extended service life. | Precision electronic components (brushes, winding materials). | Pricing generally based on precious metal content, referencing LBMA gold prices and processing fees. |
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