Forming of Nickel and Cobalt Sheet Alloys^[1]

This article tabulates the nominal compositions for nickel and cobalt alloys. It illustrates the comparison of strain-hardening rates of a number of alloys in terms of the increase in hardness with increasing cold reduction. The forming practice for age-hardenable alloys and the lubricants used in the forming processes of nickel and cobalt alloys are also discussed. The article summarizes the modification of tools and dies used for cold forming other metals, as the physical and mechanical properties of nickel and cobalt alloys frequently necessitate it. It discusses forming techniques for these alloys and provides several examples of these techniques, which include shearing, blanking, piercing, deep drawing, spinning, explosive forming, bending, and expanding/tube forming.