Alloy 52 (UNS N14052, iron-nickel glass-sealing alloy) Alloy 52
Iron-nickel alloy, nominal nickel 50.5 % with iron balance, per Ulbrich (other sources print 52 % nickel
Also known as UNS N14052, EN 2.4478, DIN 17745, ASTM F30
Alloy 52 is an iron-nickel alloy, UNS N14052 and ASTM F30, developed for glass-to-metal seals.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Recipe, share of the weight
- Ni 50.5%Nickel
- Fe not statedIron
- Mn not statedManganese
- Si not statedSilicon
Best for
Matching the expansion of soft glass and some ceramics in glass-to-metal seals, such as magnetic reed switch housings
Weakest at
Corrosion and oxidation performance: no test data were found, and the Ulbrich datasheet only refers readers to NACE
Risk at a glance
- People Low. Nickel classified; alloy not tested
- If it fails Low. Loss of magnetic attraction when heated past the Curie temperature
- Corrosion No data. No corrosion data recorded
Quick facts: Alloy 52
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.3 g/cm³ | 1 sourced value |
| Yield strength | 240 MPa | 1 sourced value |
| Tensile strength | 536 to 540 MPa | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Thermal conductivity | 14 W/(m·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 9.8 to 10.3 ppm/K | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 1,425 to 1,430 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Electrical resistivity | 4.3e-7 Ω·m | 3 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Alloy 52?
Alloy 52 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the thermal conductivity of Alloy 52?
Alloy 52 has a thermal conductivity of 14 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Alloy 52?
Alloy 52 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 9.8 to 10.3 ppm/K. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Alloy 52?
Alloy 52 has a melting point of 1,425 to 1,430 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the yield strength of Alloy 52?
Alloy 52 has a yield strength of 240 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What are the other names and codes for Alloy 52?
Alloy 52 is also written as UNS N14052, EN 2.4478, DIN 17745, ASTM F30. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Alloy 52 used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Magnetic reed switches; Glass-to-metal seals that need controlled linear expansion; Seal to Elan 13 glass and stainless steel housing.
Why it exists
Alloy 52 is an iron-nickel alloy designed to seal to glass. Ulbrich says it was developed for glass-to-metal seals for some soft glasses and ceramics, and that its rate of thermal expansion is virtually constant to a temperature of about 1050°F (565°C). Its mean thermal expansion is 9.8 µm/m-°C over 25 to 450 °C in the Ulbrich datasheet. The nickel content is not agreed. Ulbrich and Hamilton Precision Metals print 50.5 %, while JLC Electromet and Elan Technology print 52 % (the Elan page writes "52% Nickel, Balance Iron"). The Ulbrich sheet gives the density as 8.30 g/cm3. The California Fine Wire datasheet gives another density, but its page could not be re-checked from the stored copy, so that figure is not recorded.
Where it's used
Magnetic reed switches
Ulbrich lists magnetic reed switches among the applications of Alloy 52 wire. The same list names glass-to-metal seals that need controlled linear expansion.
Glass-to-metal seals
Ulbrich says the alloy was developed for glass-to-metal seals for some soft glasses and ceramics. Elan Technology calls No. 52 alloy "an ideal candidate for Elan 13" and gives no expansion value for that glass.
Spacecraft use
No NASA, ESA or flight source for Alloy 52 was found. The uses above are terrestrial electronics and component applications.
Recipe
Iron-nickel alloy, nominal nickel 50.5 % with iron balance, per Ulbrich (other sources print 52 % nickel; see story.recipe)
Alloy 52 is a binary iron-nickel alloy. Ulbrich prints "Nickel: 50.5 nom" with "Iron: Balance" and small amounts of other elements, all as maximum limits. The sources do not describe the melting or rolling route beyond Ulbrich's note that the alloy can be cold rolled to a required temper.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Ni | 50.5% | Main alloying element, set to give the controlled thermal expansion for glass seals. Ulbrich prints "Nickel: 50.5 nom", Hamilton Precision Metals prints "Nickel 50.5%", and JLC prints "Ni: 52". |
| Iron Fe | not stated | Balance of the alloy, as printed by Ulbrich ("Iron: Balance"). |
| Manganese Mn | not stated | Minor element. Ulbrich lists only a maximum limit for it, with no nominal value. |
| Silicon Si | not stated | Minor element. Ulbrich lists only a maximum limit for it, with no nominal value. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Seal to soft glass
Ulbrich describes the alloy as developed for glass-to-metal seals for some soft glasses and ceramics.
Hold a steady expansion
Ulbrich says the rate of thermal expansion is virtually constant up to a temperature of about 1050°F (565°C).
Carry a magnetic function
Hamilton Precision Metals lists a Curie temperature of 510°C approx and magnetic attraction as yes.
Come in many forms
Ulbrich lists shaped, flat, square, round and fine wire, plated or bare.
How it compares
Alloy 52 is chosen for matching expansion to glass, not for conductivity or strength. Its thermal conductivity is printed in the sources at widely different values (14.0 W/m·K in one datasheet and 140 W/m·K in another), so no ranking against copper or aluminium is made here. The table compares density, melting point and expansion with other profiles on the site only in the same units and conditions.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details.
| Measurement | Alloy 52 |
|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | |
| Melting point, Alloy 52 wire (Ulbrich)Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | 1430 °C |
| Melting point, approximate (Hamilton Precision Metals) | 1425 °C2 |
| Thermal conductivity at room temperature (Hamilton Precision Metals)Value printed on a metals supplier product page | 14 W/m·K8 |
| Thermal conductivity, 20 to 100 °C (Ulbrich, metric column)Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | 140 W/m·K9 |
| Thermal conductivity, 20 to 100 °C (Ulbrich, imperial column)Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | 97 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F10 |
| Physical and electrical | |
| Density, Alloy 52 wire (Ulbrich) | 8.3 g/cm³1 |
| Electrical resistivity at 20 °C (Ulbrich)Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | 43 microhm-cm |
| Electrical resistivity at room temperature (Hamilton Precision Metals)Value printed in a metals supplier product page | 43 Microhm·cm |
| Electrical resistivity at 20 °C (JLC Electromet) | 43 µΩ-cm7 |
| Hardness, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | 73 Rb17 |
| Temperature behavior | |
| Curie temperature | 510 °C11 |
| Other measurements | |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 25 to 450 °C (Ulbrich)Mean value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | 9.8 µm/m-°C3 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet) | 10.3 µm/m-°C4 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 400 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet) | 10.1 µm/m-°C5 |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 500 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet) | 9.9 µm/m-°C6 |
| Ultimate tensile strength, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | 536 MPa12 |
| Tensile strength, nominal (JLC Electromet) | 540 N/mm213 |
| Yield strength, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | 240 MPa14 |
| Elongation, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | 30 %15 |
| Elongation (JLC Electromet) | 30 %16 |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Glass-to-metal seals: Ulbrich says the alloy was developed for soft glass and ceramic seals.
- Magnetic reed switches: Ulbrich lists this as an application.
Watch out for
- Conflicting figures: nickel is 50.5 nom in Ulbrich but 52 in JLC Electromet, and thermal conductivity differs by a factor of ten between sources.
- No corrosion, oxidation or ageing data were found. Ulbrich refers readers to NACE only.
- No flight or space test result was found for this alloy.
Alloy 52 is a glass-matching iron-nickel alloy with a documented expansion curve and a few terrestrial uses. Corrosion behaviour is unverified, and the sources disagree on nickel content and conductivity, so the figures need checking before design use.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| UNS | N14052 |
| EN | 2.4478 |
| DIN | 17745 (standard number printed under the norms for this product) |
| ASTM | F30 |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, Alloy 52 wire (Ulbrich) | Typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet (copyright January 2014, revision 6.1.2015) | form wire (Ulbrich offers shaped, flat, square, round and fine wire)temperature not statednote in source all data are considered typical values only | — |
| 2 | Melting point, approximate (Hamilton Precision Metals) | Approximate value printed on a metals supplier product page | pressure not statedqualifier printed as approximate | Differs from the Ulbrich value of 1430°C. The page prints the value as approximate. |
| 3 | Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 25 to 450 °C (Ulbrich) | — | temperature range 25 to 450 °C (printed as 77-842°F (25-450°C))temper not statedunit in source 5.4 µin/in-°F | The sheet says the rate is virtually constant up to about 565 °C (printed as 1050°F (565°C)). The imperial value 5.4 is the same quantity in µin/in-°F. |
| 4 | Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet) | Mean value printed in a metals supplier datasheet | temperature range 20 to 100 °Ctemper annealed | — |
| 5 | Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 400 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet) | Mean value printed in a metals supplier datasheet | temperature range 20 to 400 °Ctemper annealed | — |
| 6 | Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 500 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet) | Mean value printed in a metals supplier datasheet | temperature range 20 to 500 °Ctemper annealed | — |
| 7 | Electrical resistivity at 20 °C (JLC Electromet) | Nominal value printed in a metals supplier datasheet | temperature 20 °C | — |
| 8 | Thermal conductivity at room temperature (Hamilton Precision Metals) | — | temperature room temperature (R.T., as printed) | Conflicts with 140 W/m·K printed by Ulbrich for the metric column. This value agrees with the Ulbrich imperial figure of 97 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F, which converts to about this magnitude. The record does not resolve the conflict. |
| 9 | Thermal conductivity, 20 to 100 °C (Ulbrich, metric column) | — | temperature range 68-212°F (20-100°C) | Conflicts with 14.0 W/m·K from Hamilton Precision Metals. It is the metric column of the same row that prints 97 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F, so it may be a misprint; this record keeps both as printed. |
| 10 | Thermal conductivity, 20 to 100 °C (Ulbrich, imperial column) | — | temperature range 68-212°F (20-100°C) | Printed beside the metric value of 140 W/m·K in the same row. |
| 11 | Curie temperature | Approximate value printed on a metals supplier product page | qualifier printed as approximate | — |
| 12 | Ultimate tensile strength, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | temper annealed (typical, nominal)unit in source 78 KSI nom | — |
| 13 | Tensile strength, nominal (JLC Electromet) | Nominal value printed in a metals supplier datasheet | temper not statedtemperature room temperature (as printed) | Differs from the Ulbrich annealed typical value of 536 MPa; the JLC page does not state the temper. |
| 14 | Yield strength, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | temper annealed (typical, nominal)unit in source 35 KSI nom | — |
| 15 | Elongation, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | temper annealed (typical, nominal)gauge length not stated | — |
| 16 | Elongation (JLC Electromet) | Nominal value printed in a metals supplier datasheet | gauge length 100 mm (L0=100 mm as printed)temperature room temperature (as printed) | — |
| 17 | Hardness, annealed typical (Ulbrich) | Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet | temper annealed (typical, nominal)scale Rb as printed | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Not stated in the sources read | not rated | No corrosion or oxidation test result was found for Alloy 52 in the sources we read.1 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not stated in the sources read | The Ulbrich datasheet's corrosion entry says only to refer to NACE for recommendations. No environment, exposure time or rate is given, so no corrosion rating is recorded. | basis datasheet entry only; no testexposure not stated |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
No safety data sheet for Alloy 52 was found. The hazard classifications available are for nickel, a main constituent.
- Nickel in the alloy
- PubChem's aggregated classification for nickel gives the signal word Danger and includes H317 and H372, among other statements. These describe nickel as a substance, not the alloy.
- Wire and powder
- Ulbrich offers wire in several forms, including fine wire. Fine wire and dust from machining should be handled as nickel-containing material, since no alloy-specific data were found.
If it fails
The sources give little on failure. The one failure route recorded is a magnetic one.
- Heating past the Curie temperature
- Hamilton Precision Metals gives a Curie temperature of 510°C approx and lists magnetic attraction as yes. Above that temperature the alloy loses its magnetic attraction, and the source gives no consequence data for reed switches.
- Corrosion
- Ulbrich's corrosion entry refers readers to NACE and gives no data. Service in corrosive environments is therefore unverified.
Handling and storage
- Temper
- Ulbrich says Alloy 52 can be cold rolled to produce the temper a customer requires, and that it cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
- Welding
- Ulbrich refers readers to the SSINA guide on welding stainless steels and other joining methods.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Loss of magnetic attraction when heated past the Curie temperaturelow severity | Heating above about 510 °CThe Hamilton Precision Metals page gives a Curie temperature of 510°C approx and lists magnetic attraction as yes. The source gives no consequence data for seals or reed switches. |
Handling and storage
- Ulbrich states that Alloy 52 is non hardenable by heat treatment.
- Ulbrich refers readers to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) guide, Welding of Stainless Steels and Other Joining Methods, for welding.
- Ulbrich states that all data in its document are typical values only and not recommended for specification, design or engineering purposes.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Nickel
- Top producers (2025)
- Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%
- Critical mineral lists
- US: listed
- Recycling
- USGS: nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption in 2025. Most secondary nickel was in the form of nickel content of stainless-steel scrap.
- Substitutes
- USGS: low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels have been substituted for austenitic grades in construction; titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.
Iron
- Top producers (2025)
- Australia 37.7%, Brazil 16.2%, India 11.9%
- Critical mineral lists
- US: not listed
- Recycling
- Not found in the iron ore chapter read for this profile; iron and steel scrap is covered in a separate USGS chapter that was not opened.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
| Document | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy 52, UNS N14052, Ulbrich wire datasheet (revision 6.1.2015) | datasheet | 2015 |
| HPM Ni 52 (UNS N14052) product page, Hamilton Precision Metals | datasheet | |
| Alloy 52 controlled-expansion alloy page, JLC Electromet | datasheet | |
| Alloy 52 (CFW 100004) datasheet, California Fine Wire | datasheet | |
| IMPHY N52 product page, Aperam | datasheet | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel | report | 2026 |
| PubChem compound record for nickel (CID 935), GHS classification | database |
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
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spore: profile
id: alloy-52
spore_version: 0.2
family: controlled-expansion-alloys
name: Alloy 52 (UNS N14052, iron-nickel glass-sealing alloy)
abbreviation: Alloy 52
role: controlled-expansion glass-sealing alloy
category: metals
type: nickel-superalloys
summary: |
Alloy 52 is an iron-nickel alloy, UNS N14052 and ASTM F30, developed for glass-to-metal seals. The Ulbrich wire datasheet gives a density of 8.30 g/cm3 and a melting point of 1430°C, and a mean coefficient of thermal expansion of 9.8 µm/m-°C over 25 to 450°C. The sources disagree on nickel content: Ulbrich prints "Nickel: 50.5 nom", while JLC Electromet prints "Ni: 52" and Elan prints "52% Nickel, Balance Iron". No corrosion test result was found in the sources read.
best_for: Matching the expansion of soft glass and some ceramics in glass-to-metal seals, such as magnetic reed switch housings
weakest_at: 'Corrosion and oxidation performance: no test data were found, and the Ulbrich datasheet only refers readers to NACE'
identity:
formula: Iron-nickel alloy, nominal nickel 50.5 % with iron balance, per Ulbrich (other sources print 52 % nickel; see story.recipe)
source: ulbrich-52
where: Title block (Alloy 52, UNS N14052, ASTM F30) and Chemistry Typical table
designations:
- system: UNS
code: N14052
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Title block: Alloy 52, UNS N14052'
- system: ASTM
code: F30
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Title block: ASTM F30'
- system: EN
code: '2.4478'
source: aperam-n52
where: 'Norms list for IMPHY N52: 2.4478'
- system: DIN
code: '17745'
note: standard number printed under the norms for this product
source: aperam-n52
where: Norms list for IMPHY N52
tags:
applications:
- electronics-and-chips
properties:
- benchmark: density
label: Density, Alloy 52 wire (Ulbrich)
value: 8.3
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
form: wire (Ulbrich offers shaped, flat, square, round and fine wire)
temperature: not stated
note_in_source: all data are considered typical values only
method: Typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet (copyright January 2014, revision 6.1.2015)
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Physical Properties, Density: 0.30 lb/in3, 8.30 g/cm3'
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point, Alloy 52 wire (Ulbrich)
value: 1430
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
pressure: not stated
unit_in_source: 2600°F
method: Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Physical Properties, Melting Point: 2600°F (1430°C)'
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point, approximate (Hamilton Precision Metals)
value: 1425
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
pressure: not stated
qualifier: printed as approximate
method: Approximate value printed on a metals supplier product page
status: ground
note: Differs from the Ulbrich value of 1430°C. The page prints the value as approximate.
source: hpm-ni52
where: Physical Properties, Melting Point (Approx.) 1425°C
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 25 to 450 °C (Ulbrich)
value: 9.8
unit: µm/m-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 25 to 450 °C (printed as 77-842°F (25-450°C))
temper: not stated
unit_in_source: 5.4 µin/in-°F
method: Mean value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
note: The sheet says the rate is virtually constant up to about 565 °C (printed as 1050°F (565°C)). The imperial value 5.4 is the same quantity in µin/in-°F.
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Physical Properties, Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 77-842°F (25-450°C): 5.4 (9.8)'
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet)
value: 10.3
unit: µm/m-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 100 °C
temper: annealed
method: Mean value printed in a metals supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: jlc-52
where: 'Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion in Annealed Condition (µm/m-°C), temperature range 20-100 °C: 10.3'
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 400 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet)
value: 10.1
unit: µm/m-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 400 °C
temper: annealed
method: Mean value printed in a metals supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: jlc-52
where: 'Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion in Annealed Condition (µm/m-°C), temperature range 20-400 °C: 10.1'
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 500 °C, annealed (JLC Electromet)
value: 9.9
unit: µm/m-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 500 °C
temper: annealed
method: Mean value printed in a metals supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: jlc-52
where: 'Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion in Annealed Condition (µm/m-°C), temperature range 20-500 °C: 9.9'
- benchmark: electrical_resistivity
label: Electrical resistivity at 20 °C (Ulbrich)
value: 43
unit: microhm-cm
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 68°F (20°C)
unit_in_source: 258 ohm-cir-mil/ft
method: Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Physical Properties, Electrical Resistivity, At 68°F (20°C): 258(43)'
- benchmark: electrical_resistivity
label: Electrical resistivity at room temperature (Hamilton Precision Metals)
value: 43
unit: Microhm·cm
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: room temperature (R.T., as printed)
method: Value printed in a metals supplier product page
status: ground
source: hpm-ni52
where: Physical Properties, Electrical Resistivity @ R.T. 43 Microhm·cm
- benchmark: electrical_resistivity
label: Electrical resistivity at 20 °C (JLC Electromet)
value: 43
unit: µΩ-cm
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
method: Nominal value printed in a metals supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: jlc-52
where: 'Nominal Physical, Electrical & Mechanical Properties (at room temperature), Electrical Resistivity at 20 °C (µΩ-cm): 43'
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at room temperature (Hamilton Precision Metals)
value: 14
unit: W/m·K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: room temperature (R.T., as printed)
method: Value printed on a metals supplier product page
status: ground
note: Conflicts with 140 W/m·K printed by Ulbrich for the metric column. This value agrees with the Ulbrich imperial figure of 97 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F, which converts to about this magnitude. The record does not resolve the conflict.
source: hpm-ni52
where: Physical Properties, Thermal Conductivity @ R.T. 14.0 W/m·K
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity, 20 to 100 °C (Ulbrich, metric column)
value: 140
unit: W/m·K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 68-212°F (20-100°C)
method: Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
note: Conflicts with 14.0 W/m·K from Hamilton Precision Metals. It is the metric column of the same row that prints 97 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F, so it may be a misprint; this record keeps both as printed.
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Physical Properties, Thermal Conductivity: BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F (W/m·K), 68-212°F (20-100°C): 97(140)'
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity, 20 to 100 °C (Ulbrich, imperial column)
value: 97
unit: BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 68-212°F (20-100°C)
method: Value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
note: Printed beside the metric value of 140 W/m·K in the same row.
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Physical Properties, Thermal Conductivity: BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F (W/m·K), 68-212°F (20-100°C): 97(140)'
- benchmark: curie_temperature
label: Curie temperature
value: 510
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
qualifier: printed as approximate
method: Approximate value printed on a metals supplier product page
status: ground
source: hpm-ni52
where: Physical Properties, Curie Temperature 510°C Approx
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, annealed typical (Ulbrich)
value: 536
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: annealed (typical, nominal)
unit_in_source: 78 KSI nom
method: Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature, Annealed Typical, Ultimate Tensile Strength: 78 KSI nom (536 MPa nom)'
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, nominal (JLC Electromet)
value: 540
unit: N/mm2
scope: material
conditions:
temper: not stated
temperature: room temperature (as printed)
method: Nominal value printed in a metals supplier datasheet
status: ground
note: Differs from the Ulbrich annealed typical value of 536 MPa; the JLC page does not state the temper.
source: jlc-52
where: 'Nominal Physical, Electrical & Mechanical Properties (at room temperature), Tensile Strength (N/mm²): 540'
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength, annealed typical (Ulbrich)
value: 240
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: annealed (typical, nominal)
unit_in_source: 35 KSI nom
method: Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature, Annealed Typical, Yield Strength: 35 KSI nom (240 MPa nom)'
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation, annealed typical (Ulbrich)
value: 30
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
temper: annealed (typical, nominal)
gauge_length: not stated
method: Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature, Annealed Typical: Elongation: 30% nom'
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation (JLC Electromet)
value: 30
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
gauge_length: 100 mm (L0=100 mm as printed)
temperature: room temperature (as printed)
method: Nominal value printed in a metals supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: jlc-52
where: 'Nominal Physical, Electrical & Mechanical Properties, Elongation (% at L0=100 mm): 30'
- benchmark: hardness
label: Hardness, annealed typical (Ulbrich)
value: 73
unit: Rb
scope: material
conditions:
temper: annealed (typical, nominal)
scale: Rb as printed
method: Nominal typical value printed in a wire supplier datasheet
status: ground
source: ulbrich-52
where: 'Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature, Annealed Typical, Hardness: Rb 73 nom'
corrosion:
- environment: Not stated in the sources read
headline: No corrosion or oxidation test result was found for Alloy 52 in the sources we read.
effect: The Ulbrich datasheet's corrosion entry says only to refer to NACE for recommendations. No environment, exposure time or rate is given, so no corrosion rating is recorded.
rating: unknown
conditions:
basis: datasheet entry only; no test
exposure: not stated
source: ulbrich-52
where: Additional Properties, Corrosion Resistance
risks:
hazards:
- text: PubChem reports, from aggregated ECHA notifications for nickel (CID 935), signal word Danger, with hazard statements H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction), H334 (may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled), H341 (suspected of causing genetic defects), H350 (may cause cancer), H351 (suspected of causing cancer), H360F (may damage fertility), H372 (causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure) and H412 (harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects).
ghs:
- H317
- H334
- H341
- H350
- H351
- H360F
- H372
- H412
source: pubchem-ni
where: GHS Classification, aggregated ECHA entry for nickel (CID 935)
- text: These are the classifications for nickel, a main constituent of Alloy 52, not for the alloy itself. No safety data sheet for Alloy 52 wire was found in this run.
ghs: []
source: pubchem-ni
where: GHS Classification (scope note by Space Mushroom)
failure_risks:
- mode: Loss of magnetic attraction when heated past the Curie temperature
trigger: Heating above about 510 °C
consequence: The Hamilton Precision Metals page gives a Curie temperature of 510°C approx and lists magnetic attraction as yes. The source gives no consequence data for seals or reed switches.
severity: low
source: hpm-ni52
where: Physical Properties, Curie Temperature; Magnetic Attraction row
side_effects: []
handling:
- text: Ulbrich states that Alloy 52 is non hardenable by heat treatment.
source: ulbrich-52
where: Heat Treatment section
- text: Ulbrich refers readers to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) guide, Welding of Stainless Steels and Other Joining Methods, for welding.
source: ulbrich-52
where: Welding section
- text: Ulbrich states that all data in its document are typical values only and not recommended for specification, design or engineering purposes.
source: ulbrich-52
where: Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty
mitigations: []
uses:
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Magnetic reed switches
example: Ulbrich lists magnetic reed switches among the applications of Alloy 52 wire.
source: ulbrich-52
where: Applications list
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Glass-to-metal seals that need controlled linear expansion
example: Ulbrich says the alloy was developed for glass-to-metal seals for some of the soft glasses and ceramics, and that its rate of thermal expansion is virtually constant to a temperature of about 1050°F (565°C).
source: ulbrich-52
where: Alloy 52 Description and Applications list
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Seal to Elan 13 glass and stainless steel housing
example: Elan Technology states that No. 52 alloy is an ideal candidate for Elan 13; its page gives no thermal expansion value for the matched glass.
source: elan-52
where: Glass recommendations summary
supply:
- subject: Nickel
producers:
- country: Indonesia
share_percent: 66.7
year: 2025
- country: Philippines
share_percent: 6.9
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.1
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: USGS Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (nickel printed on the list)
listed: true
recycling: 'USGS: nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption in 2025. Most secondary nickel was in the form of nickel content of stainless-steel scrap.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels have been substituted for austenitic grades in construction; titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-nickel
where: 'World Mine Production and Reserves table, mine production 2025e (world total 3,900,000 t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom: 2,600,000, 270,000 and 200,000 t); Recycling; Substitutes'
- subject: Iron
producers:
- country: Australia
share_percent: 37.7
year: 2025
- country: Brazil
share_percent: 16.2
year: 2025
- country: India
share_percent: 11.9
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: USGS Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (iron and iron ore not listed)
listed: false
recycling: Not found in the iron ore chapter read for this profile; iron and steel scrap is covered in a separate USGS chapter that was not opened.
substitutes: []
source: usgs-mcs2026-iron-ore
where: World Mine Production table, usable ore, 2025e (world total 2,600,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from 980,000, 420,000 and 310,000 thousand t)
documents:
- title: Alloy 52, UNS N14052, Ulbrich wire datasheet (revision 6.1.2015)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.ulbrich.com/uploads/data-sheets/Alloy-52-Wire-UNS-N14052.pdf
year: 2015
- title: HPM Ni 52 (UNS N14052) product page, Hamilton Precision Metals
type: datasheet
url: https://www.hpmetals.com/products/materials/nickel-strip-foil/hpm-ni-52
- title: Alloy 52 controlled-expansion alloy page, JLC Electromet
type: datasheet
url: https://www.jlcelectromet.com/controlled-expansion-glass-sealing-alloys.html
- title: Alloy 52 (CFW 100004) datasheet, California Fine Wire
type: datasheet
url: https://calfinewire.com/datasheets/100004-alloy52
- title: IMPHY N52 product page, Aperam
type: datasheet
url: https://www.aperam.com/product/imphy-n52/
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
- title: PubChem compound record for nickel (CID 935), GHS classification
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Nickel
gaps:
- No corrosion, oxidation or ageing test result for Alloy 52 was found. The Ulbrich sheet refers to NACE only, and the ASM Alloy Digest entry is behind a paywall.
- No NASA, ESA or flight result for Alloy 52 was found. The uses listed are terrestrial.
- Young's modulus is printed by Hamilton Precision Metals as 24 X 106 PSI, with the exponent set as a superscript, so it is left out. No metric modulus was found.
- Coefficient of thermal expansion values printed with a power of ten (Hamilton Precision Metals 10.0 X 10-6 /°C; California Fine Wire 9.8 x 10-6 in/in ºC) are left out.
- Thermal conductivity conflicts (14.0 and 140 W/m·K, and 97 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F) are recorded as printed and not resolved. The California Fine Wire value of 0.132000 W/cm/ºC is left out because it is in a unit this profile does not use.
- 'Nickel content conflicts: Ulbrich and Hamilton print 50.5 nominal, JLC prints 52, Elan prints 52 %, California Fine Wire prints 50.0000 %, and Aperam prints Fe Ni52 as the nominal grade. The profile uses the Ulbrich nominal.'
- DIN 1.3923 is printed under the norms of IMPHY N52 on the Aperam page, but the page does not say it is the same grade, so it is not recorded as a designation.
- No safety data sheet for Alloy 52 wire was found. The hazard entries are for nickel, from PubChem.
- The California Fine Wire datasheet (100004) was blocked to automated checks, so its density and melting point could not be re-checked and are not recorded. Its nominal composition is printed as 50.0000 % nickel, which conflicts with the other sources.
- Specific heat (0.115 cal/g in the California Fine Wire sheet), temperature coefficient of resistance and Poisson's ratio each appear in one source and were not recorded.
- The JLC Electromet page could not be fetched by the automated check (the stored copy is a short error page), so its six values were read in a live fetch but are not machine-checked.
- Iron recycling is not stated in the iron ore chapter. Supply shares are calculated from production tables and are not printed by USGS.
- The ASTM F30 standard text was not opened; F30 is recorded only as the designation printed on the Ulbrich and JLC pages.
sources:
ulbrich-52:
title: Alloy 52, UNS N14052, Shaped, Flat, Square, Round, Fine Wire (Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc.)
id: Copyright January 2014, revision 6.1.2015
url: https://www.ulbrich.com/uploads/data-sheets/Alloy-52-Wire-UNS-N14052.pdf
year: 2015
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet, typical values only (cited, not reproduced)
hpm-ni52:
title: HPM Ni 52 (UNS N14052), Hamilton Precision Metals product page
id: HPM Ni 52 • UNS N14052
url: https://www.hpmetals.com/products/materials/nickel-strip-foil/hpm-ni-52
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
jlc-52:
title: Controlled Expansion Glass Sealing Alloys, JLC Electromet
id: Werkstoff Nr 2.4478; UNS N14052; ASTM F30
url: https://www.jlcelectromet.com/controlled-expansion-glass-sealing-alloys.html
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
calfine-52:
title: Alloy 52 datasheet 100004, California Fine Wire Company
id: CFW datasheet 100004
url: https://calfinewire.com/datasheets/100004-alloy52
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
elan-52:
title: Glass Recommendations for No. 52 Alloy, Elan Technology
id: ASTMF-30 (designation as printed)
url: https://www.elantechnology.com/?p=227
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
aperam-n52:
title: IMPHY N52, Aperam product page
id: 'Norms: 1.3923, 2.4478, UNS N14052, DIN 17745, ASTM F30'
url: https://www.aperam.com/product/imphy-n52/
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
usgs-mcs2026-nickel:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-mcs2026-iron-ore:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Iron Ore
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-iron-ore.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-critical-2025:
title: About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals (USGS)
id: Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals, November 2025
url: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/about-2025-list-critical-minerals
year: 2025
kind: web
license: public domain (USGS)
pubchem-ni:
title: PubChem compound record, Nickel (CID 935), GHS classification (aggregated ECHA data)
id: CID 935
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Nickel
year: 2026
kind: database
license: public domain (NCBI)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 20
unreachable: 3
caveats: 4
note: 'Values read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the pages and PDFs named in each entry (Ulbrich and USGS PDFs extracted with pdftotext). verify-values: 14 of 20 values matched their source text, 0 not found; the JLC Electromet page could not be fetched by the automated check, so its six values were checked by live read only. Unreachable: the suppliersonline Alloy 52 page (HTTP 503), the ASM Alloy Digest (paywalled), and the California Fine Wire datasheet (blocked to automated checks; no values recorded from it). Caveats: values conflict between sources (thermal conductivity, nickel content); all supplier values are typical or nominal; no corrosion data; the supply shares are calculated.'
story:
recipe:
line: 'Alloy 52 is a binary iron-nickel alloy. Ulbrich prints "Nickel: 50.5 nom" with "Iron: Balance" and small amounts of other elements, all as maximum limits. The sources do not describe the melting or rolling route beyond Ulbrich''s note that the alloy can be cold rolled to a required temper.'
parts:
- name: Nickel
symbol: Ni
share_percent: 50.5
role: 'Main alloying element, set to give the controlled thermal expansion for glass seals. Ulbrich prints "Nickel: 50.5 nom", Hamilton Precision Metals prints "Nickel 50.5%", and JLC prints "Ni: 52".'
- name: Iron
symbol: Fe
role: 'Balance of the alloy, as printed by Ulbrich ("Iron: Balance").'
- name: Manganese
symbol: Mn
role: Minor element. Ulbrich lists only a maximum limit for it, with no nominal value.
- name: Silicon
symbol: Si
role: Minor element. Ulbrich lists only a maximum limit for it, with no nominal value.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 1
verdict: Nickel classified; alloy not tested
lead: No safety data sheet for Alloy 52 was found. The hazard classifications available are for nickel, a main constituent.
points:
- label: Nickel in the alloy
line: PubChem's aggregated classification for nickel gives the signal word Danger and includes H317 and H372, among other statements. These describe nickel as a substance, not the alloy.
- label: Wire and powder
line: Ulbrich offers wire in several forms, including fine wire. Fine wire and dust from machining should be handled as nickel-containing material, since no alloy-specific data were found.
- title: If it fails
lead: The sources give little on failure. The one failure route recorded is a magnetic one.
points:
- label: Heating past the Curie temperature
line: Hamilton Precision Metals gives a Curie temperature of 510°C approx and lists magnetic attraction as yes. Above that temperature the alloy loses its magnetic attraction, and the source gives no consequence data for reed switches.
- label: Corrosion
line: Ulbrich's corrosion entry refers readers to NACE and gives no data. Service in corrosive environments is therefore unverified.
- title: Handling and storage
points:
- label: Temper
line: Ulbrich says Alloy 52 can be cold rolled to produce the temper a customer requires, and that it cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
- label: Welding
line: Ulbrich refers readers to the SSINA guide on welding stainless steels and other joining methods.
why: Alloy 52 is an iron-nickel alloy designed to seal to glass. Ulbrich says it was developed for glass-to-metal seals for some soft glasses and ceramics, and that its rate of thermal expansion is virtually constant to a temperature of about 1050°F (565°C). Its mean thermal expansion is 9.8 µm/m-°C over 25 to 450 °C in the Ulbrich datasheet. The nickel content is not agreed. Ulbrich and Hamilton Precision Metals print 50.5 %, while JLC Electromet and Elan Technology print 52 % (the Elan page writes "52% Nickel, Balance Iron"). The Ulbrich sheet gives the density as 8.30 g/cm3. The California Fine Wire datasheet gives another density, but its page could not be re-checked from the stored copy, so that figure is not recorded.
uses:
- where: Magnetic reed switches
line: Ulbrich lists magnetic reed switches among the applications of Alloy 52 wire. The same list names glass-to-metal seals that need controlled linear expansion.
- where: Glass-to-metal seals
line: Ulbrich says the alloy was developed for glass-to-metal seals for some soft glasses and ceramics. Elan Technology calls No. 52 alloy "an ideal candidate for Elan 13" and gives no expansion value for that glass.
- where: Spacecraft use
line: No NASA, ESA or flight source for Alloy 52 was found. The uses above are terrestrial electronics and component applications.
can_do:
- label: Seal to soft glass
line: Ulbrich describes the alloy as developed for glass-to-metal seals for some soft glasses and ceramics.
- label: Hold a steady expansion
line: Ulbrich says the rate of thermal expansion is virtually constant up to a temperature of about 1050°F (565°C).
- label: Carry a magnetic function
line: Hamilton Precision Metals lists a Curie temperature of 510°C approx and magnetic attraction as yes.
- label: Come in many forms
line: Ulbrich lists shaped, flat, square, round and fine wire, plated or bare.
compare: Alloy 52 is chosen for matching expansion to glass, not for conductivity or strength. Its thermal conductivity is printed in the sources at widely different values (14.0 W/m·K in one datasheet and 140 W/m·K in another), so no ranking against copper or aluminium is made here. The table compares density, melting point and expansion with other profiles on the site only in the same units and conditions.
compare_rows:
- label: Density
benchmark: density
- label: Melting point
benchmark: melting_point
- label: Thermal expansion
benchmark: cte
handling:
- Specify the temper, since the sources give annealed typical values and cold rolling changes strength.
- Do not expect heat treatment to harden the alloy; Ulbrich says it is non hardenable.
- No safety data sheet for the alloy was found, so check the supplier's sheet before machining or dusting.
good_for:
- 'Glass-to-metal seals: Ulbrich says the alloy was developed for soft glass and ceramic seals.'
- 'Magnetic reed switches: Ulbrich lists this as an application.'
watch_out:
- 'Conflicting figures: nickel is 50.5 nom in Ulbrich but 52 in JLC Electromet, and thermal conductivity differs by a factor of ten between sources.'
- No corrosion, oxidation or ageing data were found. Ulbrich refers readers to NACE only.
- No flight or space test result was found for this alloy.
verdict: Alloy 52 is a glass-matching iron-nickel alloy with a documented expansion curve and a few terrestrial uses. Corrosion behaviour is unverified, and the sources disagree on nickel content and conductivity, so the figures need checking before design use.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy 52, UNS N14052, Shaped, Flat, Square, Round, Fine Wire (Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc.) | datasheet | 2015 | 17 values | |
| HPM Ni 52 (UNS N14052), Hamilton Precision Metals product page | datasheet | 5 values | ||
| Controlled Expansion Glass Sealing Alloys, JLC Electromet | datasheet | 6 values | ||
| Alloy 52 datasheet 100004, California Fine Wire Company | datasheet | 0 values | ||
| Glass Recommendations for No. 52 Alloy, Elan Technology | datasheet | 1 value | ||
| IMPHY N52, Aperam product page | datasheet | 0 values | ||
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Iron Ore | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals (USGS) | web | 2025 | 0 values | |
| PubChem compound record, Nickel (CID 935), GHS classification (aggregated ECHA data) | database | 2026 | 2 values |
Updated