What is NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835?
NES 835, now published as DEF STAN 02-835, is a wrought high strength cupro nickel of nominal composition CuNi15Mn4Al1Fe. It offers general corrosion rates below 0.025 mm/year, immunity to hydrogen embrittlement, natural resistance to bio-fouling, excellent anti-galling behaviour and near insensitivity to stress corrosion. It is not a nickel aluminium bronze, and it carries higher tensile and impact strength than nickel aluminium bronze.
Should you specify NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835?
Specify DEF STAN 02-835 when the part is highly stressed, lives in seawater, and cannot tolerate hydrogen embrittlement. That combination is why it appears on submarine weapons handling equipment, high pressure marine actuation systems and subsea fasteners rather than a nickel aluminium bronze.
It is galvanically compatible with other copper alloys and with stainless steel, and it holds its properties from cryogenic service down to -169 °C up to 350 °C, so it suits assemblies that mix materials and see wide temperature swings.
Where the duty is mainly wear and seawater corrosion rather than extreme dynamic stress, a nickel aluminium bronze such as DEF STAN 02-833 or CW307G is usually the more economical answer. Where the alternative on the table is a highly processed nickel-based alloy, 02-835 is normally the lower cost route to comparable service life.
Confirm which class and grade of Issue 2 your drawing calls up, and whether DEF STAN 02-729 non-destructive testing is required, before the order is placed. Properties vary with product form and section size.
Best for highly stressed seawater and subsea components where hydrogen embrittlement, bio-fouling and stress corrosion must all be designed out.
NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835 quick reference
Typical, indicative values as published by Copper Alloys Ltd. Typical values are not specification limits, and vary with product form, section size and temper.
| Alloy type | Wrought - High strength cupro nickel (not a nickel aluminium bronze) |
|---|---|
| Nominal composition | CuNi15Mn4Al1Fe |
| Tensile strength (typical) | 725 - 770 MPa (rod 15 - 125 mm) |
| Proof / yield strength (typical) | 430 - 600 MPa (rod 15 - 125 mm) |
| Elongation (typical) | 18 - 23 % (rod 15 - 125 mm) |
| Hardness (typical) | Not published |
| Izod impact (typical) | 40 - 70 J (rod 15 - 125 mm) |
NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835 composition (% by weight)
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| Cu | Balance |
| Ni | 13.5 - 16.5 |
| Mn | 3.5 - 5.5 |
| Fe | 0.7 - 1.2 |
| Al | 1 - 2 |
| Cr | 0.5 max |
| Impurities | 0.3 max |
NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835 typical mechanical properties
| Form | Cross sectional area (mm) | Yield 0.2 % (MPa) | UTS (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Izod (J) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod | 15 - 125 | 430 - 600 | 725 - 770 | 18 - 23 | 40 - 70 |
| Rod | Over 125 | 400 - 500 | 710 - 740 | 18 - 25 | 40 - 80 |
| Forgings | All sizes | 400 - 500 | 710 - 740 | 18 - 24 | 40 - 76 |
Values as published by Copper Alloys Ltd for DEF STAN 02-835. Mechanical requirements vary with temper, product form and section size.
NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835 typical physical properties
Key features of NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835
- Highly corrosion resistant, with general corrosion rates below 0.025 mm/year.
- Immune to hydrogen embrittlement and almost insensitive to stress corrosion.
- Naturally anti bio-fouling.
- Excellent combination of strength and ductility, with higher tensile and impact strength than nickel aluminium bronze.
- Readily weldable by TIG, MIG, manual arc, friction and laser welding to BS EN 150 156114-G.
- Available as rod, bar, blocks, rings, tubes and discs up to 4,500 kg, and as customised shaped forgings up to 20,000 kg.
NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835 applications
Marine defence
- Weapons handling equipment and sump blocks
- High pressure marine actuation systems
- Components in sonar devices
- Hose couplings, gears, mechanical seals and washers
- Actuators and winch components
- Pump and propeller shafts
Petrochemical
- Subsea fasteners and bolting
- Shafts for pumps and valves, and valve spindles
- Hydraulic pistons and cylinders
- Subsea connectors and process control equipment
NES 835 / DEF STAN 02-835 equivalent specifications
Frequently asked questions
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Information provided is for reference only
The composition, mechanical and physical figures on this page are typical, indicative values compiled from published Copper Alloys Ltd datasheets to aid early-stage material selection. They are not specification limits and are not engineering, procurement, safety, regulatory or design advice.
Before specifying, purchasing or using any material, confirm the requirements against the current controlled version of the relevant standard and obtain a certified material test report and written technical confirmation from Copper Alloys Ltd or another qualified foundry.