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Types of Monel & Its Scrap Value

Monel can be a top choice for high-performance metals in challenging environments. This nickel-based alloy is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, heat, and mechanical stress, making it ideal for use in industries that demand durability and longevity. But what are Monel’s various grades, typical uses, and the economic benefits of recycling Monel scrap?

What is Monel?


Monel is a nickel-based alloy primarily composed of two-thirds nickel and one-third copper, with small amounts of other elements like iron and manganese. Developed in the early 20th century, Monel’s popularity has grown steadily across various industries, from marine engineering to aerospace and chemical processing. Its resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and harsh environments sets it apart from other materials like stainless steel.

Types of Monel and Their Characteristics

Monel comes in several grades, each tailored to specific applications and environments. Below are the most common types of Monel and their defining characteristics:

  • Monel 400: This is one of the most widely used Monel alloys. It is highly resistant to hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids, making it a popular choice in chemical, oil, and marine industries.
  • Monel 401: This grade is typically used in electrical and electronic applications due to its low electrical resistivity under corrosive conditions. Its ability to maintain its structure over a wide range of temperatures makes it well-suited to electronic components.
  • Monel 404: This is known for its excellent strength retention across various temperature ranges, making it an ideal candidate for harsh environments. It also displays low permeability, which is crucial for electronics that require reliable strength and stability.
  • Monel K 500: This grade combines the excellent corrosion resistance of Monel 400 with enhanced strength and hardness. It is often used in extreme marine and chemical environments where durability and resistance to stress corrosion are critical.
  • Monel R 405: This variety is optimized for heavy machinery due to its added sulfur content. It is a popular choice for automatic screw machines as well.

The High Cost of Mining Monel

Monel is an expensive metal alloy, costing six to eight times more than 304 stainless steel. The high price is primarily due to the difficulty of mining and refining nickel. For many small machine shops and fabricators, sourcing Monel in small quantities can be a challenge.

However, one effective way to balance out the cost of purchasing these materials is to recycle any scrap Monel your industry creates as a byproduct of its work.

How Much Is Scrap Monel Worth?

In many cases, Monel can be two to three times more expensive than typical stainless steel grades like 304 or 316. Still, exact pricing differences can fluctuate depending on market conditions and demand for specialty metals.

Monel Scrap Metal: Recycling and Economic Benefits

Recycling monel is economically and environmentally beneficial. Monel scrap has a significant value because of its high nickel and copper content. Industries that require monel components, such as chemical processing and marine engineering, often purchase recycled monel to cut costs while still receiving high-quality material.

How RRCarbide Can Help with Monel Recycling

This is where RRCarbide can enter and help you make those material and monetary gains. We specialize in purchasing and recycling Monel scrap and other specialty alloys like tungsten, cobalt, and Hastelloy. Our team understands the complexities of handling and processing high-value metals like Monel, which is why we offer customized solutions to machine shops, manufacturers, and industrial clients across the country. Whether you have leftover Monel remnants, off-cuts, or decommissioned components, we provide competitive pricing and efficient service to help you turn your scrap into revenue.

Contact RRCarbide today to learn how we can help you maximize the value of your Monel scrap metal and support sustainable recycling practices in your business.

Please attach one photo of the material (our team may ask for additional photos). We also may request samples for proper pricing.
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Blog Monel

Where Can You Find Scrap Monel?

Monel is a unique nickel-copper alloy that stands out for its resistance to corrosion and harsh environments, making it highly valuable in various industries. However, it’s not as commonly encountered as other metals, which raises the question: where can scrap Monel be found? Whether you’re a scrapper, a metal shop, or a business owner, here’s where to look for this valuable material and how to turn it into cash.

Common Sources of Scrap Monel

Monel’s material makeup makes it a go-to material for specialized industrial applications, meaning it’s more likely to be found in specific environments rather than everyday household items. If you work in one of these particular sectors, keep an eye out for this valuable scrap material:

  1. Marine Equipment and Applications: Monel’s resistance to seawater corrosion makes it an essential material in the marine industry. It is found in items like blades, pumping shafts, and valves. Monel 400 and K-500 are typically used for these.
  2. Oil And Refinery Sector: Often used in crude oil towers, well pumps, and propellor shafts. Monel is needed in the presence of hydrofluoric acid as it offers exceptional resistance and can handle extremely high temperatures. Expect to see Monel 400 in these use cases.
  3. Aerospace Industry: This is needed for the incredibly dynamic temperatures experienced by jets and other aeronautic vehicles in this industry. Monel stays strong and maintains its shape even at high temperatures and speed. It likely will be Monel 401 and 404. While not as prevalent in modern planes, older aircraft may still have many Monel components.

Identifying Scrap Monel

If you are unsure if you have Monel, there are a few ways to tell what you have. One challenge with scrapping Monel is its similarity to other nickel-based alloys, such as stainless steel. A magnet test can help, as Monel is generally non-magnetic or weakly magnetic. The surface feel of the metal can also be telling. While unfinished, other metals like stainless steel can be rough to the touch, but Monel is smooth.

Most rare earth metals can be very tricky to identify without an XRF analyzer, and Monel can sometimes have a greenish tint. Visually, it looks very similar to other metals like Stainless Steel or Inconel, but it helps to know where the materials come from or are sourced. While rare, it usually ends up at scrap yards in the form of turnings or screw stock

How To Cash In On Scrap Monel

Scrap Monel is more valuable than common metals like stainless steel or aluminum. To ensure you get the best price:

  • Check Local Scrap Yards: Many local yards may not deal with Monel often, but it’s always worth asking. The high value of the metal makes it worth your while.
  • Reach out to RRCarbide: While a local yard may be close by, RRCarbide is a transparent and reliable source of information, offering the most current and competitive pricing with easy shipping.

Why Recycling Monel Matters

Monel is a valuable resource, and its corrosion-resistant properties make it indispensable in harsh environments. Recycling monel not only prevents waste in the above industries but also ensures that these sectors continue to function and have access to new materials. Given its value, you should try to recycle it whenever possible.

Although not as commonly found as other scrap metals, Monel’s value makes it worth the hunt. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon some, recycling it can result in a decent payday and contribute to sustainable material use.

Reach out to RRCarbide to responsibly recycle your Monel today!

Please attach one photo of the material (our team may ask for additional photos). We also may request samples for proper pricing.
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Monel

Monel Grades

At RRCarbide.com we have the ability to buy your scrap high-temperature Monel Alloys. These will be base on grades, weights, and forms when it comes to pricing.

  • Monel 400
  • Monel 401
  • Monel 404
  • Monel 502
  • Monel K 500
  • Monely R 405
  • Monel 502