The 200 nickel round rod meets American Society for Testing and Materials International ASTM B160 specifications, has an unpolished (mill) surface, and has a standard tolerance. The 200 nickel alloy has excellent resistance to corrosion from caustic alkalis and is made from 99.6% nickel. This material is magnetic and has good thermal and electrical conductivity.

Nickel alloys provide good corrosion resistance, stability in heat, and strength. They may be alloyed with elements such as copper, chromium, molybdenum, or iron. Some nickel alloys provide greater resistance to corrosion from harsh substances than many stainless steels, while other nickel alloys maintain high strength, resistance to oxidation and carburization, or dimensional stability at high temperatures.

Tensile strength, used to indicate a material’s overall strength, is the peak stress it can withstand before it breaks. Wear resistance indicates the ability to prevent surface damage caused by contact with other surfaces. Hardness (commonly measured as indentation hardness) describes the material's resistance to permanent surface deformation. Formability indicates how easily the material can be permanently shaped. Weldability characterizes its ability to be welded.