Mangaanin

Mangaanin, more commonly spelled manganin, refers to a copper-based alloy composed primarily of copper with manganese and nickel added in small amounts. The typical composition is about 84% copper, with roughly 12% manganese and 4% nickel, though exact formulations vary by manufacturer. The alloy is valued for its relatively high resistivity among copper alloys and for its exceptionally low and stable temperature coefficient of resistance, making it useful in precision electrical applications.

The key property of manganin is its resistance stability over a wide range of temperatures. Unlike pure copper, manganin’s resistivity changes only slightly with temperature, which helps maintain consistent electrical measurements in environments where temperature varies. This characteristic, combined with good corrosion resistance and ductility, makes manganin suitable for making resistors that act as standards and reference elements in metrology, as well as for resistance wires used in calibration equipment and thermal sensors.

Manufacture involves melting and alloying copper with manganese and nickel, followed by forming and annealing to relieve stresses and optimize its microstructure. The material can be drawn into wires or formed into thin films and resistive elements while maintaining its stable resistance properties.

Applications of manganin have historically included resistance standards, precision shunts, and temperature-stable resistors in laboratory instrumentation. While advances in contemporary materials have introduced alternatives for some roles, manganin remains a classic material in precision resistance technology due to its reliable temperature stability and workable mechanical properties.