Duplex Stainless

Steels
Contents
Answers for today’s challenges........................................................................4

The expert’s voice................................................................................................5

Product positioning..............................................................................................6

Product suitability..................................................................................................8

Chemical composition.........................................................................................9

Mechanical properties.....................................................................................10

Physical properties............................................................................................13

Corrosion resistance.........................................................................................14

Product assortment..........................................................................................16

Fabrication...........................................................................................................17

2
We believe in a world
that lasts forever
The world needs and deserves innovations that pass the test of time and are able to be recycled
and used again at the end of their lifecycle.

Outokumpu stainless steel is durable in the most challenging of conditions delivering ever longer
project lifecycles. The recycled content of Outokumpu advanced materials varies between 70% and
90% depending on the grade and Outokumpu stainless steel is also fully recyclable. The properties
of Outokumpu advanced materials, also make them an economically sustainable solution.

Our vision of a world that lasts forever not only reflects these properties but also our ongoing
commitment to innovation and the development of lasting customer relationships.

Outokumpu Duplex 2205 in Marina Bay bridge, Singapore3

Winning the future –
useful answers for
today’s challenges
The use of stainless steel is increasing fast due to the material's durability, corrosion
resistance and aesthetics. If the right grades are selected, stainless steel lasts hundreds
of years. In the long run, stainless steel is also often the least expensive material, thanks
to low maintenance costs.

Trend 1: Outokumpu Duplex is an environmentally sound choice from

Global economics and striving for stability
When it comes to costs, all parties seek stability. In large-scale
construction projects, the right material choices can multiply savings.
Outokumpu Duplex stainless steel has excellent strength, which often
means the same structure can be built with less material: for example,
tank walls can be considerably thinner. Compared to other grades with
comparable corrosion resistance, the nickel content of structures and therefore lower energy consumption in transport,
Outokumpu Duplex is very low. This means greater price stability and
easier budgeting.
Trend 2:
Rising environmental awareness
In previous years, temporary structures built for world fairs and events
for example, could be demolished after the event. Such a waste
of labour and disregard for the environment is simply not accept-
able anymore. Environmental responsibility and legislation have an
increasing impact on operations in every industry. Proof of responsibility
is demanded for the whole life cycle of the product. Those who can offer
action instead of words in social and environmental responsibility will be
the winners of tomorrow.
many different viewpoints:
• It uses recycled steel as its main raw material and it is 100%
recyclable
• Very low level of metal ion is released into the environment.
• Less need of hazardous coatings
• Thanks to high strength, it is possible to reduce the weight of the
construction and usage
Trend 3:
Ensuring safety, pleasing the eye
In addition to corrosion resistance and durability, constructors face
increasing demands for a human approach: it is no longer enough that
the tanks, vessels and buildings “do their job”. They need to be safe for
both the builders and the employees and be aesthetically pleasing. In
short, Outokumpu Duplex makes it possible to fabricate strong, fascin-
ating structures while reducing the total weight.

4
The expert's voice
“
Duplex stainless steel was developed by Outokumpu more
than 80 years ago and since that time we have produced more than
half the world’s volume of duplex. Our long history with duplex gives us
a unique insight into the challenges faced by our customers and the
experience and solutions to help them meet these challenges.

Today we offer a complete family of duplex grades and we work with

our customers to select the grade which provides the most suitable
corrosion resistance for its intended use. Duplex grades utilize a more
cost-effective alloy composition – lower nickel and higher nitrogen
content – which provides better price stability than austenitic grades.
Moreover in addition to great corrosion resistance, duplex grades also
offer higher mechanical strength, more than twice as high as standard
austenitic stainless steels or carbon steels. The main advantage of this
is to save weight in the steel structure by reducing the thickness of the
material. This is successfully utilized in applications such as pressure
Claes Tigerstrand,
piping in the oil & gas and offshore industries as well as in large pres-
Outokumpu Research & Development
sure vessels and in large stationary storage tanks in the pulp and paper
industry. The potential weight saving together with high corrosion resist-
ance, less maintenance and no requirement for protective coatings
provides a foundation for more cost effective solutions compared to
carbon steel, particularly when the total life cycle cost is considered. Duplex applications:
• Pressure piping systems for seawater, chemicals, oil and
Outstanding life cycle performance is a strong factor in the choice gas handling etc.
of duplex within the building and construction sector where its use • Pressure vessels like digesters, evaporators, fermenters,
is growing due to a combination of advantageous properties: high autoclaves, water heaters, road tankers etc.
strength, high durability (i.e high corrosion resistance, high wear and • Storage tanks for pulp, chemicals, biofuels, beverages,
fatigue resistance) and aesthetic surface finishes. The high strength grains, ore slurry etc.
and toughness of duplex delivers high energy absorption capacity • Structural components for bridges, sluice/flood gates,
which combined with reasonable high temperature properties delivers steel frameworks, rebars for concrete structures etc.
enhanced fire resistance. This is utilized in blast and fire walls on • Blast and fire walls on off shore platforms
offshore platforms to provide safety for the platform personnel. • Cargo tanks in chemical tankers
• Evaporators in desalination plants
These beneficial aspects of duplex are also of great interest for other • Heat exchangers in petrochemical plants
areas such as evaporator shells in desalination plants, cargo tanks in • Suction roll shells in paper machines
chemical tankers, in the severe environments of mining and minerals • Flue-gas cleaning equipment
processing and in vehicles and chassis components for rail • Rotors, impellers and shafts
cars, road tankers and automotive applications. • Vehicle and chassis components

5
More strength – less material
Put simply, the benefit of Outokumpu Duplex lies in weight reduction. You gain more
strength with less material. Below, you can see an example of what happens when
standard austenitic steel is substituted with Outokumpu Duplex.

Calculate your weight savings on the Internet

E-tools at outokumpu.com offers interactive tools for materials
General benefits provided by Outokumpu Duplex grades: selection, rough estimation on wall thickness calculations etc.
• Thinner gauges due to higher strength – weight savings
and lower cost Less material means benefits in every step of the
• Higher durability and reduced maintenance – longer service project
life With Outokumpu Duplex, you can purchase, transport, weld and
• Cost efficient alloying by lower nickel content – lower price assemble less material. When thinking of the cost of labour, savings
volatility can be significant.

Additional benefits - LDX™ concept:

• Leaner alloying compared the regular duplex grades Pipes: reduction in wall thickness and weight
(i.e. less nickel and higher nitrogen content) – added between grades 304L and LDX 2101®
strength and performance ensuring highest value for money
Design data Grade 304L Grade LDX 2101®
• LDX 2101® and LDX 2404® can potentially provide more
Pressure = 16 bar WT = 6.0 mm WT = 3.0 mm
cost efficient solutions for storage tanks and other Temperature = 50˚C Weight = 90 metric Weight = 45 metric
structural components OD = 610 mm tons tons

Additional benefits - newly launched EDX™ concept: Required

• Enhanced properties of already established grades Pipe length = 1000 m
• EDX 2304™ is primarily developed for offshore topside Min WT acc to EN 13480-3
applications to provide better corrosion performance than Weld factor z = 0.7
304L = 5.8 mm
standard 2304 or 316L
LDX 2101® = 2.9 mm

Additional benefits - newly launched FDX™ concept:

• The new FDXTM product family exhibits a unique combination
of high strength and substantially improved formability
utilizing Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP)
• The increased formability of FDX 25™ and FDX 27™ allows
for utilization of duplex in more complex components such
as forming intensive heat exchanger plates
WT = wall thickness
OD = outer diameter

6
 Duplex as a substitute for Strength, Rp0.2,[MPa], hot rolled coil
austenitic in storage tanks

[m] 600 LDX 2404®

304L LDX 2101® 2207
85 metric tons 61 metric tons 20 550
LDX 2101®
500 EDX 2304 ®

18
450 2304
16 2205 4565
400

Required thickness duplex 14 350 254 SMO®

4439
12 300
Required thickness austenitic 4404 4438 904L
250
10 4307

200 4432
8
150
6 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

4 Corrosion resistance, CPT typical

2 Duplex Austenitic

[mm] 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Figure 1. Great combination of high strength and adequate corrosion

resistance.

Tank cost example 1: Tank cost example 2:

Austenitic steel versus Outokumpu Duplex Carbon steel versus Outokumpu Duplex
When the same tank is manufactured from Outokumpu Duplex instead When the same tank is manufactured from Outokumpu Duplex instead
of conventional austenitic steel, the biggest savings are made in manu- of carbon steel, the biggest savings come in the maintenance phase:
facturing phase, thanks to less amount of material needed. The tank carbon steel needs to be properly protected in the manufacturing
walls can be significantly thinner, yet safe in use. phase and again after certain periods of usage. All this means extra
labour, which can be avoided using Outokumpu Duplex.
Table 1 Table 2
304L LDX 2101® Carbon steel
LDX 2101®
A516-60/S235
Plate thickness (API 650) 6-14 mm 6-8 mm
Total initial cost* 366 kEUR 307 kEUR
Material cost* 240 kEUR 197 kEUR
Recoating cost 75 Euro/m 2
No surface
Welding and assembly cost 81 kEUR 55 kEUR x 2500 m2 protection required!
Surface treatment cost 55 kEUR 55 kEUR Elapsed time between
Total manufacturing cost 136 kEUR 110 kEUR maintenance events 15 years
Life cycle duration 30 years 30 years
Total initial cost 376 kEUR 307 kEUR
Operating cost 125 kEUR 0 kEUR
Potential cost saving ~18% Total life cycle cost 491 kEUR 307 kEUR
Tank size: diameter 20 m, height 20 m.
*Based on typical costs provided by tank manufacturers Potential cost saving ~37%
and sub-suppliers. Tank size: diameter 20 m, height 20 m.
*Based on material, welding, assembly, surface treatment and coating costs.
7
Project checklist
– when to go with Duplex?
Are some of the characteristics listed below relevant for your application?
Then Outokumpu Duplex might be your material of choice.

Demands for material

• resistance to uniform corrosion • good weldability
• resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion • good formability
• resistance to stress corrosion cracking and • service temperature range within -40°C to 250°C*
corrosion fatigue
• high mechanical strength
• good abrasion and erosion resistance *maximum allowable design temperature = 325°C in ASME II-D 2013.
• good fatigue resistance
• high energy absorption
• low thermal expansion

8
The recipe for success:
ingredients according
to your needs
What makes Outokumpu Duplex such a strong material? The secret lies in connecting
the best of both microstructures: Combining austenite and ferrite. The result is two
crystallographic phases, each with a composition sufficient to make it corrosion resistant.
Favorable properties of both phases can be utilised in one alloy.

The chemical composition of duplex grades gives good corrosion resist- Molybdenum improves corrosion resistance
ance and desired mechanical and physical properties. Outokumpu Molybdenum improves corrosion resistance in most environments,
can supply you with stainless grades especially designed to meet your particularly in acids and chloride containing environments.
needs.

Alloying elements and their purpose

Chromium makes it stainless
A minimum of about 11% chromium has to be added to steel to form
the passive layer that makes it stainless. Outokumpu Duplex steels
have a high chromium level, between 21 and 25%. These contents
improve the corrosion resistance.

Nickel adds toughness

Nickel helps to obtain the desired phase balance and provides tough-
ness. Duplex steels contain a relatively small amount of nickel, between
1.5 and 7%.

Nitrogen adds strength and corrosion resistance

Nitrogen is a very important addition as it gives a substantial increase
in strength and pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. At the same
time it strongly stabilises the austenite phase. Furthermore, nitrogen
improves welding properties.
Outokumpu LDX 2101® in footbridge, Sölvesborg Sweeden

9
Table 3. Chemical composition.
Outokumpu
International steel No Chemical composition, % by weight Typical values
steel name

EN ASTM UNS ISO C N Cr Ni Mo Others

FDX 25TM 1.4635 - S82012 - 0.022 0.23 20.2 1.4 0.4 Mn Cu

LDX 2101® 1.4162 - S32101 4162-321-01-E 0.03 0.22 21.5 1.5 0.3 5Mn Cu

2304 1.4362 - S32304 4362-323-04-I--- 0.02 0.10 23.0 4.8 0.3 Cu

FDX 27TM 1.4637 - S82031 - 0.023 0.18 20.1 3.0 1.25 Mn Cu

EDX 2304TM 1.4362 - S32304 4362-323-04-I 0.02 0.18 23.8 4.3 0.5 Cu
Duplex

LDX 2404® 1.4662 - S82441 4662-824-41-X 0.02 0.27 24.0 3.6 1.6 3Mn Cu

2205 1.4462 - S322051 4462-318-03-I 0.02 0.17 22.0 5.7 3.1

4501 1.4501 - S32760 4501-327-60-I 0.02 0.27 25.4 6.9 3.8 W Cu

2507 1.4410 - S32750 4410-327-50-E 0.02 0.27 25.0 7.0 4.0

4307 1.4307 304L S30403 4307-304-03-I 0.02 18.1 8.1

Austenitic

4404 1.4404 316L S31603 4404-316-03-I 0.02 17.2 10.1 2.1 –

904L 1.4539 904L N08904 4539-089-04-I 0.01 20.0 25.0 4.3 1.5Cu

254 SMO® 1.4547 - S31254 4547-312-54-I 0.01 0.20 20.0 18.0 6.1 Cu
1
Also available as S31803

Mechanical properties
The mechanical and physical properties are beneficial characteristics of
Outokumpu Duplex. The mechanical strength is superior compared to
austenitic or ferritic stainless steels, and the physical properties offer
new possibilities. This is a clear advantage for structural applications,
such as pressure vessels and beam constructions.
Pressure vessel approvals
Outokumpu duplex grades 1.4362 (2304), 1.4462 (2205), 1.4501
(4501) and 1.4410 (2507) are listed in EN 10028-7.
European material approval EAM 0045-01:2012/01 for LDX 2101®
(1.4162) is available for cold rolled 0.5-6.4 mm and hot rolled
3.0-10.0 mm. (LDX 2101® is partly listed in EN 10088).
Work are in progress for European and ASME approvals of LDX 2404®.
In ASME II-D 2007 (Metric) edition grades S31803 (2205), S32304
(2304) and S32750 (2507) are listed for general use between -30°C to
+325°C. Data for LDX 2101® can be found in ASME code case 2418-1.

10
Table 4. Mechanical properties for flat products at room temperature.

Minimum values, Outokumpu

according to EN 10088 typical values
P H C P (15 mm) H (4 mm) C (1 mm)
LDX 2101®
Proof strength Rp0.2 MPa 450 480 530 500 560 610
Tensile strength Rm MPa 650 680 700 700 755 810
Elongation A5 % 30 30 30/201 38 35 293
Hardness HB 225 235 992
2304
Proof strength R p0.2 MPa 400 400 450 450 600 620
Tensile strength Rm MPa 630 650 650 670 765 790
Elongation A5 % 25 20 20/201 40 30 263
Hardness HB 210 235 992
EDX 2304 TM*

Proof strength R p0.2 MPa 420* 500* 500* 600 600

Tensile strength Rm MPa 630* 690* 690* 750 770
Elongation A5 % 25* 25* 25* 30 30
Hardness HB 290* 290* 290*
LDX 2404®**
Proof strength Rp0.2 MPa 480 550 550 520 645 640
Tensile strength Rm MPa 680 750 750 750 825 850
Elongation A5 % 25 25 25/20 1) 33 30 243
Hardness HB max 290 290 290 230 250
2205
Proof strength R p0.2 MPa 460 460 500 510 630 690
Tensile strength Rm MPa 640 700 700 750 840 880
Elongation A5 % 25 25 20/201 35 30 263
Hardness HB 230 250 1012
2507
Proof strength R p0.2 MPa 530 530 550 580 700 730
Tensile strength Rm MPa 730 750 750 830 905 940
Elongation A5 % 20 20 20/201 35 30 243
Hardness HB 250 270 1032

P = hot rolled plate H = hot rolled coil and sheet C = cold rolled coil and sheet
*Mechanical properties according to NORSOK Material Data Specification MDS-D35.
**Mechanical properties according to next revision of EN 10088-2 (to be published end of 2013).
1 Refers to A80 for gauges less than 3 mm. 2 HRB (Rockwell B-scale). 3 A .
80

11
Temperature and embrittlement
Duplex steels are more prone to precipitation of intermetallic phases,
nitrides and carbides than corresponding austenitic steels, causing
embrittlement and reduced corrosion resistance. The formation of
intermetallic phases such as sigma phase occurs in the temperature
range 600-950°C and decomposition of ferrite occurs in the range
350-525°C (475°C embrittlement). Exposures at these temperatures
should therefore be avoided. In proper welding and heat treatment the
risk of embrittlement is low. However, certain risks exist, for example at
heat treatment of thick sections, especially if the cooling rate is low.
Due to the risk of embrittlement, duplex steels should not be used at
temperatures above 250-325°C (See Figure 2). The maximum temper-
ature depends on grade and the design rules being used.
High energy absorption
The combination of high strength and ductility gives Outokumpu Duplex
a very good ability to absorb energy. This makes it a perfect material
for applications like blast walls on offshore platforms and car body
components.
Good fatigue strength of base material
The high tensile strength of Outokumpu Duplex also implies high fatigue
strength in the base material. The fatigue strength of the duplex steels
follows the proof strength of the material. Our technical experts can
provide you with more detailed information, if needed.
For welds, the benefit of the high fatigue strength of the parent or base
material is limited. The fatigue strength is, like other materials, reduced
by unfavorable weld geometry, residual stresses, distortions and weld
defects.

Figure 2. Curves for 50% reduction of impact toughness compared to Table 5. Impact toughness. Minimum values according to
solution annealed condition. EN 10028-7 transverse direction for hot rolled plate.

LDX 2101®* 2304 LDX 2404®** 2205 2507

Temperature (˚C)
1100 20°C 60 (801) 90 60 100 90
2507
1000 -40°C 27 (501) 40 40 40 40

2205
900
*Values from internal standard, AM 611.
800 LDX-2101® **Values from internal standard, AM 641. according to
2304 internal specification.
700 1
Value according to EAM-0045-01:2012/01 for thick-
nessess up to and including 10mm.
600

500

400

300
0.01 0.02 1,0 10 100 1000
(36 s) (6 min) Time (h)

12
Physical properties:
new opportunities
Compatible with carbon steel
Outokumpu Duplex grades have a lower thermal expansion ratio
(approximately 13 × 10 -6/°C) and higher thermal conductivity than
austenitic steels. This means that there are fewer problems with
temperature expansions caused by connecting Outokumpu Duplex
with carbon steels. Duplex is a good alternative for lining carbon steel
vessels operated with large cyclic temperature variations.

Magnetic properties
Duplex stainless steels are more magnetic than austenitic grades due
to higher ferrite content. But for safety reasons magnets shall not be
used to lift duplex sheets.

Table 6. Physical properties of duplex

stainless steels, according to EN 10088.

Physical property 20°C 200°C

Density [g/cm3] 7.8 -

Modulus of elasticity [GPa] 200 186

Poisson ratio [Dimensionless] 0.3 -

Linear expansion from

- 13.5
20°C to 200°C (x10-6/°C)

Thermal conductivity [W/m°C] 15 17

Thermal capacity [J/kg°C] 500 560

Electric resistivity [μΩ/m] 0.8 0.9

Palm oil tank farm in LDX 2101®. Photo courtesy of Loders Croklaan.

13
Corrosion resistance in a
wide range of environments
The corrosion resistance of Outokumpu Duplex is generally very good. The resistance is
especially good in environments such as halide containing media, oxidising acids, and hot
alkaline solutions. This means that, for example, heat exchangers, water heaters, offshore
equipment, storage tanks, sulphate pulp digesters, black liquor evaporators and flue gas
cleaning equipment greatly benefit from the material properties of duplex steels.

Uniform corrosion
The uniform corrosion resistance is generally considered good if the
corrosion rate is less than 0.1 mm/year. Thanks to their high chromium
content, duplexes offer excellent corrosion resistance in many media,
especially in alkaline solutions.
Pitting and crevice corrosion: heat exchangers, water
heaters, offshore equipment, storage tanks etc.
In chloride solutions LDX 2101® has better resistance than 4307 and
in some cases as good as 4404. Grade 2304 is in most cases equi-
valent to 4404, while the other more highly alloyed duplex steels show
even better resistance. The resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
is often illustrated by the pitting resistance equivalent (PRE) for the
material. The most commonly used formula for PRE is:
PRE = %Cr + 3.3 x %Mo + 16 x %N
The PRE value can be used for the ranking of different stainless steels,
see Table 7. A more in depth way to rank steels is measuring the Crit-
ical Pitting corrosion Temperature (CPT). Outokumpu uses an elec-
trochemical method, ASTM G150, based on the in-house developed
Avesta Cell, see Figure 3.
Chloride and sulphide induced stress corrosion
cracking: boreholes and gas wells etc.
All duplex grades are much more resistant than the standard austenitic
grades to chloride induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Thus, the
duplex grades can tolerate higher chloride contents at elevated
temperatures. In the presence of hydrogen sulphide and chlorides (e.g.
sour conditions in bore holes and gas wells) the risk of stress cracking,
at low temperatures, increases. In these environments Outokumpu
Duplex grades, especially 2205 and 2507, have demonstrated good
resistance.
Corrosion fatigue and intergranular corrosion
The combination of high mechanical strength and very good resistance
to corrosion gives duplex steels superior corrosion fatigue strength. Due
to the duplex microstructure and low carbon content, the duplex grades
have a good resistance to intergranular (intercrystalline) corrosion.
Erosion corrosion
In general, stainless steel offers good resistance to erosion corrosion.
Duplex grades are especially good due to their combination of high
surface hardness and good corrosion resistance.
Galvanic corrosion
Galvanic corrosion may occur when two dissimilar metals are electric-
ally connected (as by welding) in an electrolyte. Stainless steel is in
most cases more nobler than other metallic materials. The more noble
metal is protected while the less noble metal is more severely attacked
by corrosion. The electrolyte, area ratio, and the less noble metal
determines the corrosion rate. Stainless steel in contact with carbon

14
steel rebars fully cast in concrete does not cause galvanic corrosion of
the carbon steel reinforcement due to the high pH in concrete. Galvanic
corrosion does not occur between different grades of stainless steels
as long as both grades are in passive state.
Atmospheric corrosion
Atmospheric corrosion is not a unique form of corrosion, but a
collective term to denote the corrosion of surfaces in the atmosphere.
When stainless steel is exposed to an aggressive atmosphere it is
primarily stained. This is sometimes referred to as tea staining, but it
can also be attacked by localised corrosion with time, particularly at
high chloride levels as in marine atmospheres. Today there are duplex
grades available for any type of atmosphere.
The Outokumpu Corrosion Handbook
For more information on corrosion and corrosion resistance in different
media, see further the Outokumpu Corrosion Handbook. You can obtain
your own copy from your local sales office.

Table 7. PRE values for different Figure 3. Typical critical pitting corrosion temperatures (CPT) in 1M NaCl measured according to ASTM
grades. G150 using the Avesta Cell. Test surfaces wet ground to 320 mesh. CPT varies with product form and
surface finish.

Outokumpu
PRE CPT, (˚C)
steel name
4307 18 100

LDX 2101® 26 90

4404 24 80
FDX 25TM 25 70
2304 26 60
FDX 27 TM 27 50
EDX 2304 TM 28 40
LDX 2404® 33 30
904L 34
20
*
2205 35
10
254 SMO® 43
0
2507 43 4307 LDX 2101® 4404 2304 4432 EDX 2304TM LDX 2404® 2205 904L 2507 254 SMO®

span CPT min. -CPT max.

* = Less than 10° C

15
Product assortment
and services
Outokumpu Duplex is available in various shapes and sizes to
suit your needs.
• Hot rolled quarto plate
• Hot rolled coil and plate
• Cold rolled coil and sheet
• Precision strip
• Semifinished (bloom, billet, ingot and slab)
• Bar, wire rod and rebar
• Welded tube, pipe, fittings and threaded fittings
• Structural sections, DUPROF TM
• Fasteners

Our added value services ease your project and offer ways
to save expenses at critical points
• Edge preparation
• Cut to shape
• Bending
• Surface finishing: 1D, 2E, 2B, 2R Table 8. Surface finishes.
• Polishing
• Construction kits Finish Type of process route Surface appearance
• Prefabrication
• Modified chemical analysis 1D Hot rolled, heat treated, Standard for most steel
pickled. types to ensure good
• Slit coils corrosion resistance;
• Package solutions also common finish for
• Welding advice further processing. Rough
• Technical support/Project administration and dull.

‘2B’ surface finish – perfect for food & health sectors 2E Cold rolled, heat treated, Rough and dull.
Surface finish characteristics are not merely a question of appearance. mechanically descaled
followed by pickling.
The quality affects the corrosion resistance as well as the cleansability
of dirt and bacteria, which is paramount in the food industry and health 2B Cold rolled, heat treated, Smooth surface with low
sector. Outokumpu can additionally offer a ‘2B’ surface finish in duplex pickled, skin passed. Skin lustre.
passing can be done by
stainless steels, which most often fulfills the industry surface require-
tension levelling.
ments without any further surface treatment – saving both time and
money. 2R Cold rolled, bright annealed. Smoother and brighter
than 2B.
See our product programme in the online tool Stainless Steel
Finder at outokumpu.com
16
Fabrication
Outokumpu Duplex offers excellent opportunities when constructing challenging and durable
structures. However, due to the high strength of the material, the working process is
somewhat different than with austenitic or ferritic steels. Outokumpu is prepared to assist
you with every technical aspect of fabrication. We can provide you with the necessary
training, computer simulations and detailed instructions.

Welding The following general instructions should be considered:

Outokumpu Duplex can be welded with most of the methods used for 1. Weld without preheating
austenitic stainless steel: 2. Allow the material to cool between passes, preferably to below
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) 150°C. For 2507 ≤ 100°C
• Gas tungsten arc welding TIG (GTAW) 3. Duplex filler material is required and recommended with the
• Gas metal arc welding MIG (GMAW) exception for LDX 2101® which may be welded without filler material
• Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) in some cases
• Plasma arc welding (PAW) 4. The recommended arc energy should be kept within specified limits
• Submerged arc welding (SAW) 5. The heat input should be adapted to the steel grade and adjusted to
• Others: Laser, resistance and high frequency (HF) welding the thickness of the welded material
6. Edge preparation angle should be about 10° greater and the land
In general, the main issue with welding Outokumpu Duplex is to main- should be somewhat smaller compared to welding standard
tain the phase balance in the heat affected zone without precipita- austenitics
tions. The chemical composition balances the microstructure. There- 7. If welded with filler, post-weld annealing is not necessary. In cases
fore, it is important to have the right welding consumable and the right where heat treatment is considered, e.g. for stress relieving, it should
procedure. be carried out in accordance with the temperatures stated in Table
9, but with the minimum temperature increased by 30-50°C, to
secure full dissolution of intermetallic phase in the weld metal
8. GTAW and PAW methods: addition of nitrogen (1-2%) in the shielding/
purging gas is recommended

Table 9. Characteristic heat treatment temperatures, °C.

LDX 2101® 2304 LDX 2404® 2205 2507

Hot forming 1100 - 900 1100 - 900 1120 - 900 1150 - 950 1200 - 1025

Quench annealing 1020 - 1080 950 - 1050 1000 - 1120 1020 - 1100 1040 - 1120

Stress relief annealing 1020 - 1080 950 - 1050 1000 - 1120 1020 - 1100 1040 - 1120

17
Table 10. Welding consumables.
Steel grade Consumable ISO designation Typical chemical composition, % by wt.

C Cr Ni Mo N

FDX 25TM
23 7 NL 0.02 23.5 8.0 0.3 0.14

22 9 3 NL 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

LDX 2101®
23 7 NL 0.02 23.5 8.0 0.3 0.14

22 9 3 NL 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

2304
23 7 NL 0.02 23.5 8.0 0.3 0.14

22 9 3 NL 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

FDX 27 TM

22 9 3 NL 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

EDX 2304TM
23 7 NL1 0.02 23.5 8.0 0.3 0.14

22 9 3 NL1 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

LDX 2404®
22 9 3 NL 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

2205
22 9 3 NL 0.02 22.5 8.5 3.0 0.15

2507
25 9 4 NL 0.02 25 9.5 3.5 0.25

1 Although both 23 7 NL and 22 9 3 NL welding consumables can be used, it is recommended to use the higher alloyed 22 9 3 NL filler in order to match the

higher tensile strength and improved corrosion resistance of the EDX 2304™ grade.

Welding to other steels including carbon steels Post weld treatment

Outokumpu Duplex can be easily welded to other steels including
carbon steels. The filler type can be duplex. When duplex steels are
welded to carbon steels an alternative is to use a filler of 23Cr13Ni2Mo
type. In most cases duplex filler offers more strength and better corro-
sion resistance. When joining duplex to super austenitic steels, please
contact Outokumpu for assistance. Filler metals for joining similar
duplex steels, see table 10.
In order to restore the stainless steel surface and achieve good corro-
sion resistance, it is necessary to perform a post weld treatment.
There are both mechanical methods (e.g. brushing, blasing, grinding)
and chemical methods (e.g. pickling) available. The applicable method
depends on the type of imperfections to be removed, as well as corro-
sion resistance, hygiene and aesthestic requirements.

18
 Table 11.
The Outokumpu Welding Handbook
For more information on welding and post weld treatment, please see
the Outokumpu Welding Handbook. Things to consider

Forming Cutting, shearing Maximum thickness for shearing and

Outokumpu Duplex is suitable for all forming techniques. The higher punching is 80-85% of that of austenitic
strength and the lower elongation compared to austenitic stainless steel steel.
will however impose some differences in forming behaviour: Generally
a higher force is needed. On the other hand, since duplex design often Roll bending More bending force will be needed
implies downgauging, the force level can be similar to compared to other stainless steels.
austenitics. If the forming technique is not already decided, we recom- Through the downgauging, this effect
mend choosing the most appropriate one for duplex stainless steels. will however be smaller than anticipated.
The springback due to the higher strength
FDX 25™ and FDX 27™ is large when roll bending.
The new FDX product family exhibits substantially improved form-
aility. The elongation after fracture is typically about 40% compared to
Break bending Avoid sharp bending radius. Minimum ratio
about 30% for other duplex grades, which make them more suitable for
between inner radius to sheet thickness
advanced forming. should not be less than 2.

Machining
The high strength will of course effect the machinability, but not as much Deep drawing If drawing is dominant, formability is
as expected. Some technical guidance when machining duplex, is given comparable to austenitic stainless steel.
below. See also the duplex machining guidelines for further details. If stretching is dominant, formability is
closer to ferritic steels.
Stable setup
Due to the higher strength the cutting forces will be higher, which Roll forming The high strength of the sheet has to be
increases the risk of vibrations. The trick is to have a stable setup. Use considered in the design of the rolls.
the shortest possible tool extension, good and rigid clamping. If properly designed there are no problems
in roll forming Duplex.
Sharp tools
Use cutting tools with a positive geometry. Duplex grades are prone
Tooling use Strong, durable tools (hardness, HRC larger
to work hardening, a dull geometry will generate a hard surface and
than 500, Ra-value preferably lower than
decrease the tool life.
0.2 micrometers).

Avoid “build up edge”

Stainless steels have a tendency to stick to the tool. Problems occur Lubrication Because of the high strength of
when the cutting speed is too low. The main difference between carbon Outokumpu Duplex and extreme pressure
steel and stainless steels when machining is that you face problems if additives are useful in complex forming
you run too slowly. The result will be poor surface finish and short tool operations.
life. The problem is solved by increasing the cutting speed.

LDX 2101®
The lean duplex grade LDX 2101® has superior machinability compared
to other duplex grades. Even if you compare with the low alloyed
standard austenitic grades LDX 2101® is easier to machine.

19
Working towards

1528EN-GB:1. December, 2013.

forever.

We work with our customers and partners to create

long lasting solutions for the tools of modern life
and the world’s most critical problems: clean energy,
clean water and efficient infrastructure. Because we
believe in a world that lasts forever.

Information given in this brochure may be subject to alterations without notice. Care has been taken to ensure that the contents of this publication are accurate but
Outokumpu and its affiliated companies do not accept responsibility for errors or for information which is found to be misleading. Suggestions for or descriptions of the
end use or application of products or methods of working are for information only and Outokumpu and its affiliated companies accept no liability in respect thereof. Before
using products supplied or manufactured by the company the customer should satisfy himself of their suitability.

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