Material selection Stainless steel

Prepared by
Eng.: Hesham Ismail
B. Sc in mechanical engineer
D Sc. Welding Engineering
M Sc. Welding Engineering (candidate)
API Authorized

-1-
 Table of contents

Section Page

1 Introduction 3

2 Alloying elements of stainless steel 4

2.1 Main alloying elements (Cr, Ni and C) 4

2.2 Minor alloying elements 5

3 Types of stainless steel 6

3.1 Austenitic stainless steels 6

3.2 Ferritic stainless steel 8

3.3 Martensitic stainless steel 10

4 Comparison of properties of stainless-steel types 11

5 SX 316 / 316L Technical Data 13

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

 TYPE OF STAINLESS STEEL
Eng.: Hesham ismail seddik
Alexinspectors@gmail.com
December 2009

1. Introduction

Stainless steels are iron-base alloys containing 10.5% or more chromium. They have been
used for many industrial, architectural, chemical, and consumer applications for over a
half century. Currently there are being marketed a number of stainless steels originally
recognized by the American lron and Steel institute (AISI) as standard alloys. Also,
commercially available are proprietary stainless steels with special characteristics.
Application of appropriate welding technology to the design, manufacture and application
of titanium products is as important a step-in design as the specification of the alloy.
Titanium is a unique material; as strong as steel but half its weight, with excellent
corrosion resistance. Traditional applications are in the aerospace and chemical
industries. More recently, specific alloys are finding use in the manufacture of
implantable medical devices and sensors.

With so many stainless steels from which to choose, designers should have a ready source
of information on the characteristics and capabilities of these useful alloys. To fill this
need, the Committee of Stainless-Steel Producers initially prepared this booklet. The data
was reviewed and updated by the Specialty Steel industry of North America (SSINA).
Written especially for design engineers, it presents an overview of a broad range of
stainless steels — both standard and proprietary — their compositions, their properties,
their fabrication, and their use. More detailed information on the standard grades, with
special emphasis on the manufacture, finish designations and dimensional and weight
tolerances of the product forms in which they are marketed, is contained in the iron and
Steel Society of the AlME (the American institute of Mining, Metallurgical and
Petroleum Engineers) “Steel Products Manual — Stainless and Heat Resisting Steels.”
The AlME undertook the publication, updating and sale of this manual after the AlSl
discontinued publication in 1986.

Reference is often made to stainless steel in the singular sense as if it were one material.
Actually, there are well over 100 stainless steel alloys. Three general classifications are
used to identify stainless steels. They are: 1. Metallurgical Structure; 2. The AlSl
numbering system: namely 200, 300, and 400 Series numbers; 3. The Unified Numbering
System, which was developed by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to apply to all commercial metals and alloys.
There are also a number of grades known by common names that resemble AlSl
designations and these are recognized by ASTM. These common names, which are
neither trademark nor closely associated with a single producer, these common (non-
AISI) names also appear in the ASTM specification. Nearly all stainless steels used in
North America have UNS designations.
Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik
2. Alloying elements of stainless steel

Other than Ni, Cr and C, the following alloying elements may also present in stainless
steel: Mo, N, Si, Mn, Cu, Ti, Nb, Ta and/or W.

2.1Main alloying elements (Cr, Ni and C):

1. Chromium
Minimum concentration of Cr in a stainless steel is 12-14wt. % Structure: BCC (ferrite
forming element)
2. Nickel
Structure: FCC (austenite forming element/stabilize austenitic structure) Added to
produce austenitic or duplex stainless steels. These materials possess excellent ductility,
formability and toughness as well as weld-ability. Nickel improves mechanical properties
of stainless steels servicing at high temperatures. Nickel increases aqueous corrosion
resistance of materials.
3. Carbon
Very strong austenite forming element (30x more effective than Ni). I.e. if austenitic
stainless steel 18Cr-8Ni contains ≤0.007%C, its structure will convert to ferritic structure.
However, the concentration of carbon is usually limited to ≤ 0.08%C (normal stainless
steels) and ≤0.03%C (low carbon stainless steels to avoid sensitization during welding).

Chrome price curve

Nickel price curve

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

2.2 Minor alloying elements:

1. Manganese
Austenitic forming element. When necessary can be used to substitute Ni. Concentration
of Mn in stainless steel is usually 2-3%.
2. Molybdenum
Ferritic forming element. Added to increase pitting corrosion resistance of stainless steel
(2-4%). Molybdenum addition has to be followed by decreasing chromium concentration
(i.e. in 18-8SS has to be decreased down to 16-18%) and increasing nickel concentration
(i.e. has to be increased up to 10-14%). Improves mechanical properties of stainless steel
at high temperature. Increase aqueous corrosion resistance of material exposed in
reducing acid.
3. Tungsten
Is added to increase the strength and toughness of Martensitic stainless steel.
4. Nitrogen (up to 0.25%)
Stabilize austenitic structure. Increases strength and corrosion resistance. Increases weld
ability of duplex SS.
Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik
 5. Titanium, Niobium and Tantalum
To stabilize stainless steel by reducing susceptibility of the material to intergranular
corrosion. Ti addition > 5x%C. Ta+Nb addition > 10x%C.
6. Copper
Is added to increase corrosion resistance of stainless steel exposed in environment
containing sulfuric acid.
7. Silicon
Reduce susceptibility of SS to pitting and crevice corrosion as well as SCC.

Summary of the effects of alloy elements on the properties of stainless steel

3. Types of stainless steel

3.1 Austenitic stainless steels

This is the most common and extensive class of stainless steel, sometimes referred to as
18-8, i.e. 18% chromium - 8% nickel, although the actual composition may vary widely.
Susceptible to SCC. Can be hardened by only by cold working. Good toughness and
formability, easily to be welded and high corrosion resistance. Nonmagnetic except after
excess cold working due to Martensitic formation.

Containing chromium and nickel are identified as 300 Series types. Alloys containing
chromium, nickel and manganese are identified as 200 Series types. The stainless steels in
the austenitic group have different compositions and properties, but many common
characteristics. They can be hardened by cold working, but not by heat treatment. In the
annealed condition, all are essentially nonmagnetic, although some may become slightly
magnetic by cold working. They have excellent corrosion resistance, unusually good
formability, and increase in strength as a result of cold work. Type 304 (sometimes
referred to as 18-8 stainless) is the most widely used alloy of the austenitic group. It has a
nominal composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

Mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

 AUSTENITIC

3.2 Ferritic stainless steel

Ferritic stainless steels contain chromium in the range 11 - 18%. Higher resistance to
SCC than austenitic SS. Tend to be notch sensitive and are susceptible to embrittlement
during welding. Not recommended for service above 300 0C because they will loss their
room temperature ductility.
straight-chromium 400 Series types that cannot be hardened by heat treatment, and only
moderately hardened by cold working. They are magnetic, have good ductility and
resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Type 430 is the general-purpose stainless of the
Ferritic group.

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

 Ferritic Stainless steel

Ferritic stainless steel

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

3.3 Martensitic stainless steels

Martensitic stainless steels combine high strength with corrosion resistance. They have a
chromium content of 11 - 14% and have higher carbon content than other stainless steels.
Are straight-chromium 400 Series types that are hardenable by heat treatment. They are
magnetic. They resist corrosion in mild environments. They have fairly good ductility,
and some can be heat treated to tensile strengths exceeding 200,000 psi (1379 MPa).
Type 410 is the general-purpose alloy of the Martensitic group.
Application: when high mechanical strength and wear resistance combined with some
degree of corrosion resistance are required. Typical application include steam turbine
blades, valves body and seats, bolts and screws, springs, knives, surgical instruments, and
chemical engineering equipment.

Martensitic Stainless steel

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

 Martensitic stainless steels

4. Comparison of properties of stainless-steel types

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 Austenitic
The most highly
corrosion-resistant
Corrosion materials available. They
resistance can however be
susceptible to stress
corrosion cracking.
Ductile and can be
formed easily. This
Ductility
applies at both high and
low temperatures.
Have high tensile and
yield strengths.
Susceptibility to stress
Tensile
corrosion cracking means
Strength
that high tensile stresses
in service should be
minimized.
Cannot be hardened by
heat treatment but they
do strain harden rapidly
when cold worked. Heat
treatment is used to
provide stress relief after
cold working.
Hardness
Good, assuming
manufacturers
recommendations are
followed. Austenitic are
Weldability
less problematic than
ferritic and Martensitic
stainless steels in this
respect.
Non-magnetic. Cold
Magnetism working may increase
magnetic permeability.
Have a thermal
Thermal expansion approximately
expansion 50% higher than that of
carbon steel.
Ferritic Martensitic
Have moderate Have good corrosion
corrosion-resistance but resistance.
are particularly resistant
to stress corrosion
cracking.
Readily formed, behaving Less ductile than the other
in a similar manner to stainless steels.
carbon steel but with
lightly lower formability.
Have similar tensile and Have high tensile and yield
yield strengths to strengths. Maximum
austenitic. strength depends upon
carbon content and the
heat treatment applied.
Cannot be hardened by Depends upon carbon
heat treatment. content and the heat
Annealing is used to treatment applied. The
develop minimum effect of heat treatment is
hardness and maximum similar to plain carbon or
ductility, toughness and low alloy steels except that
corrosion resistance. the high alloy content
Embrittlement can occur causes transformation to
during cooling. be sluggish, and
hardenability to be very
high. Consequently,
martensitic are very
sensitive to heat treatment
variables.
Care is needed during Care is needed during
welding. welding due
to the detrimental effect of
the carbon content.
Magnetic. Magnetic.
Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik
5. SX 316 / 316L Technical Data

5.1 Summary

SX 316 is an improved version of SX 304, with the addition of molybdenum and a slightly
higher nickel content. The resultant composition of SX 316 gives the steel much increased
corrosion resistance in many aggressive environments. The molybdenum makes the steel
more resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-contaminated media, sea water and
acetic acid vapors. The lower rate of general corrosion in mildly corrosive environments
gives the steel good atmospheric corrosion resistance in polluted marine atmospheres.
SX 316 offers higher strength and better creep resistance at higher temperatures than SX
304. SX 316 also possesses excellent mechanical and corrosion properties at sub-zero
temperatures. When there is a danger of corrosion in the heat-affected zones of weldments,
the low-carbon variety SX 316L should be used. SX 316 Ti, the titanium-stabilized version,
is used for its resistance to sensitization during prolonged exposure in the 550oC-800oC
temperature range.

5.2 Typical Applications

Because of its superior corrosion and oxidation resistance, good mechanical properties and
fabricability, SX 316 has applications in many sectors of industry. Some of these include:
Tanks and storage vessels for corrosive liquids. Specialized process equipment in the
chemical, food, paper, mining, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries. Architectural
applications in highly corrosive environments.

5.3 Chemical Composition (ASTM A 240)

C Mn P S Si Cr Ni Mo Ti
SX316 0.08 max 16.0 10.0 2.00 -
2.0 0.045 0.030 1.0
SX316L 0.03 max to to to 0.5 max
max max max max
SX316Ti 0.08 max 18.0 14.0 3.00 5X%C

5.4 Typical properties in the annealed condition

The properties quoted in this publication are typical of mill products and unless indicated
must not be regarded as guaranteed minimum values for specification purposes.

1. Mechanical properties at room temperature

SX316 SX316L SX316Ti

Typical Minimum Typical Minimum Typical Minimum
Tensile Strength, MPa 580 515 570 485 600 515
Proof Stress (0.2 % offset), MPa 310 205 300 170 320 205
Elongation (Percent in L = 5.65 So) 55 40 60 40 50 40
Hardness (Brinell) 165 - 165 - 165 -
Erichsen Cup Test Value mm 8 - 10 - 10 - 11 - - -
Endurance (fatigue) limit, MPa 260 - 260 - 260 -

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2. Properties at elevated temperatures

The values given refer to SX 316 and SX 316 Ti only as strength values for SX 316L fall
rapidly above 425oC. Short Time Elevated Temperature Tensile Strength

Temperature, C
600 700 800 900 1000

Strength, MPa 460 320 190 120 70

• Creep data
Stress for a creep rate of 1% in 10 000 h

Temperature, oC 550 600 650 700 800

Stress, MPa 160 120 90 60 20

Recommended Maximum Service Temperature
(Oxidizing conditions)
Continuous Service 925oC
Intermittent Service 870oC

3. Properties at Sub-Zero Temperatures (SX 316)

Temperature oC -78 -161 -196

Proof Strength (0.2% Offset) MPa 400 460 580
Tensile Strength MPa 820 1150 1300
Impact Strength (Charpy V-Notch) J 180 165 155

4. Corrosion Resistance
4.1 Aqueous
For specific conditions, consult VRN technical staff. As a rough guide, the following
examples are given for pure acid-water mixtures.

Temperature oC 20 80
Concentration, (-% by mass) 10 20 40 60 80 100 10 20 40 60 80 100
Sulphuric Acid 0 1 2 2 1 0 2 2 2 2 2 2
Nitric Acid 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2
Phosphoric Acid 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2
Formic Acid 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0

Key: 0 = resistant - corrosion rate less than 100 µm/year

1 = partly resistant - corrosion rate 100 m to 1000 µm/year
2 = non-resistant - corrosion rate more than 1000 µm/year
4.2 Atmospheric
The performance of SX 316 compared with other metals in various environments is shown
in the following table. Corrosion rate is based on a 5-year exposure.

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 Corrosion Rate (m/year)
Environment
SX 316 Aluminium-3S Mild Steel
Rural 0.0025 0.025 5.8
Marine 0.0076 0.432 34.0
Marine-Industrial 0.0051 0.686 46.2

Note: For corrosion resistance of SX 316 relative to other types, see the section in
Comparative Data.

4.3 Thermal Processing

4.3.1 Annealing. Heat from 1 010oC to 1 120oC and cool rapidly in air or water. The best
corrosion resistance is obtained when the final annealing temperature is above 1 070oC.

4.3.2 Stress relieving. Heat from 200 - 400oC and air cool.

4.3.3 Hot working

Initial forging and pressing: 1150 - 1200oC
Finishing temperature: above 900oC
For upsetting operations, forgings
should be finished between: 930 and 980oC
All hot working operations should be followed by annealing.

Note: Soaking times to ensure uniformity of temperature are up to 12 times that required for
the same thickness of mild steel.

5.5 Cold Working

SX 316 / 316L, being extremely tough and ductile, can be readily fabricated by cold
working. Typical operations include bending, forming, deep drawing and upsetting

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik

Eng. Hesham Ismail Seddik