Advanced Super-Austenitic Steel ... an Economical Alternative to Nickel-Base Corrosion-Resistant Alloys

Nickel-base corrosion-resistant alloys have provided reliable service in aggressive industrial environments for many decades. However, with recent raw material cost increases, the cost of these alloys is prohibiting their use for some applications and designers are seeking more economical materials for construction. Conventional super-austenitic stainless steels have been successfully used but do not provide sufficient resistance for many applications. However, a 7% molybdenum advanced super-austenitic stainless steel designated UNS S31277 has been developed. This material offers resistance to corrosion equivalent to more highly alloyed nickel-base alloys in many applications. In addition the stainless steel product offers good fabricability and weldability. Thus, it is an economical alternative to these more costly alloys.