Introduction
254 SMO steel is a stainless steel alloy developed by Outokumpu Stainless, a world leading producer of specialty steels in Finland and Sweden. This stainless steel is commonly used in austenitic and ferritic super-duplex grades such as SMO 254, and it is often used for high-end applications in the energy, chemical processing, aerospace, and marine industries. It contains a combination of high chromium, nickel and molybdenum for increased strength and improved corrosion resistance and it is alloyed with copper and nitrogen for even more improved pitting resistance. Its superior chemical and mechanical properties enable it to resist various types of aggressive environments, where ordinary stainless steels just won’t hold up.
Chemical Composition
254 SMO is made up of a combination of high chromium, nickel and molybdenum, as well as additional alloying elements including copper and nitrogen. It alloys these chemical elements with other metals, including iron, and produces a superior steel grade with enhanced machinability and higher levels of corrosion resistance. The precise chemical composition of 254 SMO can be written as follows:
4.03 - 6.0 Weight Percent Chromium
17.00 – 20.50 Weight Percent Nickel
0.50 - 1.20 Weight Percent Molybdenum
0.30 - 1.00 Weight Percent Copper
0.005 - 0.05 Weight Percent Nitrogen
0.7 - 1.2 Weight Percent Manganese
0.50 Weight Percent Silicon
Mechanical Properties
254 SMO steel is an incredibly strong and durable stainless steel alloy with superior mechanical properties. It has a superior yield strength of greater than 90ksi (620MPa), an ultimate tensile strength of greater than 150 ksi (1035MPa), and an elongation of greater than 50%. It also features a minimum hardness of 25 HRC and has excellent forming, welding and machining characteristics.
Corrosion Resistance
254 SMO is a special stainless steel alloy, which is known for its excellent corrosion resistance. It offers superior resistance to a wide range of chemical and environmental conditions, including pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. This stainless steel alloy is highly resistant to both acidic and basic conditions and can even withstand chlorinated seawater.
Product Applications
254 SMO steel is commonly used in high-end applications in industries such as energy, chemical processing, aerospace and marine. It is often found in components such as pumps, valves, marine fittings, heat exchanger components, and other parts exposed to challenging or extremely corrosive environments. 254 SM0 is also used in the production of chemical tanks, pulp and paper industry equipment, jet engines, offshore drilling rigs, and other corrosive service and marine components.
Conclusion
254 SMO steel is a highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy, which is developed and produced by Outokumpu Stainless. This alloy is made up of a combination of high chromium, nickel and molybdenum, plus additional alloying elements, including copper and nitrogen. Its superior mechanical and chemical properties enable it to withstand various types of aggressive environments, and it is used in a wide range of applications in industries such as energy, chemical processing, aerospace and marine.
