Introduction
Stainless steel AISI 347, also known as 0Cr18Ni11Nb, is a type of austenitic stainless steel alloy that contains titanium and niobium. The combination of titanium and niobium improves its mechanical properties, making it highly resistant to intergranular corrosion. It also has a good formability compared to low-alloyed stainless steels.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of AISI 347 stainless steel is given in the following table.
C 0.04
Si 1.00
Mn 2.00
P 0.045
S 0.030
Cr 17-20
Ni 9-13
Nb 5×C
Ti 0.5-1.5
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of AISI 347 stainless steel are summarized in the following table.
Tensile Strength (ksi) 70
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (ksi) 35
Elongation in 2″ (%) 25
Hardness Rockwell B 75
Hardness Vickers 150-200
Applications
AISI 347 stainless steel has a variety of applications. It is used in food processing equipment and cookware due to its improved formability and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, it is used in automotive components, marine hardware, chemical processing equipment, and paper mills. Due to its excellent mechanical properties, it is favored for parts that require highly wear-resistant parts.
Heat Treatment
AISI 347 stainless steel is a low-carbon iron-chromium-nickel stainless steel that has been treated with niobium and titanium to improve its resistance to intergranular corrosion. The addition of niobium further enhances the alloys durability and mechanical properties.
The heat treatment of AISI 347 is similar to other austenitic stainless steels. It is typically heated in a temperature range of 1450-1600 °F (788-871 °C), followed by a water quench. It is then cooled at room temperature to form a martensitic microstructure. Additionally, the steel can be given a higher hardness by reheating after quenching to a temperature that ranges from 500-1040 °F (260-560°C). The steel is then cooled again in a cooldown process.
Welding
AISI 347 stainless steel can be welded using inert gas arc welding (TIG welding) or shielded metal-arc welding (MIG welding). The preferred electrode is a structure electrode made from a low-hydrogen-content, low-alloy steel. The steel should be preheated at 342-482°F (175-250°C) for a period of 1/2 to 4 hours prior to welding. This will reduce cracking and ensure minimum levels of hydrogen in the weld.
Conclusion
AISI 347 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel alloy that contains titanium and niobium. This combination improves the mechanical properties of the alloys, making it more resistant to intergranular corrosion than other stainless steels. It also has improved formability compared to low-alloyed stainless steels. AISI 347 stainless steel is used in food processing equipment, cookware, automotive components, marine hardware, chemical processing equipment, and paper mills. It is also weldable using TIG welding and MIG welding. The steel should be preheated prior to welding to reduce cracking and ensure minimum levels of hydrogen in the weld.