Introduction
Austenitic stainless steel S30403 (00Cr19Ni10) is a nitrogen-strengthened steel of the 300 series stainless steel family. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and high strength. It is sometimes referred to as a duplex (Austenitic-Ferritic) steel due to its make-up of austenite and ferrite, which improves its strength and corrosion resistance. This steel is used in a variety of applications including piping, pumps and valves, flanges, food and beverage processing equipment, welding electrodes and automotive components.
Chemical Composition
S30403 (00Cr19Ni10) is composed of 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel. It also contains trace amounts of magnesium, silicon and sulfur as well as 0.15% nitrogen. It has a very low carbon content of 0.03%, which makes it resistant to corrosion and prevents intergranular corrosion in most media.
Mechanical Properties
Due to its mixture of Austenite and Ferrite, S30403 displays superior tensile and yield strength properties. It has a yield strength of about 300-400MPa and tensile strength of up to 600MPa, making it a popular choice for applications that require strength. It also has a very good ductility, allowing it to be easily formed and processed while maintaining its strength.
Corrosion Resistance
S30403 is highly resistant to corrosion in many environments and media. It has an excellent resistance to pitting, crevice and stress corrosion cracking as well as to general corrosion under most conditions. It is considered a “marine grade” stainless steel due to its superior resistance to seawater, as well as to other acidic and alkaline environments.
Fabrication and Weldability
S30403 is fairly easy to machine, fabricate and weld, although it is not considered to be a welding alloy. Its relatively low carbon content makes it quite ductile, and it can be welded using most common methods. It can also be hot worked at temperatures up to 2100-2200 degrees Fahrenheit (1149-1204 degrees Celsius).
Applications
S30403 is most commonly used in piping, valves, and pumps due to its high strength and corrosion resistance. It is also widely used in food and beverage processing equipment, welding and cutting tools, automotive components, pressure vessels and chemical processing equipment.
Conclusion
S30403 (00Cr19Ni10) is a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel that displays excellent strength and corrosion resistance. It is composed of 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel and has a very low carbon content of 0.03%. It is commonly used in piping, pumps and valves, food and beverage processing equipment, welding electrodes, cutting tools and automotive components. It is fairly easy to fabricate and weld and has a good resistance to pitting, crevice and stress corrosion cracking.
