Introduction
The 00Cr17 steel is a type of iron chromium stainless steel, belonging to the iron-chromium-nickel group. It is an austenitic corrosion-resistant stainless steel, with a high chromium content, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance - particularly in sea water. This makes it attractive for a variety of applications where corrosion is a major issue, such as chemical plants and marine engineering.
00Cr17 is a low-carbon stainless steel, meaning it has a reduced carbon content compared to other ‘normal’ stainless steels. This contributes to its great corrosion resistance, as low-carbon steels are less likely to corrode. Other elements are added deliberately to make the steel even more resistant - such as chromium and nickel - as well as special ‘alloys’ to increase the hardening process.
Application
00Cr17 is extensively used in a variety of maritime and industrial applications, due to its excellent corrosion resistance. It is popular in the construction of boats and other vessels, for example marine pumps, inspection plates, fastenings and other ship fittings, as well as on decks and superstructure pieces, and to build life-boats. The uniform surface is also highly desirable in this industry, as scratches and scratches will not form. The high corrosion resistance further implies that maintenance is reduced to a minimum.
00Cr17 is also a go-to choice in industrial environments prone to corrosion. It is particularly suitable for use in chemical plants, due to its extreme resistance to corrosion from chemicals and oxidation. It is regularly employed in the production of tanks, pumps, piping and valves, as well as for containers for hydrogen sulphide and sulphur-containing liquids.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
00Cr17 is a ‘dual phase’ iron chromium stainless steel. As with other iron-chromium-nickel stainless steels, it shows good mechanical properties and strength at elevated temperatures, creep strength, and extreme resistance to highly oxidizing substances. It is non-magnetic and has a high yield strength of around 550 MPa.
The steel also exhibits excellent impact resistance and fatigue strength, being able to resist large shocks without breaking or failing. This makes plain 00Cr17 steel a great option for structures and parts put under strain or subject to vibration, as it is highly resistant to fatigue and can repeatedly withstand the stress - both thermal and mechanical - of considerable strain.
Conclusion
Overall, 00Cr17 steel presents the perfect balance of strength, durability and cost-effectiveness, making it a great choice for an array of maritime and industrial projects. Its excellent corrosion-resistance and fatigue-strength particularly make it a desirable material for both shipbuilding and chemical plant applications, as it allows for less maintenance and more reliability in even the harshest of conditions.
