Materials database

High-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel with 4.0-5.0% Mo — significantly higher than 316L (2.0-2.5%). Provides substantially improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments (PREN ~35, vs ~25 for 316L). Low carbon (≤0.03%) and N addition for sensitization resistance and strength. Used for chemical processing in aggressive chloride media, flue gas desulfurization, pulp & paper bleach plants, and seawater-cooled heat exchangers where 316L is insufficient but duplex is not desired.

The most widely used duplex stainless steel worldwide (SAF 2205 / UNS S31803/S32205). Austenitic-ferritic microstructure provides ~2× yield strength of 304/316 (≥450 MPa) with excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, pitting (PREN 33-38), and intergranular corrosion. Service temperature -50°C to 300°C. Used for oil & gas production tubing, chemical processing vessels, desalination plants, pulp & paper digesters, heat exchangers, and bridge structures. Weldable with ER2209 filler.

Super duplex stainless steel (SAF 2507 / UNS S32750) with 25% Cr, 7% Ni, 4% Mo, and high N for PREN ≥42. The highest corrosion resistance and strength among standard duplex grades — YS ≥550 MPa is ~2.5× that of 316L. Service temperature up to 300°C. Used for subsea oil & gas equipment (manifolds, trees, risers), desalination plants, flue gas cleaning, chemical tankers, and mining equipment in severe chloride environments. Requires careful welding to avoid sigma phase.

Nitrogen-alloyed work-hardening austenitic — AISI 301LN. Lower Ni (6-8%) than 304 makes it metastable: cold work transforms austenite to martensite → UTS up to 1400 MPa in full-hard condition. N addition compensates low C for corrosion and strength. Used for rail car bodies, springs, structural parts requiring high strength-to-weight ratio, and architectural cladding.

Lean duplex stainless steel (SAF 2304 / UNS S32304) with reduced Mo and Ni content compared to 2205. Cost-effective alternative to austenitic 316L with ~2× yield strength (400 MPa) and good stress corrosion cracking resistance. No Mo addition — relies on Cr+N for corrosion resistance (PREN ~25). Used for storage tanks, water heaters, transport tanks, structural applications in construction (e.g. reinforcing bar), and swimming pool structures. The budget-friendly duplex option.

Titanium-stabilized ferritic stainless steel with 12% chromium, often called the muffler grade stainless steel. Ultra-low carbon (max 0.03%) with Ti stabilization prevents sensitization during welding. Excellent formability for stamped and deep-drawn components. Primary material for automotive exhaust systems (manifolds, catalytic converter housings, mufflers), hot water heaters, and welded tubes. Cost-effective alternative to austenitic grades. Service temperature up to 600°C.

Ti- and Nb-stabilized ferritic stainless steel with very low carbon (max 0.03%) and 17.5-18.5% Cr. The dual stabilization with Ti and Nb provides excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion and superior high-temperature oxidation resistance. Non-hardenable. Used extensively for automotive exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter housings, heat exchangers, furnace parts, and kitchen equipment. More economical than austenitic grades for high-temperature applications.

Martensitic chromium stainless steel with moderate carbon content (0.26-0.35%) and 12-14% Cr. Part of the AISI 420 family. Can be hardened to approximately 50-52 HRC. Good balance of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Used for cutlery, kitchen knives, scissors, springs, surgical instruments, and pump shafts. Better toughness than higher-carbon variants X39Cr13 and X46Cr13.

Tungsten-alloyed hot work tool steel (AISI H21) with 9% W for exceptional high-temperature strength and resistance to tempering. Low thermal conductivity makes rapid cooling unacceptable — tools must be preheated to ~300°C before use. Achieves 44-50 HRC. Used for die casting dies for copper alloys (brass/bronze), hot forging dies, hot extrusion tooling, hot shear blades, and mandrels. The go-to steel for copper alloy die casting where H13 would soften. JIS: SKD5.

Chromium-molybdenum hot work tool steel (AISI H10) with high Mo content for excellent resistance to thermal softening and thermal fatigue. Can be safely water-cooled in service, unlike tungsten hot work steels. Achieves 50-52 HRC. Used for hot forging dies, die casting dies (especially aluminum), hot extrusion tools, hot punches, and hot shear blades. Superior thermal fatigue resistance compared to H11/H13 in continuous high-temperature service above 600°C. EN designation: 32CrMoV12-28.

Pre-hardened corrosion-resistant mould steel (30–36 HRC as delivered). 16% Cr provides stainless-like corrosion resistance — no surface pitting during storage, no rust contamination of moulded parts. Sulfur addition improves machinability. Used for moulds processing corrosive plastics (PVC, acetals, flame-retardant compounds), food packaging moulds, moulds stored in humid environments and prototype tooling. Can be directly machined in pre-hardened state without additional heat treatment.

Chromium hot work tool steel, known as AISI H11. Similar to 1.2344 (H13) but with lower V content (0.30–0.50% vs 0.85–1.15%) giving better toughness at the expense of slightly lower wear resistance. Better suited for applications requiring maximum toughness — large forging dies, die casting dies for light alloys, extrusion tools. Air-hardening to 50–54 HRC. Preferred over H13 when thermal shock resistance is the primary concern.

Premium hot work tool steel — higher Mo (2.7-3.2%) than H13/1.2344 (1.1-1.5%) for superior hot strength and temper resistance. Better thermal fatigue life in demanding die casting. Often specified for aluminum high-pressure die casting where H13 life is insufficient. Used for Al/Mg die casting dies, hot forging dies, and extrusion tools requiring longer life than H13.

Martensitic chromium stainless steel with medium-high carbon content (0.36-0.42%) and 12.5-14.5% Cr. Higher hardness potential than X30Cr13 (up to 54 HRC) but slightly reduced toughness. Used for high-quality cutlery, cutting tools, scissors, surgical instruments, and measuring tools requiring both corrosion resistance and good edge retention.

Hardenable martensitic stainless steel with Mo addition for improved corrosion resistance and hardenability. Higher Cr (15.5-17.5%) than basic Cr13 grades. Achieves 220-275 HB after QT. Good resistance to nitric acid, water, steam, acetone, alcohol, and glycerine. Used for pump shafts, valve components, springs, fasteners, turbine blades, and food processing equipment requiring both hardness and corrosion resistance.

Low-carbon martensitic stainless steel with nickel (3.5–4.5%) and molybdenum (0.3–0.7%) for improved toughness, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Available in QT650, QT780, and QT900 conditions. Primary material for hydraulic turbine runners (Francis, Kaplan), pump impellers, compressor components, and offshore parts. Service range -60°C to 300°C. Also known as F6NM (ASTM cast) and UNS S41500.

Austenitic CrNiMo stainless — AISI 316 variant with higher Mo (2.5-3.0%) and Ni (10.5-13.0%). Better pitting resistance than standard 316 (1.4401) due to higher Mo minimum. C max 0.05% (not L-grade, so slightly higher strength than 316L). Used for chemical plant, textile dyeing equipment, and applications requiring guaranteed higher Mo than 316 minimum.

THE hot work tool steel — AISI H13 / JIS SKD61. 5% Cr + Mo + V for outstanding thermal fatigue resistance, red hardness above 40 HRC at 600°C, and excellent toughness. Air-hardening — uniform hardness in large sections with minimal distortion. Used for aluminum/zinc die casting dies, extrusion dies, forging dies, hot shear blades, and plastic molds. ESR grade available for critical applications.

Nickel cold-work tool steel with exceptional toughness from ~4% Ni content. Excellent through-hardenability, polishability, and impact resistance. Used for plastic injection molds (high-gloss), embossing dies, scrap shear blades, punches, cutlery dies, and bending tools.

High-toughness nickel-alloyed tool steel for plastic molds and cold work applications. 4% Ni provides exceptional impact toughness at hardness levels of 48–54 HRC. Through-hardening up to very large cross sections. Used for injection mold frames, blow mold inserts, cold stamping tools requiring high toughness, tire molds and machine knives. Polishable to mirror finish. Can be nitrided for improved surface hardness.

Martensitic chromium stainless steel with high carbon content (0.43-0.50%) and 12.5-14.5% Cr. The highest carbon grade in the basic Cr13 martensitic series. Achieves hardness up to 56 HRC. Good compromise between hardness and corrosion resistance. Equivalent to AISI 420C/420HC. Used for knife blades, surgical instruments, razor blades, CO2 capture pipes, and precision cutting tools. Good polishing capability.

Free-cutting high-carbon martensitic stainless steel. Sulfur-enhanced variant of X46Cr13 (1.4034) for automated production of knife blades and cutlery. Combines the high hardness of X46Cr13 (up to 54 HRC) with excellent machinability for mass production on automatic lathes and CNC machines. Used for industrially manufactured knife blades, scissors, and cutting tools.

Austenitic Cr-Ni stainless with higher Ni (11-13%) than 304 (8-10.5%) — AISI 305. The higher Ni content lowers work-hardening rate, making it ideal for severe cold forming and deep drawing operations where 304 would crack. Same corrosion resistance as 304. Used for deep-drawn sinks, pots/pans, complex stampings, and cold-headed fasteners where minimum work-hardening is needed.

Supermartensitic stainless steel with high Ni and Mo. Excellent combination of high strength (up to 1000 MPa) and good corrosion resistance. Superior to CA6NM (1.4313). Used for offshore flow lines, subsea Christmas trees, hydraulic cylinders, and pump shafts.