What is heat resistant stainless steel?
Heat-resistant stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is designed to maintain its mechanical properties and structural integrity even when exposed to high temperatures. Notably, it is non-magnetic and can be categorized into groups of ferritic and austenitic steels as well as nickel-based alloys. The main characteristic that sets heat-resistant stainless steel apart from standard stainless steel grades is its ability to withstand high temperatures without experiencing a notable reduction in strength or deformation.
Why heat resistant stainless steel is outstanding?
heat-resistant stainless steel exhibits outstanding mechanical strength, high ductility, and excellent workability. Its ease of weldability and formability makes it suitable for various projects. Furthermore, this stainless steel type exhibits impressive resistance to grain boundary corrosion, high-temperature creep strength, and oxidation. Notably, it excels in heat resistance, high strength, and corrosion resistance at different operating temperatures.
Applications of heat resistant stainless steel
The versatile applications of heat-resistant stainless steel include industrial furnace and boiler components, furnace baskets and trays, furnace conveyor belts, electrical heating elements, annealing bells, steam boilers, fluidized bed combustors, muffles, retorts, exhaust systems, burners, heat exchangers, pusher furnaces, and combustion chambers. Moreover, it finds favor in industries such as aerospace, ceramics, pulp, food, incineration plants, chemicals and petrochemicals, glass manufacturing, automotive (especially for turbo parts), and hardening plants.
Grades Options
Surface Treatment
To cater to specific requirements, we offer a variety of surface finishes for heat-resistant stainless steel, including 1D (hot rolled, annealed, and pickled), 2B (cold rolled, annealed, and pickled), 2E (mechanically descaled and pickled), 1C (hot rolled, annealed, and non-descaled), 2C (cold rolled, annealed, and non-descaled), and 2R (cold rolled and bright annealed).
Welding Methods
Thanks to its excellent weldability, we provide several common welding procedures for heat-resistant stainless steel, such as MIG/MAG, TIG, or electrode welding.
Between the two, 316 stainless steel generally has better heat resistance, making it more suitable for applications that involve higher temperatures. However, the specific choice depends on the maximum operating temperature of the application and other factors such as corrosion resistance requirements and cost considerations.
For applications where temperatures may exceed 870°C (1600°F), 316 stainless steel would be a more appropriate choice due to its higher heat resistance. It’s also a preferred option for applications in aggressive environments where corrosion resistance is critical.
If the operating temperature is well below 870°C (1600°F), 304 stainless steel may suffice and is often more cost-effective. Additionally, if the application demands good general corrosion resistance but does not require the higher heat resistance of 316, 304 can be a suitable choice.
In summary, if you need superior heat resistance and corrosion resistance, 316 stainless steel is generally the better option. However, for many applications with lower operating temperatures and less demanding corrosion resistance needs, 304 stainless steel remains a popular and cost-effective choice.
