There are over 100 types of stainless steel on the market today, each of which offers something different in terms of strength, corrosion resistance, and affordability. One of the most versatile of these stainless steels is duplex stainless steel, a stainless steel that’s used in a variety of modern applications.
Wondering what exactly duplex stainless steel has to offer? If so, you’re in the right place. This article should contain all of the information you are looking for.
What Exactly is Duplex Stainless Steel?
Also known as S31803 or 2205 stainless steel, duplex stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. It draws characteristics from both of these stainless steels to create an alloy that is versatile.
Often used in the underwater oil and chemical processing industries, it thrives around corrosive substances such as saltwater and acid.
The Advantages of Duplex Stainless Steel:
There are many advantages that come with duplex stainless steel. While this stainless steel isn’t necessarily the best in any one respect, it rates very high for several characteristics. The primary advantages of duplex stainless steel include:
High Resistance to Corrosion
When industries utilize duplex stainless steel, it is primarily due to its resistance to corrosion. This stainless steel offers very high corrosion resistance at a very affordable price.
Duplex stainless steel is resistant to oxidation, stress corrosion cracking, and corrosion due to chloride. In essence, it thrives despite the presence of corrosive substances.
Because of this, you’ll often see duplex stainless steel used for applications where corrosive chemicals are present. These applications include undersea oil drilling and chemical processing, to name a few.
Strong
Many corrosive-resistant stainless steel alloys are austenitic in nature. Unfortunately, this means that they lack strength. This is one of the reasons duplex stainless steel was created: to combine the strength of ferritic stainless steel with the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel.
While duplex stainless steel is far from the strongest steel alloy, it is more than strong enough to serve a number of functions. Not only does it hold up well against long-term stress, but against direct physical trauma as well.
Ductile
Another benefit of duplex stainless steel is that it’s ductile. This alloy can be stretched and formed into various shapes without breaking.
Though it’s not quite as ductile as austenitic stainless steel, it is substantially more ductile than ferritic stainless steel. In the end, its level of ductility does nothing to hold it back. It can typically serve its applications with little trouble.
Cost-Effective
There are stainless steel alloys available that are more corrosion-resistant than duplex stainless steel. However, for its price, duplex stainless steel offers some of the highest levels of corrosion resistance available.
Duplex stainless steel is very affordable relative to other types of steel. The main reason for this? It contains only very small amounts of nickel, which is a very expensive metal. For comparison, austenitic steel contains high levels of nickel, which is part of the reason why it’s more expensive.
Companies can save substantial amounts of money by using duplex stainless steel as opposed to austenitic stainless steel. This is true for both manufacturers of steel components, and buyers of steel components.
Looking for Duplex (S31803 or 2205) Stainless Steel Products?
Are you interested in utilizing duplex stainless steel? Are you looking to purchase duplex stainless steel products?
If so, we sell all types of duplex stainless steel items, from weldings, to pipes, to fittings, and more.We ship our products all over the world.
Contact us now to discuss your needs!
Post time: May-19-2022