Duplex stainless steel has a different structure than regular stainless steel. The difference is in the microstructure. Duplex consists of both austenite and ferrite. Whether this matters for heat treatment, you will find in this article. Are you considering heat treatment for duplex stainless steel? Then be sure to read on.
Which end products are made of duplex stainless steel?
Duplex stainless steel can be found in specific working areas, often in the offshore and construction industry. This is because duplex stainless steel is a very strong material. Bridges are also regularly built from this type of steel. Another common place for duplex stainless steel is within the chemical industry. It is corrosion resistant, which of course works to its advantage in combination with toxic substances. In general, duplex stainless steel is therefore chosen for its combination of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and flexibility.
How is duplex stainless steel produced?
Duplex stainless steel consists for the most part of chromium, nickel and molybdenum. The typical composition for duplex stainless steel is approximately between 21-26% chromium, 4.5-6.5% nickel, 2.5-3.5% molybdenum and up to 0.3% nitrogen. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to take into account the specific requirements of the end product. This way, the right quality duplex stainless steel can be selected for the most optimum performance.
The heat treatment
For duplex stainless steel, it’s especially important that the material is properly cooled after preheating. The rapid cooling is important to preserve the formed microstructure and prevents the formation of unwanted phases. For duplex stainless steel, the goal is a good balance between austenitic and ferritic phases. This gives the steel excellent mechanical properties, high strength and good corrosion resistance. The exact treatment process may vary depending on the specific composition and application of the duplex steel. That is why it is important to rely on the heat treatment experts.
Delta Heat Services
Do you want to guarantee that the heat treatment process of duplex stainless steel is going well? Or perhaps you’ve had some bad experiences in the past? Don’t hesitate and reach out to Delta Heat Services. Our heat treatment experts can provide you with all the necessary advice. In addition to that, you can also purchase or rent the required equipment from us. Please fill in our contact form and get a personal advice about the piece that needs to preheat.
