New 200-series steels: An opportunity or a threat to the image of stai 2

[arunmrao]

This is an article that I recently browsed in International stainless steel forum.

What is important is that it acknowledges the cost benefit of 200 series in the present market scenario and perhaps gives some guidance to potential users regarding the advantages and limitations.

We in India use a lot of 200 series grades and often are conned too if we are not careful while sourcing 304.

http://www.worldstainless.org/NR/rdonlyres/4CDDEDD8-68B0-443D-A3A6-7F70B95A5DE2/174/200series.pdf

 

[EdStainless]

We are surrounded by 200 grades. Tableware and pots and pans have been mostly 200 for years.

The problem that I have is that I have seen samples marked 201 coming out of various countries that are not 201. They are not stable austenitic alloys. The Ni and Mn were way too low. I have even seen some samples with 15%Cr.

Remember, you don't always get what you pay for, but you never get more than you pay for. Buyer beware.

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[kenvlach]

I recall a similar paper:
'THE NEW 200-SERIES : AN ALTERNATIVE ANSWER TO NI. SURCHARGE ? DREAM OR NIGHTMARE?'
by Dr. Jacques CHARLES, U&A, ARCELOR.

http://www.euro-inox.org/pdf/map/paper/Thenew200-series_EN.pdf

It has more corrosion resistance details and warnings about cheap 'black market' SS, and less about applications.

 

[mcguire]

I spent a decade getting US stainless users to switch from 304 to 201. They loved the savings and never had a material problem. The single drawback was that the service centers wouldn't stock it so they always had the risk of single source from a mill, which meant delivery risks. It's too bad that we don't have an ASTM recognized grade called 304 Mn which would be 18%Cr and have 4%Ni and 8%Mn, so people could get over the name stigma.
If the use of 201 versus 304 rose to the metallurgically substitutable level, the price of nickel would drop from $15 back to <$5/lb.

Michael McGuire

http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/

 

[EdStainless]

Well Mike, maybe Ni would drop back to $10/lb. The demand picture is real strained these days.
In general I agree. Most companies that don't switch are stuck because they fired the guys that knew how to make the decisions, and they don't want to pay (us) consultants to figure it out for them.
I figure that about 80% of all 304SS usage is because you can't use carbon steel, Al or Cu. 304 is an overkill for almost all places that it is used.
There are some great alloys that are under-used. We work in 21-6-9 (Cr-Ni-Mn) and I have even worked with a Mn loaded 6%Mo grade. I have never seen the S21603 in use.
Right now Allegheny is the only domestic source of 201 sheet and strip. This is severely restricting alloy conversion.

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Rust never sleeps
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[arunmrao]

Ed,
Now with Mittals taking over the Arcelor plant,and their global presence,very soon you will find more of 202 and less of 304.

Today the domestic price of Ni is close to 20$/lb.10$/lb,will be a dream,I can release much of my working capital which otherwise sits pretty heavily.

 

[mcguire]

The old Ugine, part of Mittal now, did a great job of getting people to convert from 304 to ferritics. However, they were pretty bad at 200's. They didn't produce them at all. I doubt that they will lead the charge.

Designers really need a good 17% Cr, dual stabilized ferritic, like 468. This could easily be the wrokhorse of the food service industry. They are afraid of Ti streaks, which should be easily controlled by proper melt shop practice.

Michael McGuire

http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/

 

[arunmrao]

mcguire,ed et al,

Why do the academics not involve themselves in developing and popularising other candidate materials. Are they afraid of treading the unknown path or simply want to be in the limelight by identifying with the Big Brothers in the industry. This route makes available access to funds,facilities and also perhaps a high life style!.

 

[EdStainless]

I beleive that one reason that you don't find the big mills pushing these grades more is that they are not propriatary. Once they convince a customer to convert the work will simply go to the low bidder.

I have worked with ferritics (and all of the supper ferritics) for years. The one characteristic that they lack that really matters is ease of workability. The other issue is that all mills struggle to get good quality and yield on higher alloy ferritics.
I would settle for a Cu free, 18%Cr (min) grade with 8%Mn and 4%Ni.

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Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection

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