Before the emergence of duplex stainless steel, there were two primary stainless categories: Austenitic and ferritic. With high strength, good formability, and inherent anti-corrosive properties, both proved ideal for heavy-duty design and manufacture worldwide.
Although attuned to a wide range of application areas, minor material quirks meant that neither was suitable for certain high-performance applications. Through concerted research and development (R&D), a novel composite of the two was born. Duplex stainless steel has been exceeding engineering expectations ever since.
Duplex: A Complex Collage of Characteristics
Comprising roughly 50% ferrite and 50% austenite, duplex stainless-steel forms a novel alloying mixture that is truly much more than the sum of its parts. Its unique chemistry yields exceptional heat and corrosion-resistant performance, for instance – but this is merely one unique selling point.
Outperforming its predecessors in terms of weldability, strength, resistance, and conformability, duplex stainless steel has carved out a niche in structural engineering and replaced many conventional steels in markets requiring an enhanced steel solution.
Applications of Duplex Stainless Steel
The core group of industries in which duplex stainless steel is a core component includes chemical processing, the oil and gas industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, marine applications, and more. So, what situation is duplex stainless steel the most suitable steel to use?
Durable
Duplex grades enjoy elevated levels of corrosion-resistance against the environment and climatic elements. As a result, it can withstand varying levels of trauma or impact from daily operation meaning it doesn’t demand much maintenance. Equipment that doesn’t have to be regularly fixed or replaced reduces the cost of any project exponentially.
Lightweight
Increased yield strengths and superior infrastructure of the metal means thinner, smaller sections of the steel can be produced to achieve better results as much bulkier pieces of alternative steels. Duplex stainless steel structures can be moved and transported at less effort and more efficiently, further reducing operating costs.
Versatile
Possessing the power to survive extreme hot or cold temperatures, duplex stainless steel is relied upon for many missions where there is a high probability of burning, freezing or electrocution. An incredible aptitude to show no ill-effects despite sustained exposure to severe settings gives you and your team an added buffer of confidence and calmness.
So, with such a highly adaptable and diverse metal used to great effect in an extensive list of solutions and circumstances, the question should be, ‘When not to use Duplex Stainless Steel’. Contact a member of the Masteel team today if you have any more questions.