Also known as duplex stainless steel or 2205, S31803 stainless steel is a steel product which has grown in popularity in recent years. Lauded for its combination of strength and anti-corrosive properties, it serves a number of functions. The best thing about S31803 stainless steel? It is relatively inexpensive.
The question is: how can this stainless steel be all of these things? How can it be so high-functioning at such a meager price? The answer is in its ingredients.
Let’s discuss the structural components of S31803 stainless steel, shall we?
Components of S31803 Stainless Steel
S31803 stainless steel, or “duplex,” is a steel which shares components of both austenitic and ferritic steels. Both iron alloys, these two types of steel work together to give duplex its excellent versatility.
Austenitic Steel
Austenitic steel is renowned primarily for its resistance to corrosion. High in chromium and nickel, it can withstand a great deal of heat.
Possessing low amounts of carbon, it also often consists of titanium, copper, aluminum, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These elements are added to give it improved corrosion-resistance, and improved oxidation-resistance, to name just a few characteristics.
Ferritic Steel
Ferritic steel is more renowned for its strength, toughness, and structural integrity. While it offers good corrosion-resistance, when it’s used, it’s typically used because of its structural characteristics.
Low in nickel, ferritic steel is generally more affordable than austenitic steel. While its primary ingredient is chromium, it can also contain traces of aluminum, titanium, and molybdenum.
Characteristics of S31803 Stainless Steel
When working together, austenitic steel and ferritic steel create a truly versatile type of stainless steel. Not only is S31803 stainless steel strong, it is resistant to corrosion as well—and all for a very reasonable price.
Inexpensive
Typically, the ingredient which drives up the price of stainless steel is nickel. While S31803 stainless steel contains nickel, it contains a great deal less nickel than other types of stainless steel.
What is the result of this? Duplex stainless steels are much more affordable than other forms of stainless steel. For this reason, duplex has seen rapid growth in real-world applications.
Resistant to Corrosion
If you are looking for a stainless steel which can withstand corrosion, look no further than S31803 stainless steel. This steel is designed to withstand corrosion of all types.
Not only will it stand up against heat, but against salt water as well. In fact, it’s especially resistant to corrosion from chloride.
Strong
The fact of the matter is that duplex stainless steel is an extraordinarily strong steel. It can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear, making it perfect for real-world applications in which it will see a lot of physical trauma.
Despite its intense strength, it’s actually still a fairly malleable steel. It can be shaped and manipulated in a number of different ways, allowing it to be used for a variety of different applications.
Thrives in Water
As was noted above, S31803 stainless steel offers excellent chloride corrosion resistance. Because of this, it is the ideal stainless steel to use in salt water.
Duplex stainless steel products are often used in the underwater oil industry, typically presenting themselves as pipes, weld fittings, and other such implements. If you’re looking to use your stainless steel underwater, S31803 is the way to go.
In Search of S31803 Stainless Steel Products?
Are you interested in using S31803? In search of S31803 stainless steel products? If so, we here at Great Plains Stainless have you covered.
We supply S31803 stainless steel products of all kinds, from pipes, to bars, to fittings, and more. It would be our honor to serve you.
Contact us today for a free estimate!