Mar 5 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Mechanical properties
Manufacturing process
Applications
Introduction
Stainless steel 332 is a nickel and chromium austenitic stainless steel designed with resistance against carburization and oxidation at elevated temperatures. The nickel content in its composition makes the alloy highly resistant to embrittlement from precipitation to sigma phase and chloride stress corrosion cracking. The alloy has excellent corrosion resistance. It also has superior creep and stress rupture properties under the solution annealed condition.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of Grade 332 stainless steel is outlined in the following table.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Nickel, Ni |
31 |
|
Chromium, Cr |
20.5 |
|
Manganese, Mn |
1 |
|
Silicon, Si |
0.4 |
|
Titanium, Ti |
0.3 |
|
Aluminum, Al |
0.3 |
|
Copper, Cu |
0.2 |
|
Carbon, C |
0.03 |
|
Phosphorous, P |
0.02 |
|
Sulfur, S |
0.01 |
|
Iron, Fe |
Balance |
Mechanical properties
The mechanical properties of Grade 332 stainless steel are displayed in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength |
600 MPa |
87000 psi |
|
Yield strength |
294 MPa |
42600 ksi |
|
Elongation at break |
44% |
44% |
|
Reduction of area |
67% |
67% |
Manufacturing process
Stainless steel 332 can be formed at temperatures between 871 and 1204°C (1600 and 2200°F). The alloy is subjected to carbide precipitation in 538 to 760°C (1000 to 1400°F) temperature range. It exhibits excellent cold-forming characteristics. However, it has lower work hardening rate than type 301 and 304 stainless steels. The 332 alloy is then either mill annealed or solution annealed. Finally, it is welded using gas tungsten arc, stick electrode welding or gas consumable electrode techniques.
Applications
The following are some of the major applications of Grade 332 stainless steel:
-
Boiler and pressure vessels
-
Nuclear vessels
-
Appliance heating elements
-
Food, pulp and petroleum industries.