18Cr-4Ni is a lean duplex stainless steel combining ferritic and austenitic phases to deliver a balanced mix of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency compared to conventional austenitic stainless steels. It is widely used in chemical processing, desalination plants, pulp and paper production, and offshore equipment where moderate corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties are required without the expense of higher-alloyed duplex grades. Engineers select this grade when weight savings, fabricability, and resistance to chloride stress-corrosion cracking are priorities, and where the lower nickel content offers cost advantages over 304/316L austenitic stainless steels in non-severe corrosive environments.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elongation at Break(εf) | 12.90 | - | — | ||
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | 1.382 | GPa | — | ||
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)(σy) | 1.237 | GPa | — |