Nitronic 50® stainless steel is known for its strength, longevity. We’re proud to offer this high-performing austenitic alloy, which combines leading-edge composition and state-of-the-art manufacturing to provide a material that’s ready to take on the toughest jobs.
Nitronic 50® is a trademark of AK Steel
Ideal for high temperature applications
Superior formability and weldability
Excellent corrosion resistance, toughness and strength
What Is Nitronic 50® Used For?
Nitronic 50 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel renowned for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, wear, and galling.
The generic name for Nitronic 50® is XM-19 (sometimes written as XM19) and is sometimes referred to as UNS S20910 Nitronic 50®. XM-19 is the designation of the generic alloy caption in ASTM A276 and ASTM A479, as well as UNS S20910 or DIN 1.3964.
What Is Nitronic 50®’s Chemical Composition?
Nitronic 50®’s chemistry composition is carefully engineered to achieve its remarkable properties. It includes the following key elements:
Chromium (Cr)
Provides strength and enhances corrosion resistance.
Chromium (Cr)
Contributes to abrasion resistance.
Nitrogen (N)
Supports re-passivation and further corrosion resistance.
Nickel (Ni)
Enhances formability and contributes to excellent tensile properties.
Carbon ©, Silicon (Si), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu)
These secondary elements complement the alloy’s overall performance.
Nitronic 50® Physical Properties
Nitronic 50® stainless steel boasts impressive mechanical properties and strength characteristics:
Physical Properties
| Condition | Tensile | Yield | Enlongation | Reduction of Area | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed | 100 | 55 | 35 | 55 | 35 HRC MAX |
| High Strength | 135 | 105 | 20 | 50 | 35 HRC MAX |
Strength & Resistance
Nitronic 50® excels even when compared to 316L stainless steel. Nitronic 50®’s electrode potential is relatively low when exposed to various environments. This corrosion resistance is a key attribute that makes Nitronic 50® suitable for use in aggressive and corrosive settings.
Nitronic 50® also offers impressive corrosion resistance and mechanical performance, making it well-suited for demanding applications. Its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion enables longevity in aggressive environments where stainless steels would suffer localized corrosion. Nitronic 50® maintains its protective oxide layer even in oxidizing conditions thanks to its passivity.
With outstanding wear and galling resistance, it performs reliably even in applications with heavy mechanical wear. The alloy also exhibits high impact strength and fatigue resistance across a wide temperature range from cryogenic to elevated temperatures. Its fatigue limit allows continued performance through repeated cyclic stresses.
The combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and fatigue life makes Nitronic 50® an ideal choice for challenging mechanical and corrosive conditions.
Nitronic 50® Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN)
Nitronic 50® stainless steel boasts remarkable corrosion resistance, and one of the key factors contributing to this is its high Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN). The PREN is a critical parameter used to assess the susceptibility of stainless steel alloys to localized corrosion, such as pitting and crevice corrosion.
The PREN of Nitronic 50® typically falls within the range of 35-40, which is significantly higher than many standard stainless steel grades. This places Nitronic 50® in the category of highly corrosion-resistant materials. The higher the PREN value, the greater the alloy’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in aggressive environments, including those containing chloride ions.
Nitronic 50® Nitriding
Nitriding is a surface hardening process that can be applied to various steel alloys, including Nitronic 50® stainless steel. Nitriding involves the diffusion of nitrogen into the surface of the material, typically at elevated temperatures in the presence of ammonia or other nitrogen-rich gasses. This process modifies the surface properties of the steel, making it harder and more wear-resistant while maintaining the corrosion resistance of the core material.
In the case of Nitronic 50®, nitriding can further enhance its already impressive wear resistance and hardness. The nitriding process creates a hardened surface layer with increased resistance to abrasion, galling, and wear, making Nitronic 50® even more suitable for applications where these properties are critical.
Modulus of Elasticity of Nitronic 50®
The modulus of elasticity is a fundamental material property that measures its stiffness and ability to return to its original shape after deformation. Nitronic 50® stainless steel’s modulus of elasticity depends on factors such as the alloy’s condition and temperature. This property is essential for structural analysis and design considerations, as it helps engineers predict how Nitronic 50® will behave under different loading conditions.
Comparison to Other Stainless Steels
Nitronic 50® surpasses other stainless steel alloys, such as 17-4 and 300 series (304, 316), in terms of corrosion resistance and mechanical properties:
Superior Corrosion Resistance
Outperforms 304 and is more cost-effective than 400 series stainless steels.
Enhanced Strength
Stronger than standard austenitic steels like 316L.
Comparable Corrosion Resistance
Matches the corrosion resistance of higher-grade alloys like 904L.
Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance
Nitronic 50®’s chloride resistance is excellent. It’s not prone to this type of corrosion, unlike martensitic steels.
Exceptional Yield Strength
Doubles the yield strength of annealed 301 and 303 stainless steel.
Weight and Density
The density of Nitronic 50® stainless steel contributes to its weight, which is an important consideration in applications where weight limits need to be met. The density of Nitronic 50® is relatively low compared to other materials, making it advantageous for applications where a balance between strength and weight is required.
Forms and Manufacturing Processes of Nitronic 50®
Premium Alloys stocks Nitronic 50® High Strength with a 120 KSI minimum, and we carry Nitronic 50® in Solid Round Bar stock. These forms are widely used in applications where high strength and corrosion resistance are crucial, such as marine rigging, pump shafts, and more.
Processing
We offer Nitronic 50® in two different conditions – annealed and high strength. Nitronic 50® is annealed between 1950 deg F and 2050 deg F. For critical applications that need to withstand high corrosive environments, the higher end of the range should be used. The annealing process helps achieve the alloy’s high corrosion resistant properties. Nitronic 50® is then cold worked if transforming into high strength. The increased mechanical properties make it appropriate for oil & gas completion components, downhole drilling tools, marine applications, boat & pump shafting, and valve stems. Due to its ability to work harden, machining Nitronic 50® requires slower speeds and higher power.
Cold and Hot Working
Nitronic 50® stainless steel can be worked both in cold and hot conditions. Understanding the differences between cold and hot working processes is essential for achieving the desired mechanical properties and microstructure in your components. Cold drawn Nitronic 50® is favored in applications where precise dimensions and enhanced mechanical characteristics are required.
Microstructure and Heat Treatment
The microstructure of Nitronic 50® stainless steel can be influenced by heat treatment processes. Understanding the material’s microstructure and its response to heat treatment is vital for optimizing its mechanical properties. Heat treatment procedures should be carefully followed to achieve the desired hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Nitronic 50® stainless steel exhibits a unique microstructure contributing to its exceptional properties. At specific temperatures, it undergoes phase changes, with the gamma phase being one of them.
Nitronic 50® bar gamma typically refers to the gamma phase in the microstructure of Nitronic 50® stainless steel. In stainless steel alloys like Nitronic 50®, the microstructure can undergo phase changes at different temperatures. The gamma phase is one of the phases in the microstructure and is often associated with the high-temperature stability of the material.
Typical Applications
Nitronic 50® stainless steel finds widespread use in various applications that benefit from its unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Some common applications include:
Industries
Subsea and Marine Applications
Nitronic 50®’s resistance to corrosion, galling, and wear makes it a preferred choice for subsea and marine applications. Nitronic 50® is excellent for pump shafts, valves, and fasteners, and can withstand the harsh conditions encountered in underwater environments.
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing
It withstands aggressive chemical environments, making it suitable for pump shafts and components.
Pollution Control
Utilized in flue gas scrubbers for its durability, including pump shafts that handle corrosive gases.
Oil & Gas
The oil & gas industry demands materials that can withstand extreme conditions, including exposure to corrosive environments, high pressures, and fluctuating temperatures. Nitronic 50® stainless steel does an excellent job at this.
Aerospace
Finds use in fasteners, fittings, and landing gear components due to its high performance.
Food Processing and Pharmaceutical Equipment
Nitronic 50® is ideal for maintaining hygiene and resisting corrosion in pumps and other equipment.
Thermal Conductivity of Nitronic 50®
The thermal conductivity of a material is a critical property, especially when considering its performance in various applications where temperature control and heat transfer are important factors. Nitronic 50® stainless steel, also known as XM-19 or UNS S20910, exhibits specific thermal conductivity characteristics that are noteworthy for engineers and designers.
Understanding Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity is a material property that measures its ability to conduct heat. It quantifies how quickly heat can move through the material. In engineering applications, understanding thermal conductivity is essential for assessing the material’s suitability for specific thermal management requirements.
Thermal Conductivity of Nitronic 50®
Nitronic 50® stainless steel offers relatively low thermal conductivity compared to other metals and alloys. This property makes it advantageous in specific applications where heat retention or thermal insulation is desirable. Some key points regarding the thermal conductivity of Nitronic 50® include:
Low Thermal Conductivity.
Nitronic 50®’s thermal conductivity is lower than that of materials like copper or aluminum. This characteristic can be beneficial in applications where minimizing heat transfer is essential.
Nitronic 50®’s thermal conductivity is lower than that of materials like copper or aluminum. This characteristic can be beneficial in applications where minimizing heat transfer is essential.
Thermal Insulation.
In situations where thermal insulation is required, Nitronic 50®’s lower thermal conductivity can help reduce heat loss, making it suitable for specific components or equipment.
In situations where thermal insulation is required, Nitronic 50®’s lower thermal conductivity can help reduce heat loss, making it suitable for specific components or equipment.
Maintains Mechanical Properties.
Nitronic 50®’s low thermal conductivity, combined with its high strength and corrosion resistance, ensures that its mechanical properties are preserved even under elevated temperatures.
Nitronic 50®’s low thermal conductivity, combined with its high strength and corrosion resistance, ensures that its mechanical properties are preserved even under elevated temperatures.
Applications.
While Nitronic 50® is not typically chosen for its thermal conductivity properties, it finds use in applications where its overall combination of properties, including corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and strength, outweigh the effects of its thermal conductivity.
While Nitronic 50® is not typically chosen for its thermal conductivity properties, it finds use in applications where its overall combination of properties, including corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and strength, outweigh the effects of its thermal conductivity.
Nitronic 50® Equivalent Alloys
Nitronic 50® stainless steel, known for its exceptional properties, including corrosion resistance, high strength, and versatility, is often sought after in various industries. However, there are instances where specific project requirements or availability may lead to a search for equivalent alloys. While Nitronic 50® is unique in many ways, there are some stainless steel alloys that offer similar attributes and can be considered as alternatives or equivalents in certain applications.
Nitronic 60® vs Nitronic 50®
Nitronic 60®
Nitronic 60® is another member of the Nitronic family of stainless steels, and shares some similarities with Nitronic 50®, such as high strength and corrosion resistance.
Nitronic 50®
Nitronic 50® tends to have better weldability than Nitronic 60®, while still boasting the high strength and corrosion resistance.
Nitronic 30® vs Nitronic 50®
Nitronic 30®
Nitronic 30® is another Nitronic alloy, but it’s characterized by lower alloying elements, which results in reduced strength compared to Nitronic 50®.
Nitronic 50®
Ultimately, Nitronic 50® is more durable than Nitronic 30®, and it’s the go-to when you can’t afford to sacrifice strength.
316L Stainless Steel vs Nitronic 50®
316L Stainless Steel
AISI 316L stainless steel (also known as SS316) is an austenitic stainless steel. It doesn’t match the high strength of Nitronic 50®, but it can be an alternative in applications where the focus is primarily on corrosion resistance and the need for extreme strength is less critical.
Nitronic 50®
For more extreme environments, choose Nitronic 50® over SS316.
17-4 Stainless Steel vs Nitronic 50®
17-4 Stainless Steel
17-4 stainless steel is a recipitation-hardening stainless steel known for its combination of strength and corrosion resistance.
Nitronic 50®
While both Nitronic 50® and 17-4 stainless steel have their merits and are valuable in different contexts, Nitronic 50®’s superior corrosion resistance, enhanced mechanical properties, and broader range of applications make it a preferred choice in industries where exceptional performance in challenging environments is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitronic 50®’s magnetic properties depend on its specific composition and processing conditions. In its annealed or solution-annealed state, Nitronic 50® typically possesses a slight magnetic response, often referred to as weakly magnetic. This means that it may attract a magnet but does not exhibit strong magnetic characteristics.
However, its magnetic properties can change when Nitronic 50® is subjected to cold working or significant deformation. Cold working can induce some degree of magnetism in the material due to the alignment of its microstructure. It’s important to note that the extent of Nitronic 50®’s magnetic permeability remains relatively low compared to ferromagnetic materials like carbon steels.
For applications where magnetic interference is a concern, especially in highly sensitive environments, it’s advisable to test the specific Nitronic 50® material being used to determine its magnetic behavior. Understanding the magnetic properties of Nitronic 50® is essential for ensuring compatibility with equipment and systems where magnetism can be a limiting factor.
Yes, Nitronic 50 is considered weldable using conventional methods like TIG, MIG, and plasma arc welding. However, proper welding techniques, filler material selection, preheating, and post-weld heat treatment may be necessary.
Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when welding these materials:
- Welding Method: Nitronic stainless steels are often welded using conventional welding techniques such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, and plasma welding. These methods are suitable for Nitronic 50.
- Preheat and Interpass Temperature: Depending on the thickness of the material and the welding process, preheating of Nitronic alloys may be required to minimize the risk of cracking. Interpass temperature control is also important to prevent excessive heat buildup.
- Filler Material: Selecting the appropriate filler material is crucial. Nitronic 50 is typically welded with matching filler metals to ensure compatibility and maintain the alloy’s properties after welding.
- Post-Weld Heat Treatment: In some cases, post-weld heat treatment may be necessary to relieve residual stresses and enhance the mechanical properties of the welded joint.
- Welding Procedures: Following established welding procedures and guidelines specific to Nitronic alloys is essential to achieve high-quality, defect-free welds.
- Consult Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications for the specific grade of Nitronic stainless steel you are working with, as there may be variations in weldability and requirements.
Nitronic 50 is weldable, but proper welding techniques, filler materials, and precautions are essential to ensure successful and reliable welds. It’s advisable to consult with welding experts and refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific alloy and application to achieve the best results.
