1.4310 Stainless Steel: Properties, Applications, and Equivalents
When it comes to selecting the right material for demanding industrial applications, the choice of stainless steel can make all…
In industries where durability and resistance to harsh environments are non-negotiable, the choice of materials can make or break a project. Enter AL6XN, a superaustenitic stainless steel alloy renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength, and versatility. Whether you’re managing a sanitary piping system, constructing a desalination plant, or designing equipment for chemical processing, AL6XN pipes and tubes offer a reliable solution built to withstand extreme conditions. But how do you navigate the market to find the right supplier, ensure compliance with stringent standards, and secure competitive pricing? This guide dives deep into the essentials, from detailed specifications and mechanical properties to regional price trends and supplier insights. Get ready to make informed decisions with a comprehensive overview that answers all your questions about AL6XN pipes and tubes.
AL6XN stands out in the realm of stainless steels with its unparalleled ability to resist corrosion, making it an essential choice for industries operating in aggressive environments. Known by its UNS designation N08367, this superaustenitic stainless steel is engineered for excellence where conventional alloys fall short.
AL6XN’s exceptional performance is rooted in its unique chemical makeup, which includes high levels of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. These elements empower the alloy to resist pitting and crevice corrosion—forms of localized damage that can occur when metals are exposed to chlorides and other aggressive agents. Think of pitting as the formation of small, localized holes on a metal surface, while crevice corrosion occurs in confined spaces where corrosive substances can become trapped.
In addition to its outstanding corrosion resistance, AL6XN boasts impressive mechanical strength and durability. It surpasses standard stainless steels like 304 and 316L in both tensile and yield strength, providing robust support without sacrificing flexibility or ease of welding.
AL6XN’s corrosion resistance and strength make it a superior choice compared to many traditional stainless steels. It resists corrosion better than many other stainless steels, such as 316L and 904L, offering a significant advantage in environments rich in chlorides. Its robust tensile and yield strength allow for the use of thinner material, which can lead to cost savings without compromising structural integrity.
AL6XN finds its place across diverse industries due to its remarkable properties. For example:
Choosing AL6XN means investing in a material that ensures long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to endure where other materials degrade reduces maintenance costs and operational downtime, making it a wise choice for demanding applications. Explore the possibilities with AL6XN and discover how it can meet your specific needs—contact a supplier today to learn more about this remarkable alloy.
The AL6XN alloy, known as UNS N08367, is a type of superaustenitic stainless steel noted for its high resistance to corrosion. This exceptional property is attributed to its carefully balanced chemical composition, which includes high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, along with nitrogen. Together, these elements significantly enhance the alloy’s ability to withstand harsh environments, particularly those rich in chlorides.
With a tensile strength of about 690 MPa and a yield strength of 345 MPa, AL6XN is suitable for applications that demand high durability. Its impressive elongation of approximately 40% allows it to endure substantial stress and deformation, making it an ideal choice for industries that require both strength and flexibility in their materials.
AL6XN pipes and tubes meet key ASTM and ASME standards, ensuring their suitability for critical industrial applications. These standards guarantee that the products adhere to stringent quality and performance criteria. Additionally, AL6XN products often meet FDA and NSF certifications, making them ideal for hygienic environments like food processing and pharmaceuticals.
AL6XN pipes and tubes come in various sizes, offering seamless and welded options to meet diverse application needs. They are manufactured using advanced techniques, such as Electric Resistance Welding, to ensure precise and robust constructions. This versatility in manufacturing allows for customization to specific industrial requirements.
Thanks to its robust composition and rigorous manufacturing standards, AL6XN is a reliable choice for industries requiring superior corrosion resistance and strength. Whether in chemical processing, marine environments, or food production, AL6XN delivers exceptional performance and longevity.
The cost of AL6XN stainless steel pipes and tubes is determined by several factors, including size, manufacturing process, and location. The size of the pipe or tube, specifically its diameter and wall thickness, significantly impacts the price. Larger diameters and thicker walls generally lead to higher costs due to more material usage. Seamless pipes are typically more expensive than welded ones due to the more complex manufacturing process involved.
In India, prices range from Rs 800 to Rs 1,300 per kg, depending on dimensions and wall thickness. For example, a 1/4" NB x Sch10/10s (1.65mm) wall x 500mm tube might cost about Rs 190 for a pack of five.
In the USA, AL6XN tubes are priced around $19 per kg, reflecting both material costs and local economic factors.
In the UK and Europe, AL6XN tubes are approximately Rs 1150 per kg, equivalent to $17 or €15 per kg, based on regional market conditions.
AL6XN pipes and tubes are available in a variety of forms to meet diverse industrial needs:
AL6XN tubes meet standards like ASME SB-269 and ASTM B690. Suppliers offer services such as resizing, polishing, and bending to customize the tubes for specific needs, ensuring that they fit precise industrial requirements.
AL6XN’s exceptional properties make it ideal for industries requiring both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
In the petrochemical and chemical processing industries, AL6XN is extensively used for equipment like heat exchangers, reactors, and piping systems. Its ability to resist chloride pitting and crevice corrosion ensures long-lasting performance in environments with aggressive chemicals.
In the oil and gas sector, AL6XN is valued for its durability in harsh environments, particularly offshore. Its resistance to stress corrosion cracking in saline conditions is especially beneficial.
Power plants use AL6XN for vital components like heat exchangers and boilers. Its high corrosion resistance and strength under extreme temperatures and pressures make it a reliable choice for maintaining efficiency and safety.
AL6XN is ideal for marine uses due to its resistance to saltwater and biofouling. It is commonly used in seawater systems, desalination plants, and shipbuilding, where durability against harsh maritime conditions is essential.
The pharmaceutical industry uses AL6XN for its sanitary properties and resistance to corrosive cleaning agents, ensuring the purity and integrity of biopharmaceutical products.
AL6XN withstands high salt and acid concentrations, ensuring safety in food processing. It prevents contamination and degradation, maintaining the integrity of piping systems and other equipment.
AL6XN is ideal for desalination and water treatment due to its resistance to chlorides and low-pH environments. Its use in these applications helps ensure the longevity and reliability of the infrastructure.
The alloy’s exceptional resistance to corrosive substances makes it perfect for reverse osmosis systems, maintaining system integrity and performance under challenging conditions.
Overall, AL6XN’s versatility and durability make it a top choice across industries, delivering performance and longevity in challenging conditions.
Choosing the right material for industrial applications requires a careful comparison of alloy properties and benefits. AL6XN, a superaustenitic stainless steel, is often evaluated alongside other popular stainless steels such as 316L and 904L.
AL6XN is celebrated for its superior resistance to corrosion caused by chlorides, which is crucial in environments like saltwater pipelines or chemical reactors. This alloy’s high molybdenum and nitrogen content significantly enhance its ability to withstand pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 316L and 904L. While 316L performs well in mild environments, it struggles in aggressive conditions, where AL6XN excels. Although 904L offers better resistance than 316L, it still does not match AL6XN, especially in chloride-rich settings.
AL6XN provides excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile and yield strengths, contributing to its durability in demanding applications. Its capacity for elongation allows it to absorb significant stress without fracturing, making it ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature environments. In comparison, the other alloys offer reasonable mechanical performance but often require thicker sections to achieve similar strength levels, which can increase material costs and weight.
While AL6XN has a higher upfront cost than 316L and 904L, its long lifespan and low maintenance make it a more cost-effective choice over time. The alloy’s durability reduces the need for frequent replacements and repairs. This translates to long-term savings and improved operational efficiency.
In applications requiring superior corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, such as desalination plants, marine environments, and chemical processing, AL6XN stands out as the preferred choice. It maintains structural integrity in harsh conditions, outperforming other stainless steels. For industries where performance and reliability are non-negotiable, AL6XN proves to be a valuable investment.
When sourcing AL6XN stainless steel pipes and tubes, partnering with reputable suppliers is crucial to ensure high-quality materials that meet industrial standards. Here are some notable suppliers offering AL6XN products:
Auremo: Specializing in nickel alloys, Auremo supplies AL6XN pipes and offers wholesale discounts for bulk orders.
Fastwell: Fastwell supplies AL6XN tubes worldwide, including regions such as India, Europe, the UK, USA, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East.
Navrang Steel: In the Indian market, Navrang Steel provides a variety of AL6XN pipe shapes and sizes, ensuring competitive pricing.
CSI Designs: CSI Designs specializes in AL6XN alloy tubing for sanitary applications in industries like food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care.
When choosing a supplier for AL6XN pipes and tubes, consider the following factors to ensure quality and service:
Certifications and Standards Compliance: Verify that suppliers comply with ASTM and ASME standards and hold necessary certifications for your industry.
Cost and Logistics: Compare pricing and potential discounts for bulk orders, and consider the supplier’s geographic location and shipping capabilities to ensure efficient delivery.
Customer Reviews and Reputation: Evaluate customer reviews and the supplier’s reputation to ensure reliable products and services.
Many suppliers provide additional services that can enhance the value of your purchase:
Customization: Tailor services such as resizing, polishing, and bending to meet specific project requirements.
Finishing Options: Choose from various finishes, including polished, annealed and pickled, and bright annealed, to improve the aesthetic and functional properties of the pipes and tubes.
Technical Support: Access technical support and consultation to optimize the selection and use of AL6XN products in your applications.
By considering these factors and services, you can select a supplier that not only meets your technical specifications but also provides excellent service and support throughout your project’s lifecycle.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
The chemical composition of AL6XN stainless steel includes the following elements: Carbon (C) at a maximum of 0.03%, Manganese (Mn) up to 2.00%, Silicon (Si) up to 1.00%, Sulfur (S) up to 0.03%, and Phosphorus (P) up to 0.04%. The primary alloying elements are Chromium (Cr) ranging from 20.00-22.00%, Nickel (Ni) from 23.50-25.50%, Molybdenum (Mo) from 6.00-7.00%, and Nitrogen (N) from 0.18-0.25%. Additionally, Copper (Cu) is present at a maximum of 0.75%. This composition provides AL6XN with exceptional corrosion resistance and strength, making it ideal for demanding environments such as chemical processing and marine applications.
The prices for AL6XN pipes and tubes vary by region. In India, AL6XN tubes cost approximately Rs 800 per kg, which is about $11 per kg. Pipe prices range from $200 to $1300 per ton. In the UK/Europe, the price for AL6XN tubes is around Rs 1150 per kg, equivalent to $17 per kg or €15 per kg. In the USA, AL6XN tubes are priced at about Rs 1300 per kg, which is $19 per kg or €17 per kg, with pipe prices ranging from $500 to $17500 per ton depending on the type and supplier. Prices can vary based on order quantity and supplier terms.
AL6XN and 316L stainless steels differ primarily in their chemical composition and performance in corrosive environments. AL6XN contains higher levels of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, along with nitrogen, which enhances its corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. It excels in chloride-rich and aggressive environments, offering superior resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking, making it suitable for chemical processing, marine, and food industries. In contrast, 316L, with lower alloy content, is less resistant to such corrosion but is more economical and widely available, making it suitable for less demanding applications. AL6XN, although more expensive, provides better long-term performance in harsh conditions compared to 316L.
AL6XN pipes and tubes are commonly used in several key industries due to their exceptional corrosion resistance and high strength. These industries include chemical processing, where they handle corrosive chemicals; the oil and gas sector, particularly in offshore platforms and pipelines exposed to seawater and acidic gases; and the pharmaceutical industry, where they transport hazardous substances and ensure product purity. Additionally, they are utilized in water treatment facilities, marine applications, mining and metal processing, heat exchangers and pressure vessels, petrochemical and power generation industries, and pulp and paper production. Their durability and performance in harsh environments make them ideal for these demanding applications.
AL6XN pipes and tubes comply with several key standards and certifications to ensure their quality and suitability for demanding applications. They adhere to ASME SB-269 and SB-270 standards for seamless and welded tubes, as well as ASTM B676 for welded pipes, ASTM B622 for seamless pipes, and ASTM B690 for UNS N08367 stainless steel tubes. Certifications include Manufacturer Test Certificates, Laboratory Test Certificates from approved laboratories, and Material Test Certificates (MTC) as per EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2. These pipes and tubes are also marked with essential details like grade, dimensions, and heat numbers, ensuring traceability and compliance with international specifications such as UNS N08367, DIN 1.4529, and EN X1NiCrMoCuN25-20-7.
To find reliable suppliers for AL6XN pipes and tubes, you can consider the following options:
Fastwell: A leading exporter in India, offering a wide range of seamless and welded tubes with various sizes and finishes. They provide detailed pricing lists for multiple regions.
Hitesh Steel: Specializes in AL-6XN tubing with comprehensive specifications and value-added services such as cutting and threading. Based in India, they offer detailed pricing and product information.
Navrang Steel: Located in Mumbai, they are a manufacturer and supplier of seamless AL6XN pipes, providing extensive details on dimensions and pricing.
Alibaba: A global marketplace featuring multiple suppliers of AL6XN pipes and tubes. You can find various products, including seamless and welded tubes, with prices ranging from $100 to $200 per ton.
Contacting these suppliers directly will allow you to get the most current pricing and ensure the products meet your specific requirements.
