Duplex Stainless

Steels

Contents
Answers for todays challenges........................................................................4
The experts voice................................................................................................5
Product positioning..............................................................................................6
Product suitability..................................................................................................8
Chemical composition.........................................................................................9
Mechanical properties.....................................................................................10
Physical properties............................................................................................13
Corrosion resistance.........................................................................................14
Product assortment..........................................................................................16
Fabrication...........................................................................................................17

We believe in a world
that lasts forever
The world needs and deserves innovations that pass the test of time and are able to be recycled
and used again at the end of their lifecycle.
Outokumpu stainless steel is durable in the most challenging of conditions delivering ever longer
project lifecycles. The recycled content of Outokumpu advanced materials varies between 70% and
90% depending on the grade and Outokumpu stainless steel is also fully recyclable. The properties
of Outokumpu advanced materials, also make them an economically sustainable solution.
Our vision of a world that lasts forever not only reflects these properties but also our ongoing
commitment to innovation and the development of lasting customer relationships.

Outokumpu Duplex 2205 in Marina Bay bridge, Singapore3

Winning the future

useful answers for
todays challenges
The use of stainless steel is increasing fast due to the material's durability, corrosion
resistance and aesthetics. If the right grades are selected, stainless steel lasts hundreds
of years. In the long run, stainless steel is also often the least expensive material, thanks
to low maintenance costs.

Trend 1:
Global economics and striving for stability
When it comes to costs, all parties seek stability. In large-scale
construction projects, the right material choices can multiply savings.
Outokumpu Duplex stainless steel has excellent strength, which often
means the same structure can be built with less material: for example,
tank walls can be considerably thinner. Compared to other grades with
comparable corrosion resistance, the nickel content of
Outokumpu Duplex is very low. This means greater price stability and
easier budgeting.

Trend 2:
Rising environmental awareness
In previous years, temporary structures built for world fairs and events
for example, could be demolished after the event. Such a waste
of labour and disregard for the environment is simply not acceptable anymore. Environmental responsibility and legislation have an
increasing impact on operations in every industry. Proof of responsibility
is demanded for the whole life cycle of the product. Those who can offer
action instead of words in social and environmental responsibility will be
the winners of tomorrow.

Outokumpu Duplex is an environmentally sound choice from

many different viewpoints:
It uses recycled steel as its main raw material and it is 100%

recyclable
Very low level of metal ion is released into the environment.
Less need of hazardous coatings
Thanks to high strength, it is possible to reduce the weight of the
structures and therefore lower energy consumption in transport,
construction and usage

Trend 3:
Ensuring safety, pleasing the eye
In addition to corrosion resistance and durability, constructors face
increasing demands for a human approach: it is no longer enough that
the tanks, vessels and buildings do their job. They need to be safe for
both the builders and the employees and be aesthetically pleasing. In
short, Outokumpu Duplex makes it possible to fabricate strong, fascinating structures while reducing the total weight.

The expert's voice

Duplex stainless steel was developed by Outokumpu more
than 80 years ago and since that time we have produced more than
half the worlds volume of duplex. Our long history with duplex gives us
a unique insight into the challenges faced by our customers and the
experience and solutions to help them meet these challenges.
Today we offer a complete family of duplex grades and we work with
our customers to select the grade which provides the most suitable
corrosion resistance for its intended use. Duplex grades utilize a more
cost-effective alloy composition lower nickel and higher nitrogen
content which provides better price stability than austenitic grades.
Moreover in addition to great corrosion resistance, duplex grades also
offer higher mechanical strength, more than twice as high as standard
austenitic stainless steels or carbon steels. The main advantage of this
is to save weight in the steel structure by reducing the thickness of the
material. This is successfully utilized in applications such as pressure
piping in the oil & gas and offshore industries as well as in large pressure vessels and in large stationary storage tanks in the pulp and paper
industry. The potential weight saving together with high corrosion resistance, less maintenance and no requirement for protective coatings
provides a foundation for more cost effective solutions compared to
carbon steel, particularly when the total life cycle cost is considered.
Outstanding life cycle performance is a strong factor in the choice
of duplex within the building and construction sector where its use
is growing due to a combination of advantageous properties: high
strength, high durability (i.e high corrosion resistance, high wear and
fatigue resistance) and aesthetic surface finishes. The high strength
and toughness of duplex delivers high energy absorption capacity
which combined with reasonable high temperature properties delivers
enhanced fire resistance. This is utilized in blast and fire walls on
offshore platforms to provide safety for the platform personnel.
These beneficial aspects of duplex are also of great interest for other
areas such as evaporator shells in desalination plants, cargo tanks in
chemical tankers, in the severe environments of mining and minerals
processing and in vehicles and chassis components for rail
cars, road tankers and automotive applications.

Claes Tigerstrand,
Outokumpu Research & Development

Duplex applications:
Pressure piping systems for seawater, chemicals, oil and
gas handling etc.
Pressure vessels like digesters, evaporators, fermenters,
autoclaves, water heaters, road tankers etc.
Storage tanks for pulp, chemicals, biofuels, beverages,
grains, ore slurry etc.
Structural components for bridges, sluice/flood gates,
steel frameworks, rebars for concrete structures etc.
Blast and fire walls on off shore platforms
Cargo tanks in chemical tankers
Evaporators in desalination plants
Heat exchangers in petrochemical plants
Suction roll shells in paper machines
Flue-gas cleaning equipment
Rotors, impellers and shafts
Vehicle and chassis components

More strength less material

Put simply, the benefit of Outokumpu Duplex lies in weight reduction. You gain more
strength with less material. Below, you can see an example of what happens when
standard austenitic steel is substituted with Outokumpu Duplex.
Calculate your weight savings on the Internet
General benefits provided by Outokumpu Duplex grades:
Thinner gauges due to higher strength weight savings
and lower cost
Higher durability and reduced maintenance longer service
life
Cost efficient alloying by lower nickel content lower price
volatility
Additional benefits - LDX concept:
Leaner alloying compared the regular duplex grades
(i.e. less nickel and higher nitrogen content) added
strength and performance ensuring highest value for money
LDX 2101 and LDX 2404 can potentially provide more
cost efficient solutions for storage tanks and other
structural components
Additional benefits - newly launched EDX concept:
Enhanced properties of already established grades
EDX 2304 is primarily developed for offshore topside
applications to provide better corrosion performance than
standard 2304 or 316L
Additional benefits - newly launched FDX concept:
The new FDXTM product family exhibits a unique combination
of high strength and substantially improved formability
utilizing Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP)
The increased formability of FDX 25 and FDX 27 allows
for utilization of duplex in more complex components such
as forming intensive heat exchanger plates

E-tools at outokumpu.com offers interactive tools for materials

selection, rough estimation on wall thickness calculations etc.

Less material means benefits in every step of the

project
With Outokumpu Duplex, you can purchase, transport, weld and
assemble less material. When thinking of the cost of labour, savings
can be significant.

Pipes: reduction in wall thickness and weight

between grades 304L and LDX 2101
Design data
Pressure = 16 bar
Temperature = 50C
OD = 610 mm

Grade 304L
Grade LDX 2101
WT = 6.0 mm
WT = 3.0 mm
Weight = 90 metric Weight = 45 metric
tons
tons

Required
Pipe length = 1000 m
Min WT acc to EN 13480-3
Weld factor z = 0.7
304L = 5.8 mm
LDX 2101 = 2.9 mm

WT = wall thickness
OD = outer diameter

Strength, Rp0.2,[MPa], hot rolled coil

Duplex as a substitute for

austenitic in storage tanks
304L
85 metric tons

LDX 2101
61 metric tons

[m]

600

20

550

18

500

16
Required thickness duplex
Required thickness austenitic

350
300

10

250

2205

4565

254 SMO
4439
4307

4404

200

4438

904L

4432

150
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Corrosion resistance, CPT typical

2
14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

EDX 2304

2304

[mm]

2207

400

12

LDX 2101

450

14

LDX 2404

Duplex

Austenitic

Figure 1. Great combination of high strength and adequate corrosion

resistance.

Tank cost example 1:

Austenitic steel versus Outokumpu Duplex

Tank cost example 2:

Carbon steel versus Outokumpu Duplex

When the same tank is manufactured from Outokumpu Duplex instead

of conventional austenitic steel, the biggest savings are made in manufacturing phase, thanks to less amount of material needed. The tank
walls can be significantly thinner, yet safe in use.

When the same tank is manufactured from Outokumpu Duplex instead

of carbon steel, the biggest savings come in the maintenance phase:
carbon steel needs to be properly protected in the manufacturing
phase and again after certain periods of usage. All this means extra
labour, which can be avoided using Outokumpu Duplex.

Table 1

Table 2

304L

LDX 2101

Plate thickness (API 650)

6-14 mm

6-8 mm

Material cost*

240 kEUR

197 kEUR

Welding and assembly cost

81 kEUR

55 kEUR

Surface treatment cost

55 kEUR

55 kEUR

Total manufacturing cost

136 kEUR

110 kEUR

Total initial cost

376 kEUR

Potential cost saving ~18%

Tank size: diameter 20 m, height 20 m.
*Based on typical costs provided by tank manufacturers
and sub-suppliers.

307 kEUR

Carbon steel
A516-60/S235

LDX 2101

Total initial cost*

366 kEUR

307 kEUR

Recoating cost

75 Euro/m
x 2500 m2

No surface
protection required!

Elapsed time between

maintenance events

15 years

Life cycle duration

30 years

30 years

Operating cost

125 kEUR

0 kEUR

Total life cycle cost

491 kEUR

307 kEUR

Potential cost saving ~37%

Tank size: diameter 20 m, height 20 m.
*Based on material, welding, assembly, surface treatment and coating costs.
7

Project checklist
when to go with Duplex?
Are some of the characteristics listed below relevant for your application?
Then Outokumpu Duplex might be your material of choice.

Demands for material

resistance to uniform corrosion
resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
resistance to stress corrosion cracking and
corrosion fatigue
high mechanical strength
good abrasion and erosion resistance
good fatigue resistance
high energy absorption
low thermal expansion

good weldability
good formability
service temperature range within -40C to 250C*

*maximum allowable design temperature = 325C in ASME II-D 2013.

The recipe for success:

ingredients according
to your needs
What makes Outokumpu Duplex such a strong material? The secret lies in connecting
the best of both microstructures: Combining austenite and ferrite. The result is two
crystallographic phases, each with a composition sufficient to make it corrosion resistant.
Favorable properties of both phases can be utilised in one alloy.

The chemical composition of duplex grades gives good corrosion resistance and desired mechanical and physical properties. Outokumpu
can supply you with stainless grades especially designed to meet your
needs.

Molybdenum improves corrosion resistance

Molybdenum improves corrosion resistance in most environments,
particularly in acids and chloride containing environments.

Alloying elements and their purpose

Chromium makes it stainless
A minimum of about 11% chromium has to be added to steel to form
the passive layer that makes it stainless. Outokumpu Duplex steels
have a high chromium level, between 21 and 25%. These contents
improve the corrosion resistance.
Nickel adds toughness
Nickel helps to obtain the desired phase balance and provides toughness. Duplex steels contain a relatively small amount of nickel, between
1.5 and 7%.
Nitrogen adds strength and corrosion resistance
Nitrogen is a very important addition as it gives a substantial increase
in strength and pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. At the same
time it strongly stabilises the austenite phase. Furthermore, nitrogen
improves welding properties.

Outokumpu LDX 2101 in footbridge, Slvesborg Sweeden

Table 3. Chemical composition.

Austenitic

Duplex

Outokumpu
steel name

International steel No
EN

ASTM

UNS

ISO

FDX 25TM

1.4635

S82012

LDX 2101

1.4162

S32101

2304

1.4362

FDX 27TM

1.4637

EDX 2304TM

Chemical composition, % by weight Typical values

C

Cr

Ni

Mo

Others

0.022

0.23

20.2

1.4

0.4

Mn Cu

4162-321-01-E

0.03

0.22

21.5

1.5

0.3

5Mn Cu

S32304

4362-323-04-I---

0.02

0.10

23.0

4.8

0.3

Cu

S82031

0.023

0.18

20.1

3.0

1.25

Mn Cu

1.4362

S32304

4362-323-04-I

0.02

0.18

23.8

4.3

0.5

Cu

LDX 2404

1.4662

S82441

4662-824-41-X

0.02

0.27

24.0

3.6

1.6

3Mn Cu

2205

1.4462

S322051

4462-318-03-I

0.02

0.17

22.0

5.7

3.1

4501

1.4501

S32760

4501-327-60-I

0.02

0.27

25.4

6.9

3.8

2507

1.4410

S32750

4410-327-50-E

0.02

0.27

25.0

7.0

4.0

4307

1.4307

304L

S30403

4307-304-03-I

0.02

18.1

8.1

4404

1.4404

316L

S31603

4404-316-03-I

0.02

17.2

10.1

2.1

904L

1.4539

904L

N08904

4539-089-04-I

0.01

20.0

25.0

4.3

1.5Cu

254 SMO

1.4547

S31254

4547-312-54-I

0.01

20.0

18.0

6.1

Cu

0.20

Mechanical properties
The mechanical and physical properties are beneficial characteristics of
Outokumpu Duplex. The mechanical strength is superior compared to
austenitic or ferritic stainless steels, and the physical properties offer
new possibilities. This is a clear advantage for structural applications,
such as pressure vessels and beam constructions.

Pressure vessel approvals

Outokumpu duplex grades 1.4362 (2304), 1.4462 (2205), 1.4501
(4501) and 1.4410 (2507) are listed in EN 10028-7.
10

W Cu

Also available as S31803

European material approval EAM 0045-01:2012/01 for LDX 2101

(1.4162) is available for cold rolled 0.5-6.4 mm and hot rolled
3.0-10.0 mm. (LDX 2101 is partly listed in EN 10088).
Work are in progress for European and ASME approvals of LDX 2404.
In ASME II-D 2007 (Metric) edition grades S31803 (2205), S32304
(2304) and S32750 (2507) are listed for general use between -30C to
+325C. Data for LDX 2101 can be found in ASME code case 2418-1.

Table 4. Mechanical properties for flat products at room temperature.

Minimum values,
according to EN 10088
LDX

Outokumpu
typical values

P (15 mm)

H (4 mm)

C (1 mm)

530

500

560

610

2101

Proof strength

Rp0.2

MPa

450

480

Tensile strength

Rm

MPa

650

680

700

700

755

810

Elongation

A5

30

30

30/201

38

35

293

Hardness

HB

225

235

992

450

450

600

620

2304
Proof strength

R p0.2

MPa

400

400

Tensile strength

Rm

MPa

630

650

650

670

765

790

Elongation

A5

25

20

20/201

40

30

263

210

235

992

Hardness

HB
TM*

EDX 2304

Proof strength

R p0.2

MPa

420*

500*

500*

600

600

Tensile strength

Rm

MPa

630*

690*

690*

750

770

Elongation

A5

25*

25*

25*

30

30

Hardness

HB

290*

290*

290*
550

520

645

640

LDX 2404**
Proof strength

Rp0.2

MPa

480

550

Tensile strength

Rm

MPa

680

750

750

750

825

850

Elongation

A5

25

25

25/20 1)

33

30

243

Hardness

HB max

290

290

290

230

250

500

510

630

690

2205
Proof strength

R p0.2

MPa

460

460

Tensile strength

Rm

MPa

640

700

700

750

840

880

Elongation

A5

25

25

20/201

35

30

263

Hardness

HB

230

250

1012

550

580

700

730

2507
Proof strength

R p0.2

MPa

530

530

Tensile strength

Rm

MPa

730

750

750

830

905

940

Elongation

A5

20

20

20/201

35

30

243

Hardness

HB

250

270

1032

P = hot rolled plate

H = hot rolled coil and sheet
C = cold rolled coil and sheet
*Mechanical properties according to NORSOK Material Data Specification MDS-D35.
**Mechanical properties according to next revision of EN 10088-2 (to be published end of 2013).
1 Refers to A80 for gauges less than 3 mm. 2 HRB (Rockwell B-scale). 3 A .
80
11

Temperature and embrittlement

High energy absorption

Duplex steels are more prone to precipitation of intermetallic phases,

nitrides and carbides than corresponding austenitic steels, causing
embrittlement and reduced corrosion resistance. The formation of
intermetallic phases such as sigma phase occurs in the temperature
range 600-950C and decomposition of ferrite occurs in the range
350-525C (475C embrittlement). Exposures at these temperatures
should therefore be avoided. In proper welding and heat treatment the
risk of embrittlement is low. However, certain risks exist, for example at
heat treatment of thick sections, especially if the cooling rate is low.

The combination of high strength and ductility gives Outokumpu Duplex

a very good ability to absorb energy. This makes it a perfect material
for applications like blast walls on offshore platforms and car body
components.

Due to the risk of embrittlement, duplex steels should not be used at

temperatures above 250-325C (See Figure 2). The maximum temperature depends on grade and the design rules being used.

Figure 2. Curves for 50% reduction of impact toughness compared to

solution annealed condition.

Good fatigue strength of base material

The high tensile strength of Outokumpu Duplex also implies high fatigue
strength in the base material. The fatigue strength of the duplex steels
follows the proof strength of the material. Our technical experts can
provide you with more detailed information, if needed.
For welds, the benefit of the high fatigue strength of the parent or base
material is limited. The fatigue strength is, like other materials, reduced
by unfavorable weld geometry, residual stresses, distortions and weld
defects.

Table 5. Impact toughness. Minimum values according to

EN 10028-7 transverse direction for hot rolled plate.

LDX 2101*

2304

LDX 2404**

2205

2507

20C

60 (801)

90

60

100

90

-40C

27 (501)

40

40

40

40

Temperature (C)
1100
1000

2507
2205

900

*Values from internal standard, AM 611.

**Values from internal standard, AM 641. according to
internal specification.
1
Value according to EAM-0045-01:2012/01 for thicknessess up to and including 10mm.

LDX-2101

800

2304
700
600
500
400
300
0.01
(36 s)

12

0.02
(6 min)

1,0

10

100

1000
Time (h)

Physical properties:
new opportunities
Compatible with carbon steel
Outokumpu Duplex grades have a lower thermal expansion ratio
(approximately 13 10 -6/C) and higher thermal conductivity than
austenitic steels. This means that there are fewer problems with
temperature expansions caused by connecting Outokumpu Duplex
with carbon steels. Duplex is a good alternative for lining carbon steel
vessels operated with large cyclic temperature variations.

Magnetic properties
Duplex stainless steels are more magnetic than austenitic grades due
to higher ferrite content. But for safety reasons magnets shall not be
used to lift duplex sheets.

Table 6. Physical properties of duplex

stainless steels, according to EN 10088.

Physical property

20C

200C

Density [g/cm3]

7.8

Modulus of elasticity [GPa]

200

186

Poisson ratio [Dimensionless]

0.3

13.5

Thermal conductivity [W/mC]

15

17

Thermal capacity [J/kgC]

500

560

Electric resistivity [/m]

0.8

0.9

Linear expansion from

20C to 200C (x10-6/C)

Palm oil tank farm in LDX 2101. Photo courtesy of Loders Croklaan.

13

Corrosion resistance in a
wide range of environments
The corrosion resistance of Outokumpu Duplex is generally very good. The resistance is
especially good in environments such as halide containing media, oxidising acids, and hot
alkaline solutions. This means that, for example, heat exchangers, water heaters, offshore
equipment, storage tanks, sulphate pulp digesters, black liquor evaporators and flue gas
cleaning equipment greatly benefit from the material properties of duplex steels.
Uniform corrosion
The uniform corrosion resistance is generally considered good if the
corrosion rate is less than 0.1 mm/year. Thanks to their high chromium
content, duplexes offer excellent corrosion resistance in many media,
especially in alkaline solutions.

Pitting and crevice corrosion: heat exchangers, water

heaters, offshore equipment, storage tanks etc.
In chloride solutions LDX 2101 has better resistance than 4307 and
in some cases as good as 4404. Grade 2304 is in most cases equivalent to 4404, while the other more highly alloyed duplex steels show
even better resistance. The resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
is often illustrated by the pitting resistance equivalent (PRE) for the
material. The most commonly used formula for PRE is:
PRE = %Cr + 3.3 x %Mo + 16 x %N
The PRE value can be used for the ranking of different stainless steels,
see Table 7. A more in depth way to rank steels is measuring the Critical Pitting corrosion Temperature (CPT). Outokumpu uses an electrochemical method, ASTM G150, based on the in-house developed
Avesta Cell, see Figure 3.

Chloride and sulphide induced stress corrosion

cracking: boreholes and gas wells etc.
All duplex grades are much more resistant than the standard austenitic
grades to chloride induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Thus, the
14

duplex grades can tolerate higher chloride contents at elevated

temperatures. In the presence of hydrogen sulphide and chlorides (e.g.
sour conditions in bore holes and gas wells) the risk of stress cracking,
at low temperatures, increases. In these environments Outokumpu
Duplex grades, especially 2205 and 2507, have demonstrated good
resistance.

Corrosion fatigue and intergranular corrosion

The combination of high mechanical strength and very good resistance
to corrosion gives duplex steels superior corrosion fatigue strength. Due
to the duplex microstructure and low carbon content, the duplex grades
have a good resistance to intergranular (intercrystalline) corrosion.

Erosion corrosion
In general, stainless steel offers good resistance to erosion corrosion.
Duplex grades are especially good due to their combination of high
surface hardness and good corrosion resistance.

Galvanic corrosion
Galvanic corrosion may occur when two dissimilar metals are electrically connected (as by welding) in an electrolyte. Stainless steel is in
most cases more nobler than other metallic materials. The more noble
metal is protected while the less noble metal is more severely attacked
by corrosion. The electrolyte, area ratio, and the less noble metal
determines the corrosion rate. Stainless steel in contact with carbon

steel rebars fully cast in concrete does not cause galvanic corrosion of
the carbon steel reinforcement due to the high pH in concrete. Galvanic
corrosion does not occur between different grades of stainless steels
as long as both grades are in passive state.

The Outokumpu Corrosion Handbook

Atmospheric corrosion
Atmospheric corrosion is not a unique form of corrosion, but a
collective term to denote the corrosion of surfaces in the atmosphere.
When stainless steel is exposed to an aggressive atmosphere it is
primarily stained. This is sometimes referred to as tea staining, but it

Table 7. PRE values for different

grades.

Outokumpu
steel name

PRE

CPT, (C)

18

100

LDX 2101

26

90

4404

24

80

FDX 25TM

25

70

2304

26

60

27

50

EDX 2304

28

40

LDX 2404

33

30

904L

34

2205

35

254 SMO

43

2507

43

FDX 27

TM

For more information on corrosion and corrosion resistance in different

media, see further the Outokumpu Corrosion Handbook. You can obtain
your own copy from your local sales office.

Figure 3. Typical critical pitting corrosion temperatures (CPT) in 1M NaCl measured according to ASTM
G150 using the Avesta Cell. Test surfaces wet ground to 320 mesh. CPT varies with product form and
surface finish.

4307

TM

can also be attacked by localised corrosion with time, particularly at

high chloride levels as in marine atmospheres. Today there are duplex
grades available for any type of atmosphere.

20

10
0

4307 LDX 2101

4404

2304

4432 EDX 2304TM LDX 2404 2205

904L

2507

254 SMO

span CPT min. -CPT max.

*

= Less than 10 C

15

Product assortment
and services
Outokumpu Duplex is available in various shapes and sizes to
suit your needs.
Hot rolled quarto plate
Hot rolled coil and plate
Cold rolled coil and sheet
Precision strip
Semifinished (bloom, billet, ingot and slab)
Bar, wire rod and rebar
Welded tube, pipe, fittings and threaded fittings
Structural sections, DUPROF TM
Fasteners
Our added value services ease your project and offer ways
to save expenses at critical points
Edge preparation
Cut to shape
Bending
Surface finishing: 1D, 2E, 2B, 2R
Polishing
Construction kits
Prefabrication
Modified chemical analysis
Slit coils
Package solutions
Welding advice
Technical support/Project administration
2B surface finish perfect for food & health sectors
Surface finish characteristics are not merely a question of appearance.
The quality affects the corrosion resistance as well as the cleansability
of dirt and bacteria, which is paramount in the food industry and health
sector. Outokumpu can additionally offer a 2B surface finish in duplex
stainless steels, which most often fulfills the industry surface requirements without any further surface treatment saving both time and
money.
See our product programme in the online tool Stainless Steel
Finder at outokumpu.com
16

Table 8. Surface finishes.

Finish

Type of process route

Surface appearance

1D

Hot rolled, heat treated,

pickled.

Standard for most steel

types to ensure good
corrosion resistance;
also common finish for
further processing. Rough
and dull.

2E

Cold rolled, heat treated,

mechanically descaled
followed by pickling.

Rough and dull.

2B

Cold rolled, heat treated,

pickled, skin passed. Skin
passing can be done by
tension levelling.

Smooth surface with low

lustre.

2R

Cold rolled, bright annealed.

Smoother and brighter

than 2B.

Fabrication
Outokumpu Duplex offers excellent opportunities when constructing challenging and durable
structures. However, due to the high strength of the material, the working process is
somewhat different than with austenitic or ferritic steels. Outokumpu is prepared to assist
you with every technical aspect of fabrication. We can provide you with the necessary
training, computer simulations and detailed instructions.
Welding
Outokumpu Duplex can be welded with most of the methods used for
austenitic stainless steel:
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
Gas tungsten arc welding TIG (GTAW)
Gas metal arc welding MIG (GMAW)
Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
Plasma arc welding (PAW)
Submerged arc welding (SAW)
Others: Laser, resistance and high frequency (HF) welding
In general, the main issue with welding Outokumpu Duplex is to maintain the phase balance in the heat affected zone without precipitations. The chemical composition balances the microstructure. Therefore, it is important to have the right welding consumable and the right
procedure.

The following general instructions should be considered:

1. Weld without preheating
2. Allow the material to cool between passes, preferably to below
150C. For 2507 100C
3. Duplex filler material is required and recommended with the
exception for LDX 2101 which may be welded without filler material
in some cases
4. The recommended arc energy should be kept within specified limits
5. The heat input should be adapted to the steel grade and adjusted to
the thickness of the welded material
6. Edge preparation angle should be about 10 greater and the land
should be somewhat smaller compared to welding standard
austenitics
7. If welded with filler, post-weld annealing is not necessary. In cases
where heat treatment is considered, e.g. for stress relieving, it should
be carried out in accordance with the temperatures stated in Table
9, but with the minimum temperature increased by 30-50C, to
secure full dissolution of intermetallic phase in the weld metal
8. GTAW and PAW methods: addition of nitrogen (1-2%) in the shielding/
purging gas is recommended

Table 9. Characteristic heat treatment temperatures, C.

LDX 2101

2304

LDX 2404

2205

2507

Hot forming

1100 - 900

1100 - 900

1120 - 900

1150 - 950

1200 - 1025

Quench annealing

1020 - 1080

950 - 1050

1000 - 1120

1020 - 1100

1040 - 1120

Stress relief annealing

1020 - 1080

950 - 1050

1000 - 1120

1020 - 1100

1040 - 1120
17

Table 10. Welding consumables.

Steel grade

Consumable ISO designation

Typical chemical composition, % by wt.

C

Cr

Ni

Mo

23 7 NL

0.02

23.5

8.0

0.3

0.14

22 9 3 NL

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

23 7 NL

0.02

23.5

8.0

0.3

0.14

22 9 3 NL

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

23 7 NL

0.02

23.5

8.0

0.3

0.14

22 9 3 NL

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

22 9 3 NL

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

23 7 NL1

0.02

23.5

8.0

0.3

0.14

22 9 3 NL1

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

22 9 3 NL

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

22 9 3 NL

0.02

22.5

8.5

3.0

0.15

25 9 4 NL

0.02

25

9.5

3.5

0.25

FDX 25TM

LDX 2101

2304

FDX 27

TM

EDX 2304TM

LDX 2404

2205

2507

1 Although both 23 7 NL and 22 9 3 NL welding consumables can be used, it is recommended to use the higher alloyed 22 9 3 NL filler in order to match the

higher tensile strength and improved corrosion resistance of the EDX 2304 grade.

Welding to other steels including carbon steels

Outokumpu Duplex can be easily welded to other steels including
carbon steels. The filler type can be duplex. When duplex steels are
welded to carbon steels an alternative is to use a filler of 23Cr13Ni2Mo
type. In most cases duplex filler offers more strength and better corrosion resistance. When joining duplex to super austenitic steels, please
contact Outokumpu for assistance. Filler metals for joining similar
duplex steels, see table 10.
18

Post weld treatment

In order to restore the stainless steel surface and achieve good corrosion resistance, it is necessary to perform a post weld treatment.
There are both mechanical methods (e.g. brushing, blasing, grinding)
and chemical methods (e.g. pickling) available. The applicable method
depends on the type of imperfections to be removed, as well as corrosion resistance, hygiene and aesthestic requirements.

The Outokumpu Welding Handbook

For more information on welding and post weld treatment, please see
the Outokumpu Welding Handbook.

Table 11.

Things to consider

Forming

Cutting, shearing

Outokumpu Duplex is suitable for all forming techniques. The higher

strength and the lower elongation compared to austenitic stainless steel
will however impose some differences in forming behaviour: Generally
a higher force is needed. On the other hand, since duplex design often
implies downgauging, the force level can be similar to
austenitics. If the forming technique is not already decided, we recommend choosing the most appropriate one for duplex stainless steels.

Maximum thickness for shearing and

punching is 80-85% of that of austenitic
steel.

Roll bending

More bending force will be needed

compared to other stainless steels.
Through the downgauging, this effect
will however be smaller than anticipated.
The springback due to the higher strength
is large when roll bending.

Break bending

Avoid sharp bending radius. Minimum ratio

between inner radius to sheet thickness
should not be less than 2.

Deep drawing

If drawing is dominant, formability is

comparable to austenitic stainless steel.
If stretching is dominant, formability is
closer to ferritic steels.

Stable setup
Due to the higher strength the cutting forces will be higher, which
increases the risk of vibrations. The trick is to have a stable setup. Use
the shortest possible tool extension, good and rigid clamping.

Roll forming

The high strength of the sheet has to be

considered in the design of the rolls.
If properly designed there are no problems
in roll forming Duplex.

Sharp tools
Use cutting tools with a positive geometry. Duplex grades are prone
to work hardening, a dull geometry will generate a hard surface and
decrease the tool life.

Tooling use

Strong, durable tools (hardness, HRC larger

than 500, Ra-value preferably lower than
0.2 micrometers).

Lubrication

Because of the high strength of

Outokumpu Duplex and extreme pressure
additives are useful in complex forming
operations.

FDX 25 and FDX 27

The new FDX product family exhibits substantially improved formaility. The elongation after fracture is typically about 40% compared to
about 30% for other duplex grades, which make them more suitable for
advanced forming.

Machining
The high strength will of course effect the machinability, but not as much
as expected. Some technical guidance when machining duplex, is given
below. See also the duplex machining guidelines for further details.

Avoid build up edge

Stainless steels have a tendency to stick to the tool. Problems occur
when the cutting speed is too low. The main difference between carbon
steel and stainless steels when machining is that you face problems if
you run too slowly. The result will be poor surface finish and short tool
life. The problem is solved by increasing the cutting speed.
LDX 2101
The lean duplex grade LDX 2101 has superior machinability compared
to other duplex grades. Even if you compare with the low alloyed
standard austenitic grades LDX 2101 is easier to machine.

19

1528EN-GB:1. December, 2013.

Working towards
forever.
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and the worlds most critical problems: clean energy,
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believe in a world that lasts forever.

Information given in this brochure may be subject to alterations without notice. Care has been taken to ensure that the contents of this publication are accurate but
Outokumpu and its affiliated companies do not accept responsibility for errors or for information which is found to be misleading. Suggestions for or descriptions of the
end use or application of products or methods of working are for information only and Outokumpu and its affiliated companies accept no liability in respect thereof. Before
using products supplied or manufactured by the company the customer should satisfy himself of their suitability.

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