Nitronic 60 Nitronic 60 Steel Supplier & Features Stainless Shapes is a proud supplier of Nitronic 60. It is one of our top-selling stainless grades because of its similarities to 304 and 316. While it oxidizes better than 304, it is not as resistant to corrosion as 316. It can withstand temperatures of ~1800 degrees and can oxidize on par with type 309, which means that it is far better than 304. The steel is especially strong when sent through cold-working and annealing. Applications of Nitronic 60 Vehicular Use – Their ability to withstand temperatures up to 1800 make them ideal for vehicular use since most vehicles never exceed gas temperatures above 1500. They also work well because of their durable properties and easy machining process. Marine Shafts – These are ideal for marine use as well. With corrosion properties that exceed 304 and rival 316, Nitronic 60 can withstand environmental interactions with freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater. Fastener Galling – Nitronic 60 is highly durable and able to withstand some of the most corrosive environments. When you purchase cold rolled Nitronic 60, you are creating a material that will be able to take the rough environments. Pins – These are ideal for pin uses in such as prostheses and chains which help fit parts better than other stainless grades. They can anneal easier to specific tolerances and can withstand more punishment. Hanger Expansion Joints – By being very tough, being readily annealed, resistance to galling, better corrosion properties, and great values at cold temperatures, this is an excellent metal for withstanding long-term impact as in hangers and bridges. Our Offerings! We provide this grade in a variety of products including: Round Bar Tube Pipe Sheet Plate We also offer custom shapes for all of your projects. Alternatives to Nitronic 60 It works great when conditions favor its durability and resistance. This works best with machining properties, high-end medical parts, and aerospace. However, our other stainless properties such as 304L and 316L might also be able to accomplish similar services, call us today to consult with our sales team on which stainless works best for you. Nitronic® is a registered trademark of AK Steel. Furthermore, for a prompt and accurate quote, call us today. Call - 800-748-9811 Frequently Asked Questions What material is Nitronic 60? + Nitronic 60 (also known as UNS S21800) is a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel. Its nominal composition includes 16–18% chromium, 8–9% nickel, 7–9% manganese, 3.5–4.5% silicon, and 0.08–0.18% nitrogen. The high silicon and nitrogen content give Nitronic 60 exceptional wear and galling resistance—properties not found in conventional 304 or 316 stainless steels. Is Nitronic 60 better than 304 stainless steel? + Yes, Nitronic 60 outperforms 304 stainless in several key areas. Its yield strength is approximately twice that of annealed 304 stainless due to nitrogen strengthening. More importantly, Nitronic 60 has superior resistance to galling and wear—conditions that cause premature failure in 304 stainless fasteners and sliding components. Its corrosion resistance is comparable to 304, and it also offers slightly better resistance to aqueous corrosion in some environments. Does Nitronic 60 rust? + Nitronic 60 has good corrosion resistance comparable to or slightly better than 304 stainless steel in most environments. It contains 16–18% chromium, which provides a stable passive oxide layer. In standard atmospheric and aqueous environments, it does not rust. However, like all stainless steels, it can be susceptible to pitting in extremely high-chloride environments. Is Nitronic 60 food safe? + Yes, Nitronic 60 is suitable for food-contact applications. It is a stainless steel alloy with no elements that pose a food safety concern at the levels present in its composition. It is used in food and beverage processing equipment, particularly in parts subject to wear or galling where 304 stainless would fail prematurely. Can Nitronic 60 be hardened? + Nitronic 60 cannot be hardened by conventional heat treatment as it is an austenitic alloy. However, it can be work-hardened through cold working, which increases its strength and surface hardness. The nitrogen and silicon content contribute to higher as-annealed strength compared to 304 or 316, so cold working starts from a higher baseline. Is Nitronic 60 hard to machine? + Nitronic 60 is rated as moderate to machine—somewhat more difficult than 304 due to its higher strength and tendency to work-harden. Sharp carbide tooling, slower speeds, and appropriate cutting fluids are recommended. The machinability rating is approximately 30–40% of free-machining 1212 carbon steel. Despite the lower machinability, its galling resistance makes it the preferred material for bushings and fasteners subject to sliding contact. What makes Nitronic 60 unique compared to other stainless steels? + Nitronic 60's defining characteristic is its outstanding resistance to galling and wear. Galling—a form of severe adhesive wear that occurs between metal surfaces in sliding contact—frequently destroys 304 and 316 stainless fasteners, bushings, and valve components. Nitronic 60's silicon and nitrogen content provide a self-lubricating quality that dramatically reduces galling, making metal-to-metal contact in stainless applications far more reliable. What industries use Nitronic 60? + Nitronic 60 is used in the aerospace, marine, chemical processing, food and beverage, oil and gas, and nuclear industries. Specific applications include bolts and fasteners in sliding contact, pump shafts and sleeves, valve trim, pins, bushings, conveyor components, and any application where stainless fasteners or wear parts fail due to galling. Which is the hardest stainless steel available? + Among standard stainless steels, 440C martensitic stainless achieves the highest hardness after heat treatment—up to 60 HRC. For wear and galling resistance (a different property from hardness), Nitronic 60 is a top performer. Among the Nitronic family, Nitronic 50 offers the highest tensile strength. For maximum combined strength and corrosion resistance, duplex grades or precipitation-hardening grades like 17-4 PH lead the field. What are the common forms of Nitronic 60 available from Stainless Shapes? + Stainless Shapes stocks Nitronic 60 in multiple product forms including round bar, flat bar, and other shapes. Contact their team at 800-748-9811 or submit a quote request to confirm current inventory in the specific size and form factor you require.
