Nitronic 40 Nitronic 40 Steel Supplier & Features Stainless Shapes is a proud Nitronic 40 steel supplier. It is a versatile stainless steel that has a high manganese content, which can be used in a variety of different shapes. This alloy has high strength and excellent corrosion resistance that can be used at high temperatures. Yield strength is twice that of Grades 304, 321, and 347. While Nitronic 40 can survive high temperatures, one of its characteristics is its ability to survive in cool, cryogenic temperatures. This makes this type of steel a suitable steel for surviving in marine environments with cooler temperatures. Nitronic 40 Industries & Applications Since Nitronic 40 has a high corrosion resistance, machinability and weldability, this makes it a versatile steel that can be used in a variety of industries and applications, but is most commonly used in the aerospace industry. Other industries and applications include: Aerospace and airplane technology Manufacturing Medical & hospital industries Natural gas facilities Clamps Flanges Hydraulic tubing Chemical processing Pollution control equipment Cryogenic applications Steam and autoclave parts Features of Nitronic 40 Corrosion Resistance – It has a high corrosion resistance. Specifically, in chemical applications, it is similar to that of Type 304 stainless steel. It has shown excellent cracking resistance in tests for 15 years at ambient temperatures in severe seacoast atmospheres. This makes it an excellent candidate for withstanding everyday wear and tear. Nitronic 40 is an excellent choice for multiple high heat, heavy duty applications. Machine/Weldable – The work hardens during machining. This requires rigid tooling, heavy feeds, and slower speeds. It is also readily weldable using TIG, MIG and shielded metal arc welding methods. Like other Nitronic grades, the high nitrogen content can interfere with electron beam welding by severe outgassing. Workable – One can use it in various temperatures and annealing gives the best stress rupture life for operating temperatures between 1300 to 1600 degrees. Heating for hot working should be in the temperature range of 2100˚F to 2200˚F. Fabricate – The In-process annealing may be done between 1950˚F to 2050˚F. Stainless Shapes No matter what stainless grade you are looking for, remember that we are here for you every step of the way. If you are unsure of what you are looking for or would like to know more about the grades and services we provide, give us a call. We have sales centers in Florida and Illinois ready to take your call and help you with your problems. Contact us today online or reach us at (800) 748-9811 Nitronic® is a registered trademark of AK Steel. (Click to Expand) Furthermore, for a prompt and accurate quote, call us today. Call - 800-748-9811 Frequently Asked Questions What is Nitronic 40? + Nitronic 40 (UNS S21900, also known as 21-6-9 stainless) is a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel with a nominal composition of 19–21.5% chromium, 5.5–7.5% nickel, 8–10% manganese, and 0.15–0.40% nitrogen. The high nitrogen content provides yield strength approximately twice that of 304 stainless in the annealed condition, while retaining good toughness and corrosion resistance. What is the difference between Nitronic 40 and Nitronic 50? + Both Nitronic 40 and Nitronic 50 are nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steels, but Nitronic 50 (UNS S20910) has higher chromium, nickel, and additional alloying elements (molybdenum, niobium, vanadium) that provide better corrosion resistance—comparable to or better than 316L—and even higher strength. Nitronic 40 is the lower-cost option with good strength but less corrosion resistance than Nitronic 50. Nitronic 40 is typically chosen when strength is the primary driver and budget is a consideration. What is Nitronic made of? + Nitronic alloys are austenitic stainless steels alloyed with nitrogen, manganese, and sometimes silicon, molybdenum, and niobium. Nitronic 40 contains iron as the base with approximately 20% chromium, 6.5% nickel, 9% manganese, and 0.25% nitrogen. The nitrogen replaces some of the nickel typically used in austenitic stainless steels, providing strength while reducing the alloy cost relative to nickel-rich grades. Is Nitronic 50 a stainless steel? + Yes, Nitronic 50 (UNS S20910) is a stainless steel—it is an austenitic stainless steel in the Nitronic family. It contains approximately 21% chromium, 12% nickel, 5% manganese, 2.5% molybdenum, and nitrogen for strengthening. Its corrosion resistance is excellent, exceeding that of 316L stainless in many environments, particularly in chloride-containing media. Does Nitronic 50 work harden? + Yes, Nitronic 50 work-hardens rapidly when cold-worked, similar to other austenitic stainless steels. The nitrogen content actually makes it work-harden even more effectively than 304 or 316, which is why it is used in applications requiring high surface hardness from cold working, such as shafting and fasteners. This is a benefit in wear applications but requires tooling and process adjustments in machining. What is the difference between Nitronic and Inconel? + Nitronic alloys are nitrogen-strengthened stainless steels—iron-based alloys with chromium, nickel, and nitrogen as primary alloying elements. Inconel is a family of nickel-based superalloys with much higher nickel content (50%+), designed for extreme high-temperature service (above 1000°F / 538°C). Nitronic alloys are used at moderate temperatures where high strength and corrosion resistance are needed; Inconel is specified for jet engines, gas turbines, and extreme temperature processes where stainless steels would fail. What is considered the best stainless steel for high strength? + For highest strength in a stainless steel, precipitation-hardening grades like 17-4 PH (in H900 condition, 200+ ksi tensile) lead the field. Among austenitic grades, cold-worked Nitronic 50 or Nitronic 40 can achieve very high tensile strengths from work hardening. Custom 455 and Custom 465 precipitation-hardening grades also offer extremely high strength. For most applications requiring high-strength stainless, 17-4 PH is the standard reference. What are the main applications of Nitronic 40? + Nitronic 40 is used in cryogenic applications (it maintains excellent toughness at very low temperatures), high-strength fasteners, shafting, structural components in aerospace and defense, and applications requiring good strength and corrosion resistance without the cost of higher-alloyed Nitronic grades. It is also used as an alternative to 304 or 316 where higher strength at the same section size is needed. What is the corrosion resistance of Nitronic 40? + Nitronic 40 has corrosion resistance between 304 and 316 stainless steel in most environments. Its chromium content (19–21.5%) provides good passivation, and the nitrogen addition improves resistance to pitting. It is more corrosion-resistant than 304 in chloride environments but less so than 316 or Nitronic 50. For marine or very aggressive corrosive applications, Nitronic 50 or 316 may be preferred. Can Nitronic 40 be welded? + Yes, Nitronic 40 is readily weldable using standard austenitic stainless welding processes—TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW). The recommended filler for Nitronic 40 is typically 209 filler metal or 308L in less demanding applications. Post-weld passivation is recommended to restore the passive layer. Due to its high nitrogen content, shielding gas selection should include some nitrogen to prevent nitrogen loss in the weld pool.
