Stainless Steel 348
| Chemical Analysis | |
|---|---|
| C | Carbon .08 max |
| Mn | Manganese 2.0 max |
| P | Phosphorus .045 max |
| S | Sulfur .030 max |
| Si | Silicon 1.00 max |
| Cr | Chromium 17.00 – 19.00 |
| Ni | Nickel 9.00 – 13.00 |
| (Cb + Ta)% | Niobium 10 x C min |
| Co | Cobalt 0.20 max |
| Ta | Tantalum 0.10 max |
General characteristics of Stainless Steel 348
Type 348 is a columbium/tantalum stabilized austenitic stainless steel. It has excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion. The alloy should be considered for applications requiring intermittent heating between 800/1650ºF (425/900ºC).
Applications
This alloy is resistant to atmospheric corrosion, foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, many organic and inorganic chemicals and dyestuffs. Because of its low columbium and tantalum contents, type 348 stainless should be considered for nuclear applications.
Forging
Heat uniformly to forging temperature, 2100/2250ºF (1150/1230ºC) and forge. Do not forge below 1700ºF (925ºC). Forgings may be air cooled, but for maximum corrosion resistance forgings must be water quenched or subsequently annealed.
Heat treatment
Annealing
Heat to 1850/2000ºF (1010/1090ºC) and water quench. This alloy cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but when temperatures up to about 1650ºF (870ºC) are expected in service, a stabilizing treatment at 1550/1650ºF (840/900ºC) will result in optimum corrosion resistance.
Machinability
As with all austenitic stainless steels, tough and stringy chips are produced. Use rigid tooling and positive feeds for best machinability, and if possible a little cold work on stock to be machined.
Weldability
The alloy may be welded using shielded fusion and resistance methods, but oxyacetylene welding should not be used due to the danger of carbon pickup in the weld. A type 347 filler metal should be used if such is called for. For optimum corrosion resistance following welding or for use at elevated temperatures, a post-weld stabilizing treatment is recommended.
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