SUPER DUPLEX FERRALIUM 255 / S32550

FERRINOX 255 (UNS S32550) is a stainless steel containing 25.5% chromium, 6% nickel with significant additions of
molybdenum, copper and nitrogen and a PREn (pitting resistance equivalent) of 40.0. The copper content of 1.6% is
particularly beneficial in promoting optimum resistance to corrosion in acidic environments. The chemical composition and
mechanical properties conform to the requirements of UNS S32550, 1.4507 and several oil & gas industry specifications. The
microstructure is carefully controlled with a phase balance close to 50:50 austenite and ferrite with complete freedom from
grain boundary carbides, sigma phase and other deleterious precipitates. Hardness is kept to a level which satisfies the
requirements of NACE MR01-75 for sour service.
It should be stressed that, although the above standards form the basis for FERRINOX 255 supply, a consistent, optimised
property combination is only achieved by the targeting of a much tighter composition window and detailed knowledge, gained
from long term, volume supply, of metal processing techniques and heat treatment regimes. Rigorous testing carried out on all
production batches, such as ASTM G-48A at 500C to demonstrate very high pitting resistance and notch ductility testing at
minus 460C to confirm sub-zero suitability, also guarantees the absence of phases potentially deleterious to ductility, corrosion
resistance and weldability.
FERRINOX 255 (UNS S32550) is categorised as a super duplex (austenitic/ferritic) stainless steel. This high performance
alloy combines high mechanical strength (typically up to over 600 MPa yield strength) and good ductility with outstanding
corrosion resistance to marine environments and a wide, diverse range of industrial media. These attributes result in the
widespread specification of FERRINOX 255 as an alternative to 300 series stainless steel (such as type 316), standard 22%
Cr duplex steel, precipitation hardening stainless steels (typical 17/4PH) and the alloy can in some instances obviate the need
to choose a much higher cost nickel based alloy
The highly attractive combination of attributes provided by FERRINOX 255 has led to many years of successful application in
Defence, Oil & Gas production, Chemicals processing, Pollution Control (FGD), Pulp & Paper Production, Architecture and
Nuclear Engineering.
Chemical Requirements
Ni

Cr

Mo

Mn

Si

Fe

Max

6.5

27.0

3.9

1.50

0.04

1.00

Bal

Min

4.5

24.0

2.9

Principal Features of Alloy 255 Compared To 300 Series Austenitic Stainless Steels

Superior Corrosion Resistance

Pitting
Crevice Corrosion
Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking
General Corrosion In Many Environments
Good Ductility
High Strength-To-Weight Ratio
High Fatigue Strength In Marine Environments
Superior Abrasion and Cavitation Erosion Resistance
High Mechanical Strength - (over twice the yield strength of austenitic stainless steels)
Good Fabricability

Characteristics
Physical Properties

Density 0.282 lb/in

Specific Gravity 7.81
Thermal Expansion
Coefficient (68 to 600F) 6.7X10^-6 in/in/F
Thermal Conductivity (68F) 105 Btu/sqr ft/hr/F/in
Electrical Resisitivity (68F) 473 Ohms/cir mil ft
Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity 30.5x10^6 psi

Is Stronger Than Most Competitive Alloys

UNS

Typical
Tensile
(ksi)

Typical
Yeild
(ksi)

Typical
Elongation
(%)

Alloy 255

S32550

126

98

30

316L

S31603

81

42

50

NiCu400

N04400

78

31

50

20Cb-3

N08020

92

47

39

2205 Duplex

S31803

112

75

32

Alloy

Alloy Comparison
Chemistry

Alloy 316SS

Alloy 2205

Alloy 255

CR

17

22

25.3

NI

10

MO

CU

--

--

--

0.15

0.22

Fluid Flow Applications

Process

Temperature

Corrodant

Prior Material

95 C

Cholrides

316

Waste Odor Removal

Ambient

Cholrides

--

Wet Process Phos Acid

180 F

H 2 SO 4
Solids

317L
316L

Up to 350 F

H2S
Chlorides

316, 410
Nitronic 50

150-300 F

Mixed Acids
Chlorides

316 FRP

Caffeine Production

Sour Gas Downhole

Instruments
Waste Water Treatment

Polycarbonate Production 250-300 F

Ambient

2205

Demineralize Water

Ambient

Chlorides

PVC, Carbon
Steel, Stainless

Gold Mine Oxygen Lance

and Vent

217 F

H 2 SO 4
Chlorides

316, C-276
600, TI

Tensile Data
Mechanical Property Requirements

Min

Ultimate
Tensile

Yield Strength
(0.2% OS)

Elong.

110 KSi

80 KSi

15%

R/A

Hardness
Brinell

Max

297

Min

760 MPa

550 MPa

Max

Specifications
Form

Standard

Metal Type

UNS S32550

Bar

ASTM A479

Wire
Sheet

ASTM A240

Plate

ASTM A240

Fitting
Forging
Weld Wire
Weld Electrode

E2553

Din

1.4507

Machining
MACHINING DATA
Carbide tools are suggested
for rates better than 50% of Type 304.
Machining Type

Suggested starting rates are:

Single Point turning :

Roughing - 0.15" depth, 0.015"/rev feed -175 SFM

Finishing - 0.025" depth, 0.007"/rev feed - 200 SFM

Drilling :

1/4" Dia hole - 0.004"/rev feed - 60 SFM

1/2" Dia hole - 0.007"/rev feed - 60 SFM
3/4" Dia hole - 0.010"/rev feed - 60 SFM

Reaming :

Feed - same as drilling - 100 SFM

Side and Slot Milling :

Roughing - 0.25" depth - 0.007"/tooth feed - 125SFM

Finishing - 0.050" depth - 0.009"/tooth feed - 140SFM

These rates are for carbide tools,

Type C-2 for roughing, drilling and reaming.
Type C-3 for finishing.