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446 Stainless Steel Bar

What is 446 Stainless Steel Bar?

446 stainless steel bar (UNS S44600) is a high-chromium ferritic stainless steel designed for superior resistance to oxidation, scaling, and sulfidation at elevated temperatures. With a chromium content of 23% or higher, this heat-resistant alloy delivers exceptional performance in environments where both strength and corrosion resistance are critical.

Key Properties of 446 Stainless Steel

  • High Chromium Content – Provides outstanding resistance to oxidation and scaling at temperatures up to 1093°C (2000°F).
  • Heat Resistance – Maintains structural integrity in high-temperature industrial processes.
  • Sulfidation Resistance – Performs well in environments containing sulfur compounds.
  • Non-Hardenable Alloy – Cannot be strengthened by heat treatment but can be cold-worked to enhance hardness and strength.

Applications of 446 Stainless Steel Bar

Due to its excellent high-temperature properties, 446 stainless steel round bar is commonly used in:

  • Furnace parts and high-temperature heat exchangers
  • Boilers, kilns, and incinerator components
  • Industrial ovens and burners
  • Applications requiring resistance to scaling, oxidation, and sulfidation

Partner with Mozaic Precision Metals

At Mozaic Precision Metals, we supply 446 stainless steel bar stock in various sizes and finishes to meet the demands of high-performance applications. With precision services such as grinding, polishing, cutting, and chamfering, we deliver bar stock that is engineered for reliability under the most extreme conditions.

If your project requires superior heat and corrosion resistance, 446 stainless steel from Mozaic is the material of choice.

Machining and Welding of 446 Stainless Steel Bar

446 stainless steel round bar is known for its high chromium content and excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion at elevated temperatures. However, its unique composition also makes machining and welding more challenging compared to other stainless grades.

Machining 446 Stainless Steel

Due to low thermal conductivity and a tendency to work harden, 446 bar requires careful handling during machining. To optimize performance:

  • Use cutting tools specifically designed for high-temperature alloys.
  • Maintain proper cutting speeds and feeds to reduce excessive heat buildup.
  • Apply coolant consistently to dissipate heat and minimize work hardening.
  • Monitor tool wear closely, as chip formation and tool life can be impacted.

Welding 446 Stainless Steel

Welding of 446 bar can be performed using methods such as GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), and SMAW (stick welding). Key considerations include:

  • Use filler metals designed for high-temperature applications, such as AWS A5.9 ER446.
  • Preheating and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to minimize cracking and enhance weld properties.
  • Avoid overheating during welding to prevent chromium evaporation, which reduces corrosion resistance.

 

Applications of 446 Stainless Steel Bar

446 stainless steel bar offers exceptional durability, high-temperature resistance, and strong corrosion protection, making it valuable across many industries. Its affordability compared to other heat-resistant alloys further increases its demand.

Common Applications

  • Heat Exchangers: Excellent oxidation resistance makes it ideal for industrial heat transfer systems.
  • Furnace Components: Used for furnace grids, retorts, and muffles where high-temperature strength is essential.
  • Welding Fixtures: Provides durability and corrosion resistance in fabrication environments.
  • Oil & Gas: Valves, tubing, and piping designed to withstand harsh, corrosive environments.
  • Chemical Processing: Pumps, tanks, and process equipment resistant to aggressive chemicals.
  • Kitchenware: Cutlery, cookware, and utensils benefiting from wear resistance and easy maintenance.

446 Stainless Steel from Mozaic Precision Metals

At Mozaic Precision Metals, we supply 446 stainless steel round bar engineered for high-performance applications in heat, chemical, and corrosive environments. With decades of expertise in precision grinding and stainless supply, we ensure material consistency and reliability for every order.