Stainless steel fittings, flanges, and pipes are commonly used in industrial sectors such as the chemical industry, oil and gas, power generation, and aerospace, where they must withstand high temperatures and pressures or corrosive environments. Therefore, if they fail due to extreme temperatures, the consequences can be catastrophic. This raises the question: what is the maximum working temperature of stainless steel?
The maximum working temperature of different types of stainless steel
The maximum working temperature of stainless steel usually depends on its specific type and application environment. Generally speaking:
- Austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304 and 316): Can operate at temperatures up to about 870°C (1600°F), suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Ferritic stainless steel (e.g., 430): Typically works below 815°C (1500°F).
- Martensitic stainless steel (e.g., 410): Maximum working temperature is about 600°C (1112°F).
- High-temperature stainless steel (e.g., 310 and 347): Can work at even higher temperatures, up to 1200°C (2192°F).
- When selecting stainless steel, it is essential to consider the specific application, working environment, and potential stress and corrosion factors.
Why do austenitic stainless steels have high working temperatures?
Austenitic stainless steel can operate at higher temperatures due to several key factors. Its alloy composition typically includes a higher proportion of nickel and chromium, which enhance corrosion resistance and thermal stability. The austenitic microstructure provides good ductility and toughness, allowing it to withstand significant deformation without becoming brittle. Additionally, it can form a stable oxide film on its surface, protecting against oxidation and corrosion in high-temperature environments. Finally, heat treatment can optimize its mechanical properties, further improving high-temperature resistance. These characteristics make austenitic stainless steel ideal for demanding applications in industries such as chemical processing, food processing, and aerospace.
The high chromium content which is so beneficial to the wet corrosion resistance of stainless steels is also highly beneficial to their high temperature strength and resistance to scaling at elevated temperatures, as shown in the graph of Figure 1.
Table 1 outlines the approximate maximum service temperatures for different grades of stainless steels to resist oxidation in dry air. These temperatures are highly dependent on specific environmental conditions, and in some cases, significantly lower temperatures can lead to destructive scaling. The data is referenced from the ASM Metals Handbook.
| Grade | 304 | 309 | 310 | 316 | 321 | 410 | 416 | 420 | 430 |
| Intermittent (°C) | 870 | 980 | 1035 | 870 | 870 | 815 | 760 | 735 | 870 |
| Continuous (°C) | 925 | 1095 | 1150 | 925 | 925 | 705 | 675 | 620 | 815 |
Summary of maximum service temperatures
The maximum oxidation service temperatures for heat-resistant steels are listed in Table B.2 of EN 10095 for reference. Another guideline provided in the ASM Metals Handbook on “Stainless Steel” covers a broader range of stainless steel grades.
Summary of maximum service temperatures.
| Grade | Main Alloying Elements (%) | Max. Service Temp. oC | Source | ||
| AISI | EN | Cr | Others | ||
| Ferritic types | |||||
| 405 | 1.4002 | 12 | 0.2 Al | 815 | ASM |
| . | 1.4724 | 12 | 1.0 Al | 850 | EN 10095 |
| 430 | 1.4016 | 17 | . | 870 | ASM |
| . | 1.4742 | 17 | 1.0 Al | 1000 | EN 10095 |
| 446 | 1.4749 | 26 | 0.15-0.20 C, 0.2 N | 1100 | EN 10095 |
| Austenitic types | |||||
| 304 | 1.4301 | 18 | 8 Ni | 870 | ASM |
| 321 | 1.4541 | 18 | 9 Ni | 870 | ASM |
| . | 1.4878 | 18 | 9 Ni | 850 | EN 10095 |
| 316 | 1.4401 | 17 | 11 Ni, 2 Mo | 870 | ASM |
| 309 | 1.4833 | 22 | 12 Ni | 1000 | EN 10095 |
| 310 | 1.4845 | 25 | 20 Ni | 1050 | EN 10095 |
| . | 1.4835 | 20 | 10 Ni, 1.5 Si, 0.15 N, 0.04 Ce | 1150 | EN 10095 |
| 330 | 1.4886 | 18 | 34 Ni, 1.0 Si | 1100 | EN 10095 |
More information about stainless steel temperature limit:
