S31803 vs S32205 – Which to Specify for Sheet & Plate
Understanding the relationship between S31803 and S32205 helps procurement teams order correctly:
| Parameter |
S31803 (F51) |
S32205 (F60) |
| UNS |
S31803 |
S32205 |
| Chromium Range |
21.0–23.0% |
22.0–23.0% |
| Molybdenum Range |
2.5–3.5% |
3.0–3.5% |
| Nitrogen Range |
0.08–0.20% |
0.14–0.20% |
| PREN Range |
31–35 (variable) |
34–36 (guaranteed ≥34) |
| Certification |
S31803 only |
Dual S32205 + S31803 |
| ASME Reference |
Cited in older codes |
Preferred for new projects |
| Plate Thickness |
Up to 100 mm |
Up to 150 mm |
| Recommendation |
Only when mandated by existing code |
All new procurement |
For new procurement, always specify S32205. Use S31803 only when mandated by existing ASME code references. Always request dual-certified S32205/S31803 material.
Chemical Composition of Duplex S31803 / S32205 Sheet & Plate
Chemical composition of Duplex S31803 / S32205 Sheet & Plate as per ASTM A240 are provided in the table below:
| Specification |
Carbon (C) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Nitrogen (N) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Silicon (Si) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulfur (S) |
Iron (Fe) |
| S31803 Range (%) |
0.030 max |
21.0–23.0 |
4.5–6.5 |
2.5–3.5 |
0.08–0.20 |
2.0 max |
1.0 max |
0.030 max |
0.020 max |
Balance |
| S32205 Range (%) |
0.030 max |
22.0–23.0 |
4.5–6.5 |
3.0–3.5 |
0.14–0.20 |
2.0 max |
1.0 max |
0.030 max |
0.020 max |
Balance |
PREN = %Cr + 3.3×%Mo + 16×%N. S31803 PREN ranges from 31 to 35. At the lower end (Cr 21%, Mo 2.5%, N 0.08%), PREN drops to ~31. S32205 guarantees PREN ≥34 (typical ~35). Higher nitrogen strengthens the austenite phase and improves HAZ toughness. Low carbon (≤0.03%) prevents sensitisation during welding.
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A240 Duplex S31803 / S32205 Sheet & Plate
S31803 and S32205 share identical mechanical minimums as per ASTM A240. The difference is primarily the chemical composition:
| Specification |
Yield Strength (0.2%) |
Tensile Strength |
Elongation in 50 mm |
Hardness (Brinell) |
Hardness (Rockwell C) |
| ASTM A240 Minimum |
448 MPa (65 ksi) |
621 MPa (90 ksi) |
25% |
293 HB max |
31 HRC max |
| Typical Value |
510 MPa (74 ksi) |
724 MPa (105 ksi) |
30% |
— |
19 HRC |
Elevated-temperature properties:
| Temperature |
Yield Strength |
Tensile Strength |
| 50°C (122°F) |
414 MPa |
662 MPa |
| 100°C (212°F) |
358 MPa |
621 MPa |
| 200°C (392°F) |
310 MPa |
572 MPa |
| 300°C (572°F) |
283 MPa |
559 MPa |
The
448 MPa minimum yield is nearly double that of 316L (170 MPa), allowing thinner plate designs for pressure vessels under ASME BPVC Section VIII. Embrittlement risk above 300°C limits service to
–50°C to +300°C.
Physical Properties of Duplex S31803 / S32205 Sheets & Plates
Physical properties are identical for S31803 and S32205. Important physical properties like density, melting point, elastic modulus, and more are provided below:
| Specification |
Density |
Melting Range |
Elastic Modulus |
Thermal Expansion (0–100°C) |
Thermal Conductivity (100°C) |
Specific Heat (0–100°C) |
Electrical Resistivity |
Magnetic Permeability |
Poisson’s Ratio |
| Typical Value |
7800 kg/m³ (7.8 g/cm³ / 0.278 lb/in³) |
1385–1445°C (2525–2630°F) |
190 GPa (27.6 × 10⁶ psi) |
13.7 µm/m/°C |
19 W/m·K |
418 J/kg·K |
850 nΩ·m |
Ferromagnetic (~50% ferrite phase) |
0.3 |
Thermal conductivity at 19 W/m·K is ~30% higher than 316L (14.2 W/m·K), improving heat transfer in exchanger plates. Lower thermal expansion (13.7 vs 16.0 µm/m/°C) reduces weld distortion. Unlike austenitic 316L, Duplex 2205 is magnetic due to ~50% ferrite, which affects NDE methods.
Duplex S31803 / S32205 Sheet & Plate Equivalent Grades
Equivalent designations for Duplex S31803 / S32205 sheet and plate across different international standards are mentioned below:
| Specification |
UNS |
EN / Werkstoff Nr. |
EN Name |
AFNOR (France) |
JIS (Japan) |
| Designation |
S31803 (legacy) / S32205 (preferred modern) |
1.4462 (shared by both) |
X2CrNiMoN 22-5-3 |
Z3 CrNi 22.05 AZ |
SUS 329J3L |
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Duplex S31803 / S32205 flat products are supplied dual-certified in the following forms:
Corrosion Resistance of Duplex S31803 Sheet & Plate
PREN (%Cr + 3.3×%Mo + 16×%N) determines pitting resistance. S32205 holds PREN ≥34 with a typical CPT of ~35°C in 1M NaCl. S31803 PREN can fall to ~31 at the lower composition limit. Both surpass 316L (~15°C CPT). CCT in 10% FeCl₃ reaches ~15°C versus below 0°C for 316L.
Both grades resist chloride SCC up to ~150°C, where 304L and 316L fail above 60°C. The ferrite phase acts as a barrier to crack propagation. Corrosion rate data:
| Medium |
Temperature |
Corrosion Rate (mpy) |
| Wet-process phosphoric acid (Sol A) |
60°C |
3.1 |
| Wet-process phosphoric acid (Sol B) |
49°C |
3.9 |
| 20% H₂SO₄ |
60°C |
<5 |
| Seawater (flowing) |
Ambient |
<1 |
Strong performance in organic acids, dilute H₂SO₄, and wet-process phosphoric acid. High corrosion fatigue strength suits cyclic-loaded equipment.
Hot Working, Cold Forming & Heat Treatment of Duplex S31803
Hot form at 955–1230°C. Above 1230°C, excessive ferrite causes hot tearing. Below 955°C, sigma and chi phases form rapidly and cause embrittlement. Always follow hot work with a solution anneal at ≥1040°C plus water quench.
Cold forming below 315°C is recommended. Expect double the forming loads compared to 316L. Intermediate annealing is needed beyond 10% cold work. Solution annealing at 1040–1120°C with rapid water quench restores the 50/50 phase balance. No stress relief below 1040°C.
Weldable by GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, SAW, PAW, and FCW. Specify ER2209 (wire) or E2209 (electrode), containing ~8.5–10.5% Ni to promote austenite in weld metal. Interpass: ≤150°C. No preheat or PWHT required. Use Ar + 2% N₂ shielding for GTAW. ASTM A923 testing verifies the absence of intermetallic phases. For dissimilar joints to carbon steel, specify ER309LMo or ERNiCrMo-3.
Industries Using Duplex S31803 Sheet & Plate
Duplex S31803 / S32205 sheets and plates serve industries where high strength, chloride resistance, and cost savings over nickel alloys are required:
How to Order Duplex S31803 / S32205 Sheet & Plate
To place an order for Duplex S31803 / S32205 sheet & plate, provide the following details:
Frequently Asked Questions