If you need a stainless steel that combines chloride corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and weld stability, EN 1.4571 stainless steel is the ideal choice. As the titanium-stabilized equivalent of AISI 316Ti, it’s trusted in industries like pharmaceuticals, marine, and chemical processing. This guide covers everything from its specs to real-world applications, helping you make informed decisions for your projects.
1. EN 1.4571 Stainless Steel: Overview & Key Specifications
Let’s start with the basics of EN 1.4571 stainless steel—its composition, standards, and core properties.
Chemical Composition
The EN 1.4571 composition is defined by its unique blend: 16–18% chromium (corrosion resistance), 10–14% nickel (austenitic structure), 2–3% molybdenum (chloride resistance), and 0.05–0.10% titanium (stabilization). This titanium content prevents intergranular corrosion, while molybdenum boosts performance in harsh environments.
Industry Standards & Equivalents
EN 1.4571 adheres to strict global standards for consistency:
- 1.4571 AISI 316Ti equivalent: It’s the direct European counterpart to AISI 316Ti, so they’re interchangeable in most projects.
- 1.4571 UNS S31635: The Unified Numbering System identifier, used in North America.
- 1.4571 EN 10088-2: European standard for flat products (sheets/plates), and 1.4571 ASTM A240 / 1.4571 ASME SA-240: ASTM/ASME standards for plates/sheets.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Below is a table of critical properties that make EN 1.4571 stainless steel ideal for harsh environments:
Property | Value |
---|---|
1.4571 density | 8.0 g/cm³ |
1.4571 melting point | 1400 °C |
1.4571 yield strength | ≥ 220 MPa |
1.4571 tensile strength | 520–680 MPa |
1.4571 Brinell hardness | ≤ 215 HB |
1.4571 PREN ~23 | Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (excellent chloride resistance) |
1.4571 titanium-stabilised austenitic | Non-magnetic (unless cold-worked), with high ductility |
Example: A pharmaceutical company uses EN 1.4571 stainless steel for drug mixing reactors. Its titanium-stabilised austenitic structure prevents intergranular corrosion, keeping drugs pure and meeting FDA standards.
2. Corrosion Resistance & Environmental Performance
EN 1.4571 stainless steel’s biggest advantage is its exceptional corrosion resistance—especially against intergranular and chloride-induced corrosion.
Key Corrosion Behaviors
- 1.4571 intergranular corrosion immunity: Titanium binds with carbon to form 1.4571 titanium carbide/nitride stabilization, preventing carbon from combining with chromium. This makes it immune to intergranular corrosion—even after welding.
- 1.4571 chloride stress corrosion cracking immunity: Molybdenum and titanium work together to resist stress corrosion cracking in chloride environments (e.g., saltwater, chemical tanks).
- 1.4571 pitting corrosion resistance: Its PREN ~23 rating means it resists pitting in harsh chloride settings (e.g., marine environments), far better than EN 1.4307 (AISI 304L).
- 1.4571 seawater corrosion limits: Can handle full seawater submersion (e.g., offshore ballast lines) with a corrosion rate of <0.1 mm/year.
Critical Corrosion Considerations
- 1.4571 crevice corrosion threshold: Avoid tight crevices (e.g., uncoated bolts) in wet areas—use sealants to prevent moisture trapping.
- 1.4571 sulfuric acid resistance: Resists dilute sulfuric acid (up to 10% concentration) at room temperature, suitable for chemical processing piping.
- 1.4571 acetic acid performance: Handles acetic acid (used in food processing) well, making it ideal for brewery tanks.
- 1.4571 vs 1.4401 corrosion comparison: Both offer excellent chloride resistance, but EN 1.4571 is far better at resisting intergranular corrosion (EN 1.4401 may need post-weld annealing).
Case Study: An offshore oil rig uses EN 1.4571 stainless steel for ballast lines. The lines are submerged in seawater, and EN 1.4571’s chloride stress corrosion cracking immunity keeps them leak-free for 15+ years.
3. High-Temperature & Low-Temperature Properties
EN 1.4571 stainless steel performs reliably across a wide temperature range—from cryogenic to high heat.
High-Temperature Performance
- 1.4571 high-temperature strength: Maintains strength up to 750 °C, suitable for marine exhaust systems and industrial furnaces.
- 1.4571 oxidation resistance up to 850 °C intermittent: Resists scaling when used intermittently at high temperatures (e.g., furnace components).
- 1.4571 continuous service temperature: Safe for long-term use up to 700 °C—avoid higher temps to prevent strength loss.
- 1.4571 creep rupture data: At 700 °C and 100 MPa stress, it resists creep (slow deformation) for over 10,000 hours.
Low-Temperature Performance
- 1.4571 low-temperature toughness: Remains ductile at -196 °C (liquid nitrogen temperature), used for cryogenic storage tanks.
- 1.4571 impact energy at -196 °C: Absorbs over 60 J of energy, preventing brittle fracture in cold environments.
- 1.4571 cryogenic ductility: Retains 90% of its room-temperature ductility at -196 °C—critical for LNG (liquefied natural gas) equipment.
Thermal Properties
- 1.4571 thermal expansion coefficient: 16.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20–100 °C) — important for designing parts that handle temperature changes.
- 1.4571 thermal conductivity: 16.0 W/(m·K) at 100 °C — efficient heat transfer for heat exchangers.
4. Heat Treatment & Microstructure Control
Proper heat treatment helps maintain EN 1.4571 stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance.
Common Heat Treatment Processes
Process | Temperature & Method | Purpose |
---|---|---|
1.4571 solution annealing 1020–1120 °C | 1020–1120 °C, followed by 1.4571 water quench or rapid air cool | Dissolves unwanted carbides, restores full corrosion resistance |
1.4571 stabilising anneal 870–900 °C | 870–900 °C, slow cool | Enhances titanium carbide/nitride stabilization, ensuring intergranular corrosion immunity |
1.4571 residual stress relief | 300–500 °C, slow cool | Reduces stress from welding/cold working without affecting stabilization |
Critical Considerations
- 1.4571 carbide precipitation avoidance: Solution annealing prevents carbide formation at grain boundaries—critical for maintaining corrosion resistance.
- 1.4571 austenitic grain size ASTM 5–8: Controlled heating keeps grains small, balancing strength and ductility.
- 1.4571 cold working strain hardening: Cold working (e.g., bending) increases hardness but doesn’t reduce corrosion resistance.
- 1.4571 sigma phase formation kinetics: Low risk at temperatures below 700 °C—avoid prolonged exposure to 700–900 °C to prevent brittle sigma phase.
- 1.4571 magnetic permeability after cold work: May become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working, but this doesn’t impact performance.
Example: A heat exchanger manufacturer uses EN 1.4571 stainless steel for tubes. They solution anneal at 1050 °C and do a stabilising anneal 870–900 °C—tubes resist corrosion from hot coolants for 20+ years.
5. Welding, Fabrication & Machining Guidelines
EN 1.4571 stainless steel is easy to weld and fabricate, making it suitable for complex parts.
Welding Tips
- 1.4571 weldability rating: Excellent (rated 9/10)—works with TIG, MIG, and stick welding.
- 1.4571 no preheat required: Saves time compared to martensitic grades (e.g., 410).
- 1.4571 filler metal ER316L/ER316Ti: Use ER316Ti for maximum stabilization, or ER316L for general applications.
- 1.4571 interpass temperature 150 °C max: Prevents overheating and carbide formation.
- 1.4571 post-weld stabilising PWHT: Optional but recommended for thick parts—anneal at 870–900 °C to enhance stabilization.
- 1.4571 HAZ sensitisation free: The Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) near welds won’t become sensitized—unlike EN 1.4401.
Machining & Fabrication
- 1.4571 machining speeds and feeds: Use 120–180 m/min (turning) and 0.1–0.25 mm/rev—slower than EN 1.4301 due to molybdenum and titanium.
- 1.4571 tool life with coated carbide: Coated carbide tools (e.g., TiAlN) last 2–3x longer than uncoated tools.
- 1.4571 formability deep drawing: Good—its austenitic structure lets it be drawn into shapes like pharmaceutical reactor components.
- 1.4571 distortion control techniques: Use balanced welding sequences and clamps to minimize warping—critical for precision parts like surgical implants.
Case Study: A brewery uses EN 1.4571 stainless steel for fermentation tanks. They weld tanks with ER316Ti filler and follow interpass temperature 150 °C max—tanks resist corrosion from beer acids for 10+ years.
6. Product Forms, Sizes & Supply Chain
EN 1.4571 stainless steel is available in diverse forms to fit any project.
Common Product Forms
- 1.4571 stainless steel plate thicknesses: 3–200 mm (chemical reactors, offshore structures).
- 1.4571 sheet gauge chart: 26 gauge (0.45 mm) to 8 gauge (4.0 mm) (food equipment, surgical implants).
- 1.4571 seamless pipe EN 10216-5: Sizes ½–24 inches (oil and gas piping, desalination plants).
- 1.4571 welded tube EN 10217-7: Sizes ½–12 inches (pharmaceutical piping, brewery lines).
- 1.4571 round bar stock: Diameters 5–300 mm (fasteners, marine hardware).
Supply Chain Tips
- 1.4571 angle iron sizes: 20x20x3 mm to 100x100x10 mm (structural supports in coastal buildings).
- 1.4571 flat bar tolerances: ±0.1 mm for thickness—ideal for precision parts like 1.4571 surgical implants ISO standards.
- 1.4571 hollow bar suppliers: Choose ISO 9001-certified suppliers for consistent wall thickness and titanium content.
- 1.4571 mirror finish sheets: 0.5–5 mm thicknesses (architectural cladding, medical equipment).
7. Industry Applications & Case Studies
EN 1.4571 stainless steel is used in industries where corrosion resistance, high temperatures, and hygiene are critical.
Key Applications
- 1.4571 pharmaceutical reactors: Handle drugs and solvents without corrosion—meet strict hygiene standards.
- 1.4571 brewery tanks: Store beer and wort without adding metallic tastes—resist acid corrosion.
- 1.4571 chemical process piping: Transports harsh chemicals (e.g., sulfuric acid) without rusting.
- 1.4571 marine exhaust systems: Resist high temperatures and saltwater corrosion.
- 1.4571 offshore ballast lines: Withstand full seawater submersion for decades.
- 1.4571 surgical implants ISO: Biocompatible and corrosion-resistant—used for hip and knee implants.
Real-World Example: A medical device maker uses EN 1.4571 stainless steel for surgical implants. The metal meets 1.4571 surgical implants ISO standards, is biocompatible, and resists corrosion from bodily fluids—ensuring implants last 20+ years.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on EN 1.4571 Stainless Steel
At Yigu Technology, we supply EN 1.4571 stainless steel to pharmaceutical, marine, and medical clients globally. Its titanium stabilization and high PREN rating make it perfect for welded parts in harsh environments. We offer custom cuts (e.g., seamless pipe for desalination plants) and provide certification (EN 10088-2, ASTM A240) to meet industry standards. For medical clients, we ensure our EN 1.4571 meets ISO standards, so their implants are safe and durable.
FAQ About EN 1.4571 Stainless Steel
- Is EN 1.4571 stainless steel magnetic?
No—unless it’s heavily cold-worked. Its 1.4571 titanium-stabilised austenitic structure is non-magnetic, but heavy bending or stamping can make it slightly magnetic. This doesn’t affect corrosion resistance or strength. - When should I use EN 1.4571 instead of EN 1.4404?
Use EN 1.4571 if your project involves high temperatures (above 600 °C) or needs intergranular corrosion immunity without post-weld annealing. EN 1.4404 is better for ultra-low carbon needs but lacks EN 1.4571’s high-temperature strength. - Can EN 1.4571 be used in food processing?
Yes! Its acetic acid performance and corrosion resistance make it ideal for food equipment like brewery tanks and food conveyors. It meets FDA standards for food contact and is easy to clean—critical for food safety.