06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 (0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2) Austenitic Stainless Steel

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 (0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2) Austenitic Stainless Steel

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 (0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2) Austenitic Stainless Steel - GB/T 4237 Plate/Coil Grade

An austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum and copper for enhanced resistance to sulfuric acid and other reducing environments, supplied as hot-rolled plate and coil per GB/T 4237.

Welding, bending, deep drawing, machining, solution annealing

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Introduction

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2, formerly designated 0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2, is an austenitic stainless steel specifically alloyed with molybdenum (approx. 2–3%) and copper (approx. 1–3%) to improve corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and other reducing media. The low carbon content (max 0.06%) minimizes intergranular corrosion after welding. It is delivered in solution-annealed condition and exhibits good formability, weldability, and toughness. Typical applications include chemical process equipment, heat exchangers, and piping systems where both general and pitting corrosion resistance are required.

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition conforms to GB/T 4237 and GB/T 20878 for grade 06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2. The copper addition significantly improves resistance to sulfuric acid, while the molybdenum enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Low carbon content reduces sensitization during welding.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤0.06
Silicon (Si)≤1.00
Manganese (Mn)≤2.00
Phosphorus (P)≤0.045
Sulfur (S)≤0.030
Chromium (Cr)17.00 – 19.00
Nickel (Ni)11.00 – 14.00
Molybdenum (Mo)2.00 – 3.00
Copper (Cu)1.00 – 3.00
Nitrogen (N)≤0.10Typical, not always specified

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are typical for the solution-annealed condition and may vary slightly with exact composition and processing. Data are representative of similar Cu-bearing Mo-alloyed austenitic stainless steels.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.98g/cm³20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)193GPa20°C
Shear Modulus (G)77GPa20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3020°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)16.010⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)17.510⁻⁶/K20–300°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)18.010⁻⁶/K20–500°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)16.2W/(m·K)100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)21.5W/(m·K)500°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cₚ)500J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.78µΩ·m20°C

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of solution-annealed hot-rolled plates per GB/T 4237. Values apply to thicknesses ≤75 mm unless otherwise noted. Bending test uses 180° bend with specified inside diameter. No impact test is required for austenitic grades in this standard.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH / Rp0.2)≥205MPaRoom temperature, transverse direction
Tensile Strength (Rm)≥520MPaRoom temperature, transverse direction
Elongation after Fracture (A)≥40%Gauge length 50 mm; thickness ≤75 mm
Elongation after Fracture (A)≥38%Gauge length 50 mm; thickness 75–115 mm
Bending Test (Bend Angle 180°)d = 2aThickness a ≤10 mm; d = inside diameter, a = thickness

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Direct Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 423706Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2Original specified grade
ChinaGB/T 2087806Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2Stainless steel grade designation
JapanJIS G4304SUS316J1Closest standard equivalent; contains Mo and Cu (C ≤0.08, Cr 17–19, Ni 10–14, Mo 1.2–2.75, Cu 1.0–2.5)
USAASTM A240No direct UNS equivalent; modified 316L (UNS S31603) with added Cu sometimes used but not standard
EuropeEN 10088-2No exact equivalent; 1.4404 (316L) lacks Cu; 1.4578 (X3CrNiCu18-9-4) has lower alloy content

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Application Introduction

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 is designed for service in environments where resistance to sulfuric acid and other reducing media is critical. The combination of molybdenum and copper provides excellent general and localized corrosion resistance. It can be fabricated into various components using standard stainless steel techniques, including welding, forming, and machining. The low carbon content ensures good weldability without post-weld heat treatment for many applications.

Product Applications: Hot-rolled plates for pressure vessel fabrication, Heat exchanger shells and tube sheets, Coils for welded pipe production, Storage tanks for sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, Piping systems and fittings, Structural components in corrosive atmospheres

Processed into products: Heat exchanger tube sheets and baffles, Pump casings and impellers, Valve bodies and seats, Agitator shafts and blades, Flanges and gaskets, Reactor vessels and linings, Distillation column internals, Scrubber components

Application industries: Chemical and petrochemical processing, Pulp and paper manufacturing, Desalination plants, Food processing equipment, Pharmaceutical industry, Heat exchanger manufacturing, Environmental engineering (flue gas desulfurization, wastewater treatment)

06Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 Austenitic Stainless Steel Materials with Similar Performance

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 4237022Cr17Ni12Mo2 (316L)Similar base composition but without copper; lower resistance to sulfuric acid; can be used where copper is not required
JapanJIS G4304SUS316LEquivalent to 316L; lower corrosion resistance in reducing acids
ChinaGB/T 4237022Cr19Ni13Mo3 (317L)Higher Mo content (3–4%) enhances pitting resistance but lacks Cu; may be substituted for increased general corrosion resistance
EuropeEN 10088-21.4539 (X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5)High-alloy austenitic with Cu and Mo; superior corrosion resistance in aggressive acids, but higher cost

Notes:

Welding: Use filler metals such as ER316LCu or E316LCu to maintain corrosion resistance. Preheating is not required; interpass temperature should be kept below 150°C. Heat treatment: Solution annealing at 1010–1150°C followed by rapid cooling (water or air) restores optimum properties and removes carbide precipitation. Pickling and passivation: After welding or hot forming, acid pickling in nitric/hydrofluoric acid mixtures is recommended to remove scale and restore passive layer. Service limits: The material is suitable for continuous operation up to approximately 450°C in oxidizing environments; for reducing acids, maximum service temperature may be lower and should be verified by corrosion testing. Alternative designation: Also referred to as 0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2 in older Chinese standards and technical literature.

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