SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel: High Corrosion Resistance & Heat Resistance

Comprehensive data on SUS444 stainless steel, a low-carbon ferritic grade with molybdenum for excellent chloride pitting and stress corrosion cracking resistance. Compare equivalents and find application guidance.

Cold rolling, Hot rolling, Welding, Forming, Bending, Deep drawing, Laser cutting, Punching

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Introduction

SUS444 is a ferritic stainless steel developed to offer corrosion resistance comparable to austenitic 316L, but with the distinct advantages of a ferritic structure: immunity to stress corrosion cracking, higher thermal conductivity, and lower thermal expansion. It contains about 18% chromium and 2% molybdenum, with low carbon and nitrogen, stabilized by titanium and niobium additions. This ensures excellent intergranular corrosion resistance even after welding. Key characteristics:

  • Superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments
  • Excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking
  • Good formability and weldability with no need for post-weld annealing
  • Attractive surface finish and magnetic properties
  • Cost-effective alternative to 316L in many applications

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of SUS444 is tightly controlled to ensure a fully ferritic microstructure with stabilization. Low carbon and nitrogen contents prevent sensitization, while the addition of titanium and niobium fixes residual carbon and nitrogen, maintaining corrosion resistance after welding. Molybdenum significantly enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Chemical ElementStandard Value (%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.025
Silicon (Si)≤ 1.00
Manganese (Mn)≤ 1.00
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.040
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.030
Chromium (Cr)17.00 – 20.00
Molybdenum (Mo)1.75 – 2.50
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.025
Titanium + Niobium (Ti+Nb)0.20+4(C+N) to 0.80Stabilizing elements
Iron (Fe)Balance

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties of SUS444 at room temperature and elevated temperatures. The ferritic structure provides higher thermal conductivity and lower thermal expansion compared to austenitic steels, making it advantageous for heat transfer applications and thermal cycling.

Performance ItemTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.7g/cm³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)200GPaAt 20°C
Shear Modulus (G)77GPaAt 20°C (calculated)
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30–At 20°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)10.410⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)10.810⁻⁶/K20–200°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.210⁻⁶/K20–300°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)26.0W/m·KAt 100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)27.0W/m·KAt 300°C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity0.60µΩ·mAt 20°C

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of SUS444 in the annealed condition, as specified in JIS G 4305 for cold-rolled sheet. The material offers moderate strength with good ductility, suitable for cold forming operations. Values depend on thickness; elongation requirements vary slightly for very thin gauges.

Performance ItemStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
0.2% Yield Strength (Rp0.2)≥ 205MPaAnnealed, thickness 0.3–6.0 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)≥ 415MPaAnnealed, thickness 0.3–6.0 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 22%Annealed, thickness 0.6–6.0 mm, gauge length 50 mm
Hardness≤ 88 HRB / ≤ 200 HVHRB / HVFor reference (not mandatory)
Bend Test (180°, mandrel diameter = thickness)No cracks-Annealed, thickness ≤ 8 mm

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G 4305 / G 4304SUS444Original grade
USAASTM A240/A240MUNS S44400Ferritic stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip
EuropeEN 10088-21.4521 (X2CrMoTi18-2)Stainless steel – technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate
ChinaGB/T 3280 / GB/T 20878S11972 (019Cr19Mo2NbTi)Ferritic stainless steel cold-rolled sheet and strip
InternationalISO 15510X2CrMoTi18-2Stainless steel – chemical composition

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Application Introduction

SUS444 is widely used in applications demanding high corrosion resistance, especially resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking, combined with efficient heat transfer. Its ferritic structure provides lower thermal expansion and higher thermal conductivity than austenitic grades, making it ideal for thermal cycling environments. It is a cost-effective substitute for 316L in many non-severe chloride environments where stress corrosion cracking is a concern.

Product Applications: Hot water storage tanks, Solar water heater absorber plates and panels, Shell and tube heat exchangers, Automotive exhaust flexible couplings and mufflers, Food processing machinery (tanks, conveyors), Condenser and evaporator tubes, Commercial kitchen sinks and countertops

Processed into products: Welded tubes and pipes, Tank shells and bottoms, Baffle plates, Flanges and fittings, Stamped and deep-drawn parts (e.g., sink bowls), Laser-cut brackets and supports, Roll-formed profiles

Application industries: Building & Construction, Automotive, Heat Exchangers & Pressure Vessels, Food & Beverage Processing, Water Treatment & Distribution, Chemical Processing

SUS444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Similar/Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanJIS G 4305SUS436L18Cr-1Mo-Ti; lower Mo, reduced pitting resistance compared to 444
EuropeEN 10088-21.4526 (X2CrMoNb18-2)Similar 18Cr-2Mo, stabilized with Nb only; comparable corrosion resistance
JapanJIS G 4305SUS445J122Cr-1Mo; higher Cr, lower Mo; good heat exchanger material
JapanJIS G 4305SUS445J222Cr-2Mo; higher Cr, same Mo; improved general and pitting corrosion

Notes:

SUS444 can be welded by common methods (TIG, MIG, resistance welding) without preheating. Post-weld annealing is not required due to stabilization with Ti/Nb. The steel is magnetic in all conditions. Prolonged exposure at 400–550°C may cause 475°C embrittlement; operating temperatures should be managed accordingly. For severe chloride environments, higher molybdenum grades like superferritics may be considered.

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