Features of the NITRONIC® 50
The NITRONIC® 50, also known as XM-19, is an austenitic stainless steel with an exceptional balance of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. It is particularly suitable for marine applications due to the following properties:
- Superior corrosion resistance to AISI 316L, especially in chloride-rich environments
- Tensile strength: about 690 MPa (in the HS version it can exceed even 900 MPa)
- Excellent toughness even at low temperatures
- Good weldability and workability
It is an optimal choice for screws, nuts and tie-rods intended for offshore platforms, ship installations and desalination systems.
Characteristics of 17-4 PH
Stainless steel 17-4 PH
(UNS S17400) is a precipitation-hardenable alloy characterized by high mechanical strength combined with good corrosion resistance. After hardening heat treatment, it achieves remarkable performance values:
Tensile strength: up to 1100 MPa depending on supply conditions:
Material | Condition | Treatment | Cycle | hardness | reference standard |
17-4PH (1.4542) | H900 (standard) | aging | 482 °C x 1 h | 40-47 HRC | AMS5643 |
H925 | aging | 496 °C x 4 h | 38-45 HRC | ||
H1025 | aging | 552 °C x 4 h | 34-42 HRC | ||
H1075 | aging | 579 °C x 4 h | 31-38 HRC | ||
H1100 | aging | 593 °C x 4 h | 30-37 HRC | ||
H1150 | aging | 621 °C x 4 h | 28-37 HRC | ||
H1150 | aging | 620 °C x 4 h | min 28 HRC | ASTM A564 | |
H1150M | aging | 760 °C x 2 h +620 °C x 4 h |
min 24 HRC | ||
H1150D | aging | 620 °C x 4 h +620 °C x 4 h |
24-33 HRC |
- Excellent hardness and wear resistance
- Good resistance in marine environments, although inferior to NITRONIC® 50 in terms of localized corrosion
Due to its versatility, 17-4 PH is widely used for structural bolts, shafts, pumps and fastening systems where high reliability is required.
Comparison of NITRONIC® 50 and 17-4 PH
To help in choosing the most suitable material, here is a summary comparison of NITRONIC® 50 and 17-4 PH:
Feature | NITRONIC® 50 (XM-19) | 17-4 PH (UNS S17400) |
---|---|---|
Microstructure | Austenitic | Hardenable by precipitation |
Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≈ 690 MPa | Up to 1100 MPa |
Corrosion resistance | Excellent, superior to 316L | Good, but less performant in salt water |
Typical applications | Offshore bolting, desalination, marine | Structural bolts, pumps, shafts, fasteners |
NITRONIC® 50 is preferred when corrosion resistance is a priority, while 17-4 PH is ideal for applications where high mechanical strength and hardness are needed.
Applications in the marine industry
Both NITRONIC® 50 and 17-4 PH are widely used in systems and structures in direct contact with seawater or saline environments:
- Offshore platforms: bolts, nuts and tie rods resistant to chlorides and localized corrosion
- Ships and naval installations: components subject to static and dynamic loads
- Desalination systems: fittings and fixings for acid and salt-rich environments
- Marine infrastructure: jetties, harbors, and structural support systems
The choice of material depends on the balance between mechanical requirements and the required level of corrosion resistance.
MF INOX Production
We at MF INOX produce special bolts in NITRONIC® 50 and 17-4 PH, guaranteeing quality and full certifications according to international standards. Due to the availability of raw material in stock, we are able to:
- Offer fast delivery in 24/48 hours for urgent downtime
- Making custom and non-standard components
- Provide certifications EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2
- Shipping worldwide with full traceability