347 Stainless Steel Sheets

Description

347 Stainless Steel Sheets: A Workhorse for Demanding Applications

Stainless steel is renowned for its versatility, strength, and corrosion resistance, making it a staple in countless industries. Within the vast family of stainless steels, 347 stainless steel stands out as a particularly robust and reliable alloy, especially in sheet form. 347 stainless steel sheets are prized for their exceptional performance at elevated temperatures and their resistance to sensitization, making them ideal for demanding applications across diverse sectors.

Understanding 347 Stainless Steel

347 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel stabilized with the addition of niobium and tantalum. This stabilization is the key to its exceptional properties. While similar to 304 stainless steel in its basic composition, the presence of niobium and tantalum significantly enhances its resistance to intergranular corrosion (sensitization) in the temperature range of 800°F to 1650°F (427°C to 899°C).

Key Advantages of 347 Stainless Steel Sheets:

• Excellent High-Temperature Strength: 347 stainless steel maintains its strength and integrity at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications involving prolonged exposure to heat.
• Resistance to Sensitization: The addition of niobium and tantalum prevents the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries, mitigating the risk of intergranular corrosion. This makes 347 stainless steel a superior choice when welding or operating in the critical temperature range.
• Good Weldability: 347 stainless steel sheets are readily weldable using common techniques, including shielded fusion and resistance welding.
• Corrosion Resistance: Like other austenitic stainless steels, 347 offers excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including atmospheric, acidic, and alkaline conditions.
• Versatility: 347 stainless steel sheets can be fabricated into various shapes and forms, making them adaptable to diverse design requirements.
• Good Formability: While not as readily formable as some other austenitic grades, 347 stainless steel can still be formed using various techniques, including stamping, drawing, and bending.

Applications Across Industries:

The unique combination of properties makes 347 stainless steel sheets a crucial material in various industries:

• Aerospace: Used in components exposed to high temperatures and corrosive environments, such as exhaust systems, jet engine parts, and aircraft structures.
• Chemical Processing: Ideal for tanks, piping, and vessels handling corrosive chemicals and operating at elevated temperatures.
• Power Generation: Employed in boiler components, superheaters, and condensers due to its resistance to oxidation and high-temperature strength.
• Automotive Industry: Found in exhaust systems and other components exposed to elevated temperatures.
• Food Processing: Used in equipment requiring corrosion resistance and hygiene, such as tanks, mixers, and conveyors.
• Heat Exchangers: A common material for heat exchanger plates and tubing due to its excellent heat transfer properties and resistance to corrosion.
• Welded Fabrications: Its resistance to sensitization makes it ideal for welded structures that will operate in service at elevated temperatures.

Choosing the Right 347 Stainless Steel Sheet:

When selecting 347 stainless steel sheets, consider the following factors:

• Thickness: The required thickness will depend on the application’s structural requirements and operating conditions.
• Surface Finish: Select a finish that meets the aesthetic and functional requirements of the application.
• Dimensions: Ensure the sheet dimensions are appropriate for the intended use.
• Standards and Certifications: Check for compliance with relevant industry standards and certifications, such as ASTM A240/A240M.

Conclusion:

347 stainless steel sheets offer a superior combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance, making them a valuable material for a wide range of demanding applications. By understanding its properties and considering application-specific requirements, engineers and designers can leverage the benefits of 347 stainless steel sheets to create durable, reliable, and long-lasting components. Whether it’s aerospace components soaring through the skies, chemical processing vessels handling corrosive substances, or power generation equipment operating at extreme temperatures, 347 stainless steel sheets provide a trusted solution for critical applications.