Materials

Nickel based alloys are characterized by high toughness, and good resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Alloying additions to the base nickel content creates grades that vary in the relative range of the these characteristics, which imparting good mechanical strength and high temperature properties.

For the manufacture of these grades, voestalpine companies worldwide are known as the world leader in melting and remelting technology. Our 120-years of experience plus our metallurgy know-how and a focus on the development and production of high performance materials have meant we have become one of the most innovative producers of special steel in the world. Our company boasts the most modern vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum arc remelting units (VAR) plus pressurized electroslag remelting units (PESR).

The properties of duplex stainless steels are achieved with overall lower alloy content than similar-performing super-austenitic grades, making their use cost-effective for many applications. Duplex grades are characterized into groups based on their alloy content and corrosion resistance.

Stainless alloys are divided into four basic groups: martensitic stainless steels, ferritic stainless steels, austenitic stainless steels, and precipitation hardening stainless steels.

When nickel is added, for instance, the austenite structure of iron is stabilized. This crystal structure makes such steels virtually non-magnetic and less brittle at low temperatures. For greater hardness and strength, more carbon is added, and these grades are defined as ferritic or martensitic alloys. The ferritic types achieve moderate increases in strength by cold working. The martensitic types become martensitic during heat treatment and achieve excellent strength.

Precipitation hardening alloys of the 17-4 PH and 15-5 PH types achieve their strength by dissolving precipitates by solution annealing. An aging cycle then creates precipitates that strengthen the steel. They are usually characterized by extremely good corrosion resistance.

With over 40 years’ experience in the UK in the supply of stainless, duplex, super duplex, Nickel alloys & other exotic grades of tube & piping products, the Tube & Piping Division is well placed to provide the great service that customers have come to expect. Already one of the UK’s largest stockists and suppliers of seamless tube, pipe and hollow bar the recent investment in our Kasto Automated Modular Distribution System means we are even better placed to service our customer needs.

Nickel based alloys

Duplex and super duplex steels

Ferritic, martensitic and precipitation hardening steels

Austenitic steels