ABSTRACT
Both of these subgroups of austenitic stainless steels are used to 600°C (lll2°F) for superheater tubes, steam pipes and pressure vessels, but only the nonstandard type have adequate stress-rupture strengths for use to 630°C ( ll66°F). The austenitic stainless steels as a class have exceptional toughness, ductility and fonnability and are more corrosion resistant than the ferritic or martensitic steels as well as having better high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. The austenitic stainless steels also provide the highest limiting creep strength of all the stainless steels. However. because of their high nickel content, they are generally somewhat more expensive.
