SAF2205 is a classic grade of duplex stainless steel developed by Sandvik, originally meaning Sandvik Austenite Ferrite. It is renowned for its high strength and excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion, and is regarded as a watershed
material for upgrading from common stainless steels such as 316L to super stainless steels. Its uniqueness lies in its internal structure, which is approximately half ferrite and half austenite, combining the advantages of both microstructures.
The performance of SAF2205 can be directly compared with the commonly used benchmark 316L as follows:
- Strength: Approximately 450 MPa, which is about twice that of 316L, allowing for thinner wall thickness.
- Corrosion resistance (PRE value): ≥35, significantly higher than 316L’s 24. It has extremely strong resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments (such as seawater).
- Stress corrosion cracking: Excellent. In chloride-containing environments, 316L is prone to cracking at temperatures above 60°C, while SAF2205 has excellent resistance.
SAF2205 has several common twin designations. Please pay attention to the distinction when purchasing:
- UNS S31803: The original grade.
- UNS S32205: A more modern and widely used standard with stricter control over composition (especially nitrogen), and better corrosion resistance than the older grade S31803.
- EN 1.4462: The designation under the EU standard.
With the combination of “high strength + corrosion resistance”, it is often used to replace 316L to cope with more severe working conditions:
- Petroleum and chemical industry: heat exchangers, pipelines, pressure vessels, especially suitable for environments containing chloride ions and hydrogen sulfide.
- Marine engineering: seawater desalination equipment, ship structural components, resistant to seawater corrosion.
- Papermaking and chemical industry: cooking pots, bleaching equipment, PTA (purified terephthalic acid) devices, etc.
- Special scenarios: it can also be used to make high-performance springs (-100 to 300℃ applicable) or dental instruments.
Post time: Feb-28-2026
