Stainless 446

Annealing Procedure

Soak at 1500 F and water quench. Do not exceed 1650 F at any time. Slow cooling below 1200 F will result in the loss of ductility.

Applications

Boiler baffles, furnace parts, X-ray tube bases, oil burner components, kiln linings, glass molds, annealing boxes and industrial mufflers.

Cold Workability

Due to its elevated chromium content, 446 is more difficult than other stainless steels to bend, draw, spin and weld.

Forgeability

Begin forging at 2100 F and finish at 1600 F. The final 10% of work should be performed below 1600 F for optimum grain refinement and room temperature embrittlement.

Hardening Procedure

This alloy does not respond to heat treatment.

Hot Workability

2000-2150 F. Last 10% of work should be performed below 1600 F for grain refinement.

Machinability

Slow speeds and positive feeds combined with rigid mounts and sharp tooling surfaces optimize machining 446.

Principle Design Features

A ferritic, non-heat treatable stainless steel that offers good resistance to high temperature corrosion and oxidation.

Weldability

Most common welding methods can be successfully employed with this alloy. Type 308 welding material may be used, but will not display scaling resistance equal to the base metal. Consideration must be given to the differences in coefficient of thermal expansion of base and weld metal. Oxyacetylene welding is not recommended.