Nitronic 60

Nitronic^® 60 (Fermonic^® 60, UNS S21800) is an austenitic stainless steel with unusually useful physical properties, specifically wear and galling resistance. It is specified for demanding applications despite more modest corrosion resistance and strength than some alternatives.

A composition built for wear

Compared with other stainless steels, Nitronic 60 stands apart for its significant additions of both manganese and silicon. Manganese usually raises strength, but here, with silicon, it greatly improves the surface properties. Wear resistance - against itself, other metals or other materials - is very good for a corrosion-resistant alloy, and galling resistance is extremely good, whether self-coupled or against a dissimilar metal.

Galling occurs when two metal surfaces join together through micro-welding across their surfaces. It is influenced by surface roughness, the type of metal, environment and temperature, and the damage shows when the parts are pulled apart and the surface tears. The damage can repeat over time, and the debris generated can make it worse. Where components move or slide repeatedly, or need occasional disassembly, galling is a serious problem. Nitronic 60 is therefore used selectively for valve seats, trim and stems, fasteners, couplings and break-away connectors, pins and bushes.

Corrosion and temperature performance

General corrosion resistance sits between that of Alloy 304 and Alloy 316: generally better than Alloy 304 in most environments, and superior to Alloy 316 for chloride pitting resistance.

As an austenitic stainless steel, it retains its mechanical properties from cryogenic to elevated temperatures, giving good impact properties at low temperatures and retained strength at higher ones. Its excellent wear resistance also comes with strong resistance to cavitation.

Nitronic covers a family of functional austenitic stainless steels, including Nitronic 50 (Fermonic^® 50, XM-19, 1.3964, UNS S20910), which is extremely popular for pump and valve components.

We supply high-performance austenitic, duplex and super duplex stainless steels and nickel alloys, and carry a range of sizes of Fermonic^® 60 (UNS S21800) as solid bars.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nitronic 60 and what is it also known as?

Nitronic 60 is an austenitic stainless steel valued for unusually good wear and galling resistance rather than outright strength or corrosion resistance. Langley Alloys supplies it as Fermonic 60, also known by its generic designation UNS S21800. It sits alongside Nitronic 50 in the wider Nitronic family of functional austenitic stainless steels.

What makes Nitronic 60 so resistant to galling?

Nitronic 60's significant manganese and silicon additions greatly improve its surface properties. Galling happens when two metal surfaces micro-weld together and tear apart on separation, worsened by surface roughness, metal type, environment and temperature. Nitronic 60's wear and galling resistance is extremely good, whether coupled with itself or a dissimilar metal.

How does Nitronic 60's corrosion resistance compare with Alloy 304 and Alloy 316?

General corrosion resistance sits between the two: generally better than Alloy 304 in most environments, but superior to Alloy 316 for chloride pitting resistance specifically. As an austenitic stainless steel, it also retains its mechanical properties from cryogenic to elevated temperatures, giving good impact properties at low temperatures and retained strength at higher ones.

What applications is Nitronic 60 typically used for?

Because of its excellent wear and galling resistance, Nitronic 60 is used selectively for valve seats, trim and stems, fasteners, couplings and break-away connectors, and pins and bushes. Its strong resistance to cavitation also suits it to components that move or slide repeatedly, or that need occasional disassembly.

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