With a density of around 7.75 g/cm3 and a melting range of 1500-1540°C, Duplex Steel UNS S32205 Plates & Sheets can withstand some very extreme operating conditions and is commonly used for heavy machine parts, marine equipment and spiral heat exchangers, as well as oil, petrochemical and other processing plants.

It also has good metallurgical stability and will not suffer pitting or crevice corrosion like other 300 or 400-series steels. The two-phase mixed austenitic and ferritic structure allows it to exhibit superior toughness and ductility compared to other stainless grades. It has a higher yield and tensile strength than 316L, even though elongation and reduction in the area meet or exceed those of the 316/316L plate.

Machinability is fairly moderate but extra care must be taken when welding to avoid the risk of carbide precipitation and nitrogen loss which can lead to corrosion. Preheating thick plates, control of interpass temperature and post-weld stress relieving or annealing are often required to avoid hot or cold cracking.

The combination of added molybdenum and chromium gives the S32205 grade its enhanced corrosion resistance in chlorides, acetic acid, seawater and others. Tests confirm superior resistance to crevice corrosion and better resistance to stress corrosion cracking over 316L.