Grade dossier
253 MA Stainless Steel for Cyclic High-Temperature Service
A lean-nickel heat-resistant austenitic grade alloyed with silicon, nitrogen and cerium for oxidation and creep performance in cyclic high-temperature service.
Identity before substitution
Define the grade, product and condition together
A familiar grade name is not a complete purchase specification. Product form, controlling standard, dimensions, condition, finish, certification and service environment determine whether the delivered material is suitable.
Composition control
ASTM A240/A240M flat-product chemistry
Limits are not heat analysis targets
The table summarizes grade limits commonly used for plate, sheet and strip. Pipe, tube, bar, forgings and cast products can be governed by different specifications. Always place the product standard and edition on the purchase order.
| C | 0.05-0.10 |
|---|---|
| Mn | 0.80 max |
| Si | 1.40-2.00 |
| P | 0.040 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 20.00-22.00 |
| Ni | 10.00-12.00 |
| N | 0.14-0.20 |
| Ce | 0.03-0.08 |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Typical tensile strength | about 650 MPa |
|---|---|
| Typical 0.2% yield strength | about 310 MPa |
| Typical elongation | about 40% |
| Property basis | Producer typical; verify the ordered product standard |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 7.8 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| Producer air-temperature guidance | up to about 1150°C / 2100°F; not a design allowable |
| Oxidation behavior | Rare-earth addition supports scale adhesion |
| Design basis | Atmosphere, creep, cycling and section thickness |
Values depend on product form, thickness, test orientation, condition and governing edition. Use the mill test certificate and the purchase specification for acceptance, not a web table alone.
Selection boundary
Where 253 MA belongs and where to escalate
Grade selection is an environmental decision, not a popularity contest. Review the complete medium, temperature, geometry, fabrication, cleaning and inspection requirements.
Good reasons to evaluate it
Furnace tubes and radiant components
Kiln, burner and recuperator parts
Petrochemical and power-generation hot equipment
Cyclic oxidizing service after atmosphere review
Reasons to stop and review
Sulfurous or reducing atmospheres without data
Using air oxidation guidance as a code allowable
Wet corrosion service selected from temperature performance
Omitting thermal-cycle and fabrication details
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
Use S30815-qualified filler and procedure.
Control heat input, expansion and restrained thermal stress.
Use temperature-dependent creep and code data.
Review carburizing, nitriding and sulfur potential separately.
Supply definition
Product form changes the applicable requirements
Do not send an RFQ that names only the grade. State form, governing standard, dimensions, tolerances, finish, edge or end condition, quantity, certification and inspection.
Cold- and hot-rolled coil, sheet and plate
Quarto plate
Tube, pipe and bar where available
Fabricated furnace and heat-treatment components
Certificate checkpoint
Request heat identity, chemical analysis, mechanical results and compliance to the exact product specification. Add PMI, corrosion testing or supplementary examination only when the application requires it.
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Interactive selection check
Test 253 MA against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 253 MA stainless steel magnetic?
Magnetic response depends on microstructure and delivered condition.
Can 253 MA replace another grade?
Only after checking the governing standard, composition, mechanical properties, corrosion exposure, fabrication route and certification. A commercial name is not a substitution approval.
Does the table apply to every product form?
Not automatically. The values shown use flat-product requirements as a reference. Other forms can use different product standards, dimensions and tests.
What should a 253 MA RFQ include?
Product form, standard and edition, UNS or EN designation, dimensions, tolerances, finish, quantity, service, fabrication, certificate and inspection requirements.
Sources, scope and RFQ
Use traceable grade data, then specify the actual product
ASTM product specifications identifying UNS S30815
Outokumpu Therma 253 MA official datasheet
Rolled Alloys RA 253 MA technical literature
Applicable design-code allowables for the ordered form