ASTM A240 AISI 444 Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil & Strip
SUS444 stainless steel sheet, also known as AISI 444 or EN 1.4521, is a dual-stabilized ferritic stainless steel containing 2% molybdenum. This grade offers excellent corrosion resistance comparable to austenitic grades 4401/4404, with higher strength values and superior formability.
Product Overview
Grade 1.4521/AISI 444 is a molybdenum-alloyed ferritic stainless steel with 18% chromium content, stabilized using both titanium and niobium. This dual stabilization achieves a fully stabilized microstructure with lower titanium levels, improving surface properties and achieving elongation to fracture values up to 30%.
Key Applications
- Food processing equipment
- Brewery and wine making equipment
- Hot-water tanks and water heaters
- Heat-exchanger tubing
- Automotive components
- Solar water heaters
- Drinking water applications (approved by German DVGW and Swiss SVGW authorities)
Technical Specifications
Chemical Composition (Typical)
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Carbon |
0.025 max |
| Manganese |
1.00 max |
| Silicon |
0.60 |
| Chromium |
17.50-19.50 |
| Nickel |
1.00 max |
| Molybdenum |
1.75-2.50 |
| Titanium + Columbium |
0.20 + 4x (C+N) min - 0.80 max |
| Phosphorus |
0.040 max |
| Sulfur |
0.030 max |
| Iron |
Balance |
Physical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Density |
0.28 lbs/in³ (7.75 g/cm³) |
| Electrical Resistivity |
22.50 microhm-in (57 microhm-cm) at 68°F (20°C) |
| Specific Heat |
0.102 BTU/lb·°F (0.427 kJ/kg·K) at 32-212°F (0-100°C) |
| Thermal Conductivity |
15.5 BTU/hr/ft²/ft/°F (26.8 W/m·K) at 212°F (100°C) |
| Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
6.1 × 10⁻⁶ in/in/°F (11.0 µm/m·K) at 32-212°F (0-100°C) |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
29 × 10³ ksi (200 × 10³ MPa) in tension |
| Magnetic Permeability |
Magnetic |
| Melting Range |
2700-2790°F (1482-1532°C) |
Mechanical Properties (Annealed)
| Property |
Value |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength |
60 KSI min (414 MPa min) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) |
40 KSI min (276 MPa min) |
| Elongation |
22% min |
| Hardness |
Rb 90 max |
Material Characteristics
Corrosion Resistance
Grade 1.4521 provides pitting and crevice corrosion resistance superior to most ferritic stainless steels, with resistance close to grade 1.4404/AISI 316. The nickel-free ferritic structure provides excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking.
Formability
Type 444 provides excellent formability and can be readily deep drawn and spin formed. It has a lower work hardening rate than standard austenitic grades, making it less suitable for stretch forming but easier to cold form and machine.
Welding
With low carbon and nitrogen contents plus titanium and niobium stabilization, this ferritic steel offers better weldability than many ferritic steels. Grain growth in the heat-affected zone must be minimized by keeping heat input low, with austenitic fillers typically used.
Available Forms & Finishes
Forms
- Coil - Strip, Foil, Ribbon
- Wire - Profile, Round, Flat, Square
Standard Finishes
- #1 - Hot rolled annealed and descaled
- #2D - Dull finish for deep drawn parts
- #2B - Smooth finish with brighter appearance
- #BA - Bright annealed cold rolled
- #CBA - Course bright annealed cold rolled matte finish
- #2 - Cold Rolled
- #2BA - Smooth glossy finish for lightly formed applications
- Polished - Various grit finishes
Wire Finishes
- XC - Extra clean bright annealed
- Grease - Ultra-bright finish for decorative applications
- Soap - Lubricated tempered wire
Not all finishes are available for all alloys - Contact sales for availability.
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