253mA was developed over 30 years ago when the need for a heat resistant stainless steel with high strength, while maintaining good oxidation resistance was present in the industry
The leaner nickel content of 253mA was not as significant of a development then as it is now
With nickel prices fluctuating more than ever before and higher than they have ever been, the lean 11% nickel content of RA 253mA is a key contributor to being cost effective and stable. Still with the addition of rare earth elements, 253mA still performs well at temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C), similar to that of 310 stainless steel
Performance of 253mA:
253 MA is a lean austenitic heat resistant alloy with high strength and outstanding oxidation resistance
It offers an excellent combination of creep strength along with excellent resistance to oxidation, sulfidation, and erosion at high temperatures in an alloy containing just 11% nickel
Because of its lean chemistry, 253mA is very economical compared to most heat resistant alloys
253mA obtains its heat resistant properties by tight control of micro alloy additions
The use of cerium in combination with silicon results in superior oxidation resistance to 2000°F (1093°C)
Nitrogen, carbon, and cerium combined to provide creep rupture strength that is double that of type 310 and 309 stainless at 1600°F (871°C).