Amardeep Steel Center is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of high-performance Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings. Engineered to excel in the most extreme thermal environments, our fittings are the definitive choice for applications demanding superior resistance to high-temperature oxidation and sulfidation. We maintain an extensive inventory of ASTM A403 WP446 fittings, produced from high-chromium ferritic stainless steel to deliver unmatched durability and operational longevity. Our commitment to excellence ensures every SS 446 pipe fitting we produce provides a robust, reliable, and leak-proof solution for your critical high-heat systems.
When your project requires a material that can withstand relentless heat without compromise, trust Amardeep Steel Center for certified quality and expert service.
What Are Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings?
Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings are specialized piping components designed for joining pipe sections in systems that operate under extreme temperatures. These fittings, which include elbows, tees, and reducers, are connected to pipes through butt welding, a process that creates a strong, contiguous connection with the same strength as the pipe itself.
What sets 446 high temperature stainless fittings apart is their unique material composition. Grade 446 (UNS S44600) is a ferritic stainless steel characterized by an exceptionally high chromium content, typically ranging from 23% to 30%. This significant amount of chromium is the key to its remarkable performance. It provides outstanding resistance to oxidation, scaling, and corrosion at elevated temperatures, particularly in environments containing sulfur compounds (sulfidation), where many other heat-resistant alloys falter.
Unlike the common austenitic stainless steels (e.g., 304, 316), ferritic stainless steel 446 fittings have a different microstructure, which makes them magnetic and not hardenable by heat treatment. While they have lower strength at high temperatures compared to austenitic grades like SS 310, their superior resistance to hot corrosion makes them the ideal choice for specific applications like furnace parts, annealing boxes, and industrial burners.
Table of Contents
- 316/316L Pipe Fittings Specifications
- Chemical Composition & Mechanical Properties of 316/316L Pipe Fittings
- Mechanical Properties of 316/316L Pipe Fittings
- Heat Treatment & Tolerances of 316/316L Pipe Fittings
- Dimensional Tolerances of 316/316L Pipe Fittings
- Types & Forms of 316/316L Pipe Fittings
- Applications & Industries Served of 316/316L Pipe Fittings
- Why Choose Amardeep Steel for 316/316L Pipe Fittings?
- Related Products
- Get a Competitive Price
Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings Specifications
Our complete range of ASME B16.9 Grade 446 Butt Weld Fittings is manufactured and rigorously inspected to meet and exceed all relevant international standards, guaranteeing safety, performance, and reliability.
|
Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Specifications |
ASTM A403 / ASME SA403 |
|
Grade |
WP446 (UNS S44600) |
|
Dimensions |
ASME/ANSI B16.9, ASME B16.28, MSS-SP-43, MSS-SP-79 |
|
Size Range |
1/2" NB to 48" NB |
|
Type |
Seamless / Welded / Fabricated |
|
Wall Thickness |
Sch 5s, Sch 10s, Sch 40s, Sch 80s, Sch 160s, Sch XXS |
|
Bending Radius |
R=1D, 2D, 3D, 5D, 6D, 8D, 10D or Custom |
|
Testing |
Radiography Testing (RT), Positive Material Identification (PMI), Hardness Test |
Chemical Composition & Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
The exceptional performance of UNS S44600 fittings in high-temperature, corrosive atmospheres is a direct result of their unique chemical composition and the mechanical properties it imparts.
Chemical Composition (wt %)
|
Grade |
C |
Mn |
Si |
P |
S |
Cr |
N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SS 446 (UNS S44600) |
0.20 max |
1.50 max |
0.75 max |
0.040 max |
0.030 max |
23.0 - 30.0 |
0.25 max |
Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
|
Property |
Typical Value |
|---|---|
|
Tensile Strength |
485 MPa (70,000 psi) |
|
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) |
275 MPa (40,000 psi) |
|
Elongation in 2" |
20% |
|
Hardness (Rockwell B) |
92 Max |
|
Density |
7.5 g/cm³ |
|
Melting Point |
1425 - 1510 °C (2600 - 2750 °F) |
Heat Treatment & Tolerances of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
To ensure optimal performance and ease of installation, every fitting we produce undergoes precise thermal processing and adheres to strict dimensional tolerances.
Heat Treatment Requirements of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
As ferritic SS 446 fittings are not hardenable by heat treatment, their thermal processing focuses on maximizing ductility and relieving stresses from the forming process. The standard heat treatment is a full anneal, which involves heating the material to a temperature of 815-900°C (1500-1650°F), followed by rapid cooling, typically by air quenching. This process refines the grain structure and restores ductility, which can be reduced after prolonged exposure to intermediate temperatures (a phenomenon known as 885°F embrittlement).
Dimensional Tolerances of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
Every fitting we manufacture conforms strictly to the dimensional tolerances specified in ASME B16.9. This standard meticulously governs the center-to-face dimensions, overall geometry, angularity, and the bevel of the welding ends. Conformance to these tight tolerances is critical for ensuring a perfect fit-up on-site, which simplifies the welding process, reduces installation labor, and guarantees the structural integrity of the final piping assembly.
Types & Forms of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
Amardeep Steel Center offers a comprehensive portfolio of SS 446 pipe fittings to meet the diverse requirements of any high-temperature piping system.
- SS 446 90° & 45° Elbows (Long & Short Radius): For creating standard directional changes in furnace and exhaust piping.
- SS 446 Equal & Reducing Tees: To create perpendicular branches from a main pipe run.
- SS 446 Concentric & Eccentric Reducers: For smoothly connecting pipes of different diameters while maintaining efficient flow.
- SS 446 End Caps: To provide a secure and permanent termination for a pipeline.
- SS 446 Stub Ends (Lap Joints): Used with carbon steel backing flanges to create a cost-effective, easily alignable flanged connection in high-temperature systems.
- SS 446 Pipe Bends: Custom-fabricated bends (3D, 5D, etc.) for applications requiring gradual flow changes to minimize pressure drop and erosion from particulate matter.
- SS 446 Crosses: Four-way fittings for creating intersecting piping networks.
Applications & Industries Served of Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings
The outstanding high-temperature corrosion resistance of ASTM A403 WP446 fittings makes them the go-to material for a range of severe service applications:
- Industrial Furnaces: Used for annealing boxes, muffles, furnace linings, and recuperators.
- Power Generation: For soot blowers, boiler baffles, and components in coal-fired power plants.
- Petrochemical and Refining: In heaters, burners, and equipment handling hot, sulfur-rich process streams.
- Heat Treatment Industry: For furnace racks, baskets, and fixtures that undergo repeated thermal cycling.
- Glass and Cement Manufacturing: For kiln linings, dampers, and other components exposed to extreme heat.
- Ore Processing: In roasters, kilns, and other high-temperature metallurgical equipment.
Why Choose Amardeep Steel for Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings?
- Manufacturing Excellence: Our state-of-the-art, integrated manufacturing facilities give us complete control over the entire production process. This ensures that every Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fitting we produce features consistent quality, precise wall thickness, and a superior finish.
- Global Exports: As a premier exporter, we have a well-established logistics network serving a global clientele in the USA, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Our expertise ensures a smooth and efficient procurement process, no matter the destination.
- Fast Turnaround: We maintain an extensive, ready-to-ship stock of standard ferritic stainless steel 446 fittings. This allows us to fulfill urgent requirements quickly, minimizing downtime and keeping your critical projects on track.
- Certified Quality: We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, and our quality management system is second to none. All fittings are supplied with a full EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificate (MTC), and we facilitate third-party inspections from agencies like TUV, DNV, and Lloyd’s to meet any project specification.
- Technical Support: Our team of experienced metallurgists and engineers provides around-the-clock technical support. We assist with material selection, application analysis, and technical troubleshooting, serving as a reliable partner in your success.
Related Products
Get Your Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings Price
Ready to specify the ultimate in high-temperature corrosion resistance for your project? Contact Amardeep Steel Center today for a prompt, no-obligation quote. Our knowledgeable sales team will provide a competitive price and a detailed delivery plan for your Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is the primary advantage of Grade 446 over other stainless steels?
The main advantage is its exceptional resistance to oxidation and sulfidation at very high temperatures (up to 1100°C or 2000°F). Its high chromium content forms a stable, adherent oxide layer that protects the base metal in aggressive thermal environments, especially those containing sulfur.
2. Are SS 446 pipe fittings magnetic?
Yes. As a ferritic stainless steel, Grade 446 is magnetic in all conditions. This is a key difference from the non-magnetic austenitic grades like 304 or 316.
3. How does the strength of 446 compare to Grade 310 at high temperatures?
Grade 310, an austenitic stainless steel, has significantly higher creep strength and overall strength at elevated temperatures. However, Grade 446 has superior resistance to hot corrosion and sulfidation. The choice depends on the specific application: if high mechanical load is the primary concern, 310 is better; if resistance to a corrosive atmosphere is the main driver, 446 is the superior choice.
4. Can these fittings be easily welded?
UNS S44600 fittings can be welded using common techniques like shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas tungsten arc (GTAW), and gas metal arc (GMAW). However, precautions must be taken. Preheating to 150-260°C (300-500°F) is recommended to improve ductility. Post-weld annealing is also crucial to restore toughness in the heat-affected zone. Using an austenitic filler metal like 309 or 310 can help improve the as-welded ductility.
5. Do you provide full traceability and material certification?
Absolutely. Every Stainless Steel 446 Buttweld Fitting we supply is accompanied by an EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificate (MTC). This document provides full traceability to the original heat and confirms the material's chemical composition, mechanical properties, and compliance with the ordered ASTM standards.
