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Stainless Steel 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST

Heat-treated state

ASTM CF8C

SA+ST = solution treated plus stabilizing anneal 850–900 °C

Pick for long-term service at 450–750 °C or in strongly oxidizing acids, where all carbon must be fixed as TiC before service.

Premium cost $$$

Values for the SA+ST condition

Other 12Kh18N9TL tempers and conditions

12Kh18N9TL is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at 12Kh18N9TL.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Homogenizing anneal 1100–1150 °C, air cooled
For heavy-section castings where water quenching would crack; evens out dendritic segregation with slightly lower ductility than water-quenched material.23048032148 HB2.4 % IACS
SADefault
Solution treated
Standard supply condition for corrosion service — carbides dissolved, maximum ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance.24049035150 HB—
Stress relieved
Low-temperature stress relief used after weld repair of finished castings when full re-solution treatment is impossible; Ti stabilization protects the HAZ.24548530155 HB2.4 % IACS
As fabricated
Use only for non-critical, non-corrosive structural castings; grain-boundary carbides and casting stresses remain.25047025165 HB2.3 % IACS
SA+STThis page
Solution treated plus stabilizing anneal 850–900 °C
Pick for long-term service at 450–750 °C or in strongly oxidizing acids, where all carbon must be fixed as TiC before service.25550030155 HB2.4 % IACS

What is 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST?

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST is 12Kh18N9TL heat treated to SA+ST — pick for long-term service at 450–750 °C or in strongly oxidizing acids, where all carbon must be fixed as TiC before service. 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST has a yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 87% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). SA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA+ST is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Readily welded — 82/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 3.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 77% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Low strength — 255 MPa (37 ksi), worse than 87% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited formability — 23/100, worse than 82% of stainless steel grades
  • Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST properties

Typical room-temperature values for 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 12Kh18N9TL reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).

Density7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,400°C2,552 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,450°C2,642 °F

Mechanical15

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST has a yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 87% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus193 GPa28 Msi
Shear Modulus75 GPa10.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus150 GPa21.8 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)500 MPa72.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)255 MPa37 ksi
Elongation at Break30%
Reduction in Area35%
Compressive Strength255 MPa37 ksi
Shear Strength350 MPa50.8 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)205 MPa29.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)75 J55.3 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell155 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B82 HRB

Thermal6

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST is rated for continuous service to 700°C (1,292 °F). It conducts heat at 15.5 W/m·K (8.96 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 53% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity15.5 W/m·K9 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)16.5 µm/m·K9.2 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)700°C1,292 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.4 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseweakly magnetic (residual delta ferrite typically 2–8 FN)

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 63% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.08 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood68/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in nitric acid, weak organics, steam, foodstuffs and dilute alkalis; Ti stabilization keeps weld/HAZ resistant to intergranular attack. Poor in chlorides (pitting, crevice, SCC above ~60 °C), hot sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, and reducing halide media.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 62% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.8 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water110 L/kg13.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content70%

Manufacturability8

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST's machinability is poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (82/100); formability poor (23/100).

MachinabilityPoor32/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)38%
WeldabilityVery good82/100
Formability (cold)Poor23/100
CastabilityGood65/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair45/100
PolishabilityGood60/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use pickling and passivation (HNO₃) or electropolishing instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST

Is 12Kh18N9TL easy to machine?

Gummy and work-hardening: use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setups, 60–110 m/min, heavy feed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling and expect abrasive TiC inclusions.

Can 12Kh18N9TL be welded?

Readily welded by GTAW/SMAW with matching Ti- or Nb-stabilized filler (e.g. 08Kh19N10T / ER321 / ER347); low heat input, no preheat, post-weld solution or stabilizing anneal optional thanks to Ti.

Can 12Kh18N9TL be formed, bent or molded?

Sand or investment cast with generous risering (≈2.3 % solidification shrinkage), controlled 2–8 FN ferrite for hot-tear resistance, and slow, well-fed thick sections.

What surface finishes work on 12Kh18N9TL?

Grit blast, pickle in HNO₃/HF then passivate in nitric acid; electropolishing improves hygiene surfaces — no anodizing, plating rarely needed.

12Kh18N9TL chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CGOST 977-88≤ 0.120.09
Si0.2 – 10.6
Mn1 – 21.5
Cr17 – 2018.5
Ni8 – 119.5
Tistabilizer, ≈5×C minimum in practice0.4 – 0.80.6
S≤ 0.03—
P≤ 0.04—
Curesidual≤ 0.3—
Febalance—

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST — frequently asked

What is 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST used for?

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST is typically used for high-temperature valve castings, exhaust system castings and welded pressure castings. In short: stabilized cast austenitic; CF8C equivalent; 650 °C service castings.

What is the yield strength of 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST?

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — weaker than 87% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening: use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setups, 60–110 m/min, heavy feed and flood coolant; avoid dwelling and expect abrasive TiC inclusions.

Can 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (82/100). Readily welded by GTAW/SMAW with matching Ti- or Nb-stabilized filler (e.g. 08Kh19N10T / ER321 / ER347); low heat input, no preheat, post-weld solution or stabilizing anneal optional thanks to Ti.

What surface finishes work on 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST?

Grit blast, pickle in HNO₃/HF then passivate in nitric acid; electropolishing improves hygiene surfaces — no anodizing, plating rarely needed.

Can 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST be formed, bent or molded?

Sand or investment cast with generous risering (≈2.3 % solidification shrinkage), controlled 2–8 FN ferrite for hot-tear resistance, and slow, well-fed thick sections.

What is the maximum service temperature of 12Kh18N9TL SA+ST?

12Kh18N9TL SA+ST is rated for continuous use to about 700°C (1,292 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 12Kh18N9TL-SA and 12Kh18N9TL-F?

SA is the default condition — standard supply condition for corrosion service — carbides dissolved, maximum ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance. F: use only for non-critical, non-corrosive structural castings; grain-boundary carbides and casting stresses remain. Yield strength is 240 MPa in SA versus 250 MPa in F.

Sources

  1. GOST 977-88 — Steel castings, general specifications — Gosstandart (1988)
  2. ASTM A351/A351M — Castings, austenitic, for pressure-containing parts (CF8C) — ASTM International (2023)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties of Cast Stainless Steels — ASM International (1990)
  4. Steel Castings Handbook, 6th ed. — SFSA / ASM International (1995)
  5. Corrosion Handbook (stainless grade behaviour, 321/347 analogues) — Outokumpu (2015)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.