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Stainless Steel ER2594 AW-SAW

Finish state

AW-SAW = as-welded submerged-arc deposit with basic flux

Pick for high heat-input submerged-arc welding of heavy-wall pipe and pressure vessels; run with basic flux and limit interpass temperature, accepting 640 MPa yield.

High cost $$$$

Values for the AW-SAW condition

Other ER2594 tempers and conditions

ER2594 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ER2594.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Solution annealed ~1080–1120 °C + water quench
Specify solution annealing at 1080–1120 °C with water quench when phase balance and corrosion resistance must be fully restored, as on overlays and repair-welded castings.6008203224 HRC2.2 % IACS
AW-SAWThis page
As-welded submerged-arc deposit with basic flux
Pick for high heat-input submerged-arc welding of heavy-wall pipe and pressure vessels; run with basic flux and limit interpass temperature, accepting 640 MPa yield.6408502525 HRC2.2 % IACS
As-welded MIG/pulsed-MIG deposit
Use for high-productivity multi-layer welding of thick sections; the higher heat input of MIG/pulsed-MIG makes ferrite control and toughness requirements stricter.6608702527 HRC2.2 % IACS
AWDefault
As-welded deposit
Default pick for butt joints and overlays on 2507/S32760 super duplex, deposited by GTAW under Ar+2%N₂ typical shielding and used as welded with no post-weld heat treatment.6808802726 HRC2.2 % IACS

What is ER2594 AW-SAW?

ER2594 AW-SAW is ER2594 supplied in the AW-SAW condition — pick for high heat-input submerged-arc welding of heavy-wall pipe and pressure vessels; run with basic flux and limit interpass temperature, accepting 640 MPa yield. ER2594 AW-SAW has a yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 850 MPa (123 ksi) — stronger than 90% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). ER2594 AW-SAW has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,350°C (2,462 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AW-SAW is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 85/100, better than 92% of stainless steel grades
  • High strength — 640 MPa (92.8 ksi), better than 90% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 99% of stainless steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 24/100, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 80 MPa·√m (72.8 ksi·√in), worse than 79% of stainless steel grades
  • High embodied carbon — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades

ER2594 AW-SAW properties

Typical room-temperature values for ER2594 AW-SAW; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ER2594 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

ER2594 AW-SAW has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,350°C (2,462 °F).

Density7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,350°C2,462 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,420°C2,588 °F

Mechanical17

ER2594 AW-SAW has a yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 850 MPa (123 ksi) — stronger than 90% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus200 GPa29 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)850 MPa123 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)640 MPa92.8 ksi
Elongation at Break25%
Reduction in Area40%
Compressive Strength650 MPa94.3 ksi
Shear Strength510 MPa74 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)350 MPa50.8 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)80 J59 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell260 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B102 HRB
Hardness, Rockwell C25 HRC
Hardness, Vickers275 HV

Thermal6

ER2594 AW-SAW is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 16 W/m·K (9.24 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 13 µm/m·K (7.22 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)13 µm/m·K7.2 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion260 J/g112 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)250°C482 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

ER2594 AW-SAW conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.2 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 92% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.2 V
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent85/100
Chemical Resistance Summary—

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ER2594 AW-SAW takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)5.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content55%

Manufacturability7

ER2594 AW-SAW's machinability is poor (24/100, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability poor (30/100).

MachinabilityPoor24/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)19%
WeldabilityVery good75/100
Formability (cold)Poor30/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair40/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Response—

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

Working with ER2594 AW-SAW

Is ER2594 easy to machine?

Weld metal work-hardens strongly and has low thermal conductivity; use rigid clamping, sharp carbide tooling, low speed with heavy feed and generous coolant.

Can ER2594 be welded?

Suitable for GTAW, GMAW and SAW. Control heat input to about 0.5–1.5 kJ/mm and interpass temperature to ≤150 °C, and use Ar + 1–3% N₂ for shielding and backing to maintain nitrogen content and phase balance.

Can ER2594 be formed, bent or molded?

As a filler metal it is not normally formed. Deposits have limited cold formability, so bend to large radii and keep high-strain areas away from the weld.

What surface finishes work on ER2594?

Heat tint must be removed after welding by pickling and passivation, or by mechanical grinding plus passivation, to restore the passive film. Electropolishing is possible; anodizing is not.

ER2594 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
C≤ 0.030.02
Cr24 – 2725.5
NiHigher than 2507 base metal; ensures as-welded austenite ratio8 – 10.59.5
Mo2.5 – 4.54
N0.2 – 0.30.25
Mn≤ 2.50.5
Si≤ 10.4
Cu≤ 1.50.3
W≤ 10.2
P≤ 0.030.02
S≤ 0.030.01
Febalance—

ER2594 AW-SAW — frequently asked

What is ER2594 AW-SAW used for?

ER2594 AW-SAW is typically used for super duplex subsea equipment, high-strength corrosion-resistant piping, subsea manifolds and connectors, offshore riser and firewater systems, chemical process vessels in chloride service and heat exchanger welds in seawater service. In short: highest-alloy duplex filler; 2507 super duplex match; best pitting resistance here.

What is the yield strength of ER2594 AW-SAW?

ER2594 AW-SAW has a typical yield strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 850 MPa (123 ksi) — stronger than 90% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is ER2594 AW-SAW easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (24/100, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades). Weld metal work-hardens strongly and has low thermal conductivity; use rigid clamping, sharp carbide tooling, low speed with heavy feed and generous coolant.

Can ER2594 AW-SAW be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Suitable for GTAW, GMAW and SAW. Control heat input to about 0.5–1.5 kJ/mm and interpass temperature to ≤150 °C, and use Ar + 1–3% N₂ for shielding and backing to maintain nitrogen content and phase balance.

What surface finishes work on ER2594 AW-SAW?

Heat tint must be removed after welding by pickling and passivation, or by mechanical grinding plus passivation, to restore the passive film. Electropolishing is possible; anodizing is not.

Can ER2594 AW-SAW be formed, bent or molded?

As a filler metal it is not normally formed. Deposits have limited cold formability, so bend to large radii and keep high-strain areas away from the weld.

What is the maximum service temperature of ER2594 AW-SAW?

ER2594 AW-SAW is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between ER2594-AW and ER2594-SA?

AW is the default condition — default pick for butt joints and overlays on 2507/S32760 super duplex, deposited by GTAW under Ar+2%N₂ typical shielding and used as welded with no post-weld heat treatment. SA: specify solution annealing at 1080–1120 °C with water quench when phase balance and corrosion resistance must be fully restored, as on overlays and repair-welded castings. Yield strength is 680 MPa in AW versus 600 MPa in SA.

Sources

  1. AWS A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods (ER2594, UNS S39594) — AWS (2017)
  2. ASTM A276/A790 & ASTM A923 (duplex acceptance) — ASTM (2020)
  3. Super duplex filler metal 2594 data sheets — ESAB / Böhler Welding / Sandvik (2023)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.6A — Welding of Duplex Stainless Steels — ASM International (2011)
  5. SAF 2507 / Forta SDX 2507 base-metal physical property data — Alleima (Sandvik) / Outokumpu (2023)

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.