Stainless Steel S21600 S21603
Grade
UNS S21600 · AISI/SAE XM-17
Use where welded joints must resist intergranular attack — C ≤ 0.03 % avoids sensitization, at slightly lower strength.
Values for the S21603 condition
Other S21600 tempers and conditions
S21600 is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at S21600.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S21603This page low-carbon version, solution annealed | Use where welded joints must resist intergranular attack — C ≤ 0.03 % avoids sensitization, at slightly lower strength. | 440 | 725 | 50 | 13 HRC | 2 % IACS |
AnnealedDefault solution annealed (≈1040–1120 °C, rapid quench) | Standard stocked condition for bar, plate and forgings; maximum ductility, corrosion resistance and non-magnetic behaviour. | 470 | 760 | 47 | 210 HB | — |
Quarter hard | Modest cold work for structural sheet where some forming is still required. | 690 | 900 | 25 | 27 HRC | 2 % IACS |
Cold drawn | Choose for close-tolerance shafting and fasteners needing higher strength than annealed with acceptable ductility. | 700 | 900 | 28 | 27 HRC | 2 % IACS |
Half hard | Higher-strength structural sheet and springs where bending is limited to generous radii. | 830 | 1,070 | 15 | 33 HRC | 2 % IACS |
Three-quarter hard | Near-maximum strength flat product for flat-formed or riveted parts. | 970 | 1,200 | 10 | 37 HRC | 2 % IACS |
Full hard | Maximum strength for flat springs, wire and tension members; essentially no further forming. | 1,100 | 1,310 | 7 | 41 HRC | 2 % IACS |
What is S21600 S21603?
S21600 S21603 is S21600 in the S21603 grade — use where welded joints must resist intergranular attack — C ≤ 0.03 % avoids sensitization, at slightly lower strength. S21600 S21603 has a yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 725 MPa (105 ksi) — stronger than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). S21600 S21603 has a density of 7.89 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,370°C (2,498 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; S21603 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
- High service temperature — 815°C (1,499 °F), better than 77% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 2 % IACS, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
S21600 S21603 properties
Typical room-temperature values for S21600 S21603; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S21600 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
S21600 S21603 has a density of 7.89 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,370°C (2,498 °F).
Mechanical13
S21600 S21603 has a yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 725 MPa (105 ksi) — stronger than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
S21600 S21603 is rated for continuous service to 815°C (1,499 °F). It conducts heat at 14.5 W/m·K (8.38 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.2 µm/m·K (9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S21600 S21603 conducts electricity at 2 % IACS, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S21600 S21603 takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 67% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
S21600 S21603's machinability is poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability good (63/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S21600 S21603
Is S21600 easy to machine?
Treat as a difficult austenitic: rigid setups, positive-rake sharp carbide, heavy feed to cut under the work-hardened skin, low speed and copious coolant.
Can S21600 be welded?
Readily welded by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW without preheat or post-weld heat treatment; use over-alloyed nitrogen-bearing fillers (e.g. 209/240 or 316L-type) and keep interpass below ~150 °C.
Can S21600 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but hardens very fast — allow extra press tonnage, generous bend radii and intermediate solution anneals for deep-drawn or multi-stage parts; hot work 1150–1200 °C, finish above 950 °C.
What surface finishes work on S21600?
Passivate per ASTM A967 (citric or nitric) after machining; electropolishes and mirror-polishes cleanly — no anodizing.
S21600 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C≤0.03 for S21603 (XM-18) | ≤ 0.08 | 0.05 |
| Mn | 7.5 – 9 | 8.2 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Cr | 17.5 – 22 | 20 |
| Ni | 5 – 7 | 6 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Nprimary strengthener | 0.25 – 0.5 | 0.35 |
| Fe | balance | — |
S21600 S21603 — frequently asked
What is S21600 S21603 used for?
S21600 S21603 is typically used for reinforcing bar, structural components and pressure equipment. In short: high-strength 18-2Mn austenitic; nickel-lean 304 alternative; good corrosion for 2xx.
What is the yield strength of S21600 S21603?
S21600 S21603 has a typical yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 725 MPa (105 ksi) — stronger than 68% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is S21600 S21603 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, worse than 62% of stainless steel grades). Treat as a difficult austenitic: rigid setups, positive-rake sharp carbide, heavy feed to cut under the work-hardened skin, low speed and copious coolant.
Can S21600 S21603 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily welded by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW without preheat or post-weld heat treatment; use over-alloyed nitrogen-bearing fillers (e.g. 209/240 or 316L-type) and keep interpass below ~150 °C.
What surface finishes work on S21600 S21603?
Passivate per ASTM A967 (citric or nitric) after machining; electropolishes and mirror-polishes cleanly — no anodizing.
Can S21600 S21603 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but hardens very fast — allow extra press tonnage, generous bend radii and intermediate solution anneals for deep-drawn or multi-stage parts; hot work 1150–1200 °C, finish above 950 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of S21600 S21603?
S21600 S21603 is rated for continuous use to about 815°C (1,499 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S21600 Annealed and S21600-FH?
Annealed is the default condition — standard stocked condition for bar, plate and forgings; maximum ductility, corrosion resistance and non-magnetic behaviour. FH: maximum strength for flat springs, wire and tension members; essentially no further forming. Yield strength is 470 MPa in Annealed versus 1,100 MPa in FH.
Sources
- ASTM A276/A276M — Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes — ASTM International (2023)
- ASME SA-412 — Nitrogen-Strengthened Chromium-Manganese Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASME (2021)
- ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASTM International (2023)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steels — ASM International (1994)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- SAE/ASTM Unified Numbering System (UNS) for Metals and Alloys — SAE International (2017)
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.