Stainless Steel S32003
UNS S32003
S32003 (2003) is a lean duplex stainless steel with molybdenum reduced relative to 2205, giving similar strength and pitting resistance at lower alloy cost.
Reference datasheet — S32003 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the Annealed condition
S32003 tempers and conditions
S32003 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As-welded deposit | Represents in-service welded joints; expect lower toughness and slightly reduced pitting resistance from ferrite-rich HAZ and nitrogen loss. | 510 | 720 | 22 | 23 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Forged + solution annealed (ASTM A182/A815 type flanges and fittings) | Pick for flanges, valve bodies and heavy fittings; requires post-forge solution anneal and quench to restore phase balance. | 520 | 710 | 30 | 24 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
AnnealedDefault solution annealed and quenched (mill annealed, ~1000–1080 °C, water quench) | Standard mill-supplied condition for all wrought S32003 products; balanced 50/50 ferrite–austenite for best corrosion and toughness. | 530 | 730 | 32 | 25 HRC | — |
Cold Rolled 2B | Pick for thin sheet/coil (<6 mm) needing a smooth mill finish for forming and welded tube making. | 560 | 760 | 30 | 26 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Cold drawn | Pick for shafting, fasteners and machined parts needing higher yield strength and tight tolerance. | 650 | 820 | 22 | 28 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways S32003 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
CW-Tube | Cold Worked tube | Supply form |
HRAP | Hot rolled plate, solution annealed and pickled | Surface finish |
What is S32003?
S32003 (2003) is a lean duplex stainless steel with molybdenum reduced relative to 2205, giving similar strength and pitting resistance at lower alloy cost. Annealed material provides 530 MPa yield, 730 MPa tensile, 32% elongation and about 230 HB (25 HRC), and is stocked as hot-rolled annealed and pickled plate, 2B cold-rolled sheet, cold-drawn bar, cold-worked tube, forgings and welded product. Corrosion resistance (score 72) sits just below 2205, service is limited to about 300 °C by sigma-phase and 475 °C embrittlement, and machining is slow. S32205 is the nearest upgrade. S32003 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F). S32003 has a yield strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) — stronger than 81% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is S32003 used for?
- pressure vessels
- tank trailers
- structural pipe
Advantages
- High strength — 530 MPa (76.9 ksi), better than 81% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
S32003 properties
Typical room-temperature values for S32003-Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
S32003 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F).
Mechanical17
S32003 has a yield strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) — stronger than 81% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
S32003 is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °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 13 µm/m·K (7.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S32003 conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% 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 S32003 takes about 62 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 75% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability7
S32003's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 70% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (68/100); formability good (55/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. S32003 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with S32003
Is S32003 easy to machine?
Machine like 2205: rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, ~30–40% of 304 surface speed, heavy constant feed and flood coolant to avoid work hardening.
Can S32003 be welded?
Weld with 2209-type (or matching lean-duplex) filler, Ar+1–3%N₂ shielding, heat input ~0.5–2.0 kJ/mm and interpass <150 °C to keep 35–60% ferrite; avoid autogenous welds without filler or N₂ addition.
Can S32003 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but needs ~2× the press force and larger bend radii than 304 with high springback; hot work 950–1150 °C followed by full solution anneal and quench.
S32003 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 | 0.02 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Cr | 19.5 – 22.5 | 21 |
| Ni | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Molean Mo vs 2205 | 1.5 – 2 | 1.75 |
| Naustenite stabiliser, raises PREN | 0.14 – 0.2 | 0.17 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on S32003?
Pickle and passivate (nitric or citric per ASTM A967) after welding/grinding; no anodizing — mechanical polish or electropolish for hygienic surfaces.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Organic Coating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel S32003 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Trade names
- 2003
How much does S32003 cost?
S32003 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
S32003 — frequently asked
What is S32003 used for?
S32003 is typically used for pressure vessels, tank trailers and structural pipe. In short: lean duplex, 2205 strength; lower alloy cost; reduced molybdenum content.
What is the yield strength of S32003?
S32003 has a typical yield strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) — stronger than 81% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is S32003 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 70% of stainless steel grades). Machine like 2205: rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, ~30–40% of 304 surface speed, heavy constant feed and flood coolant to avoid work hardening.
Can S32003 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (68/100). Weld with 2209-type (or matching lean-duplex) filler, Ar+1–3%N₂ shielding, heat input ~0.5–2.0 kJ/mm and interpass <150 °C to keep 35–60% ferrite; avoid autogenous welds without filler or N₂ addition.
What surface finishes work on S32003?
Pickle and passivate (nitric or citric per ASTM A967) after welding/grinding; no anodizing — mechanical polish or electropolish for hygienic surfaces.
Can S32003 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but needs ~2× the press force and larger bend radii than 304 with high springback; hot work 950–1150 °C followed by full solution anneal and quench.
What is the maximum service temperature of S32003?
S32003 is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between S32003 Annealed and S32003-CD?
Annealed is the default condition — standard mill-supplied condition for all wrought S32003 products; balanced 50/50 ferrite–austenite for best corrosion and toughness. CD: pick for shafting, fasteners and machined parts needing higher yield strength and tight tolerance. Yield strength is 530 MPa in Annealed versus 650 MPa in CD.
How much does S32003 cost?
S32003 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip (UNS S32003) — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A789/A790 — Seamless and Welded Ferritic/Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing and Pipe — ASTM International (2021)
- ATI 2003 Lean Duplex Stainless Steel Technical Data Sheet — ATI (Allegheny Technologies) (2014)
- Practical Guidelines for the Fabrication of Duplex Stainless Steels, 3rd ed. — IMOA (2014)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.