Stainless Steel S32003 CR-2B
Finish state
UNS S32003
CR-2B = cold Rolled 2B
Pick for thin sheet/coil (<6 mm) needing a smooth mill finish for forming and welded tube making.
Values for the CR-2B condition
Other S32003 tempers and conditions
S32003 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at S32003.
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 | — |
CR-2BThis page 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 |
What is S32003 CR-2B?
S32003 CR-2B is S32003 supplied in the CR-2B condition — pick for thin sheet/coil (<6 mm) needing a smooth mill finish for forming and welded tube making. S32003 CR-2B has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). S32003 CR-2B 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). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CR-2B is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 560 MPa (81.2 ksi), better than 85% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
S32003 CR-2B properties
Typical room-temperature values for S32003 CR-2B; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are S32003 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
S32003 CR-2B 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 CR-2B has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
S32003 CR-2B 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 CR-2B 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 CR-2B 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 CR-2B's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (68/100); formability good (55/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with S32003 CR-2B
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.
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.
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 | — |
S32003 CR-2B — frequently asked
What is S32003 CR-2B used for?
S32003 CR-2B 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 CR-2B?
S32003 CR-2B has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is S32003 CR-2B easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 79% 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 CR-2B 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 CR-2B?
Pickle and passivate (nitric or citric per ASTM A967) after welding/grinding; no anodizing — mechanical polish or electropolish for hygienic surfaces.
Can S32003 CR-2B 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 CR-2B?
S32003 CR-2B 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.