Stainless Steel S46800
UNS S46800
S46800 is a dual-stabilized (Ti+Nb) high-chromium ferritic stainless steel used where corrosion resistance beyond the standard 400-series grades is needed; stabilization removes chromium-carbide sensitization after welding.
Reference datasheet — S46800 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
S46800 tempers and conditions
S46800 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bright annealed sheet/strip (BA) | Choose when a reflective as-annealed surface is needed without mechanical polishing (appliance, hot-water tank liners). | 305 | 475 | 32 | 156 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
AnnealedDefault mill annealed (ASTM A240 / A176 base condition) | Standard stocked condition for sheet, strip and plate; maximum ductility and corrosion resistance, use for forming and welding. | 310 | 480 | 32 | 160 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
Annealed, cold rolled 2B finish sheet | Most common cold-rolled sheet/coil finish — smooth, mildly reflective, ready for forming and welding. | 320 | 490 | 31 | 163 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
Temper rolled / cold worked ~1/4 hard strip | Light skin-pass or cold reduction for higher yield strength and better flatness/springback control in roll-formed tube and trim. | 450 | 560 | 18 | 13 HRC | 2.9 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways S46800 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Welded Tube As-Welded | As-welded / welded-and-annealed tube condition | Supply form |
HRAP | Hot rolled, annealed and pickled plate | Surface finish |
What is S46800?
S46800 is a dual-stabilized (Ti+Nb) high-chromium ferritic stainless steel used where corrosion resistance beyond the standard 400-series grades is needed; stabilization removes chromium-carbide sensitization after welding. It is chosen for good formability (score 72), a 900 °C maximum service temperature and low nickel content, and is supplied as annealed 2B and BA sheet, hot-rolled annealed pickled plate, 1/4-hard temper-rolled strip and as-welded tube. Annealed properties are 310 MPa yield, 480 MPa tensile, 32% elongation and 160 HB (84 HRB). Chloride pitting resistance is below molybdenum-bearing stainless steels, which are the alternative for wet chloride service. S46800 has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). S46800 has a yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 63% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is S46800 used for?
- Automotive exhaust system components
- Corrosion-resistant fasteners
- Specialty process equipment
- Welded tubing and ducting
- Hot water tanks and vessels
- Heat exchanger components
- Appliance and catering trim
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 55/100, better than 94% of stainless steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
- High service temperature — 900°C (1,652 °F), better than 85% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 72/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 83% of stainless steel grades
S46800 properties
Typical room-temperature values for S46800-Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
S46800 has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical14
S46800 has a yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 63% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
S46800 is rated for continuous service to 900°C (1,652 °F). It conducts heat at 24 W/m·K (13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 81% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.4 µm/m·K (5.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
S46800 conducts electricity at 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (58/100), worse than 62% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of S46800 takes about 48 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 85% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability7
S46800's machinability is good (55/100, better than 94% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability very good (72/100).
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. S46800 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with S46800
Is S46800 easy to machine?
Machines like Type 430/439 (~55% of AISI 1212): use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, generous feed to cut through the gummy work-hardened skin, and ample coolant.
Can S46800 be welded?
Excellent — Ti+Nb stabilization prevents chromium-carbide sensitization, so GTAW/GMAW/laser and high-speed resistance seam welding need no post-weld anneal; use matching or 409Cb/430Nb filler and keep heat input and interpass temperature low to limit grain growth.
Can S46800 be formed, bent or molded?
Good roll forming, bending and moderate deep drawing in the annealed condition; lower n-value than austenitics means less stretch, watch for ridging/roping on deep-drawn parts and allow for springback.
S46800 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 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.35 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0 |
| Cr | 18 – 20 | 19 |
| Nimax, residual | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| N | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Tipart of dual Ti+Nb stabilization | 0.1 – 0.6 | 0.2 |
| NbTi+Nb total 0.20 + 4(C+N) min, 0.80 max | 0.1 – 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on S46800?
Supplied 2B/BA/No.1; passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish after fabrication, and remove all embedded iron — the grade takes paint and porcelain-type coatings well but cannot be anodized.
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
How much does S46800 cost?
S46800 is a standard-cost stainless steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.
S46800 — frequently asked
What is S46800 used for?
S46800 is typically used for automotive exhaust system components, corrosion-resistant fasteners, specialty process equipment, welded tubing and ducting, hot water tanks and vessels and heat exchanger components. In short: most formable stabilized ferritic; 900 °C service ceiling; low-nickel 400-series option.
What is the yield strength of S46800?
S46800 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — weaker than 63% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is S46800 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 94% of stainless steel grades). Machines like Type 430/439 (~55% of AISI 1212): use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, generous feed to cut through the gummy work-hardened skin, and ample coolant.
Can S46800 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Excellent — Ti+Nb stabilization prevents chromium-carbide sensitization, so GTAW/GMAW/laser and high-speed resistance seam welding need no post-weld anneal; use matching or 409Cb/430Nb filler and keep heat input and interpass temperature low to limit grain growth.
What surface finishes work on S46800?
Supplied 2B/BA/No.1; passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish after fabrication, and remove all embedded iron — the grade takes paint and porcelain-type coatings well but cannot be anodized.
Can S46800 be formed, bent or molded?
Good roll forming, bending and moderate deep drawing in the annealed condition; lower n-value than austenitics means less stretch, watch for ridging/roping on deep-drawn parts and allow for springback.
What is the maximum service temperature of S46800?
S46800 is rated for continuous use to about 900°C (1,652 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does S46800 cost?
S46800 is a standard-cost stainless steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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 — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A176 — Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM A268 / A176 welded ferritic tubing requirements — ASTM International (2020)
- AL 468 (UNS S46800) dual-stabilized ferritic stainless technical data — ATI (Allegheny Technologies) (2015)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- UNS Metals & Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (SAE HS-1086 / ASTM DS-56) — SAE/ASTM (2017)
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.