RA 253 MA® Advantages Against 309/310: Overview
The main difference between RA 253 MA and both 309 and 310 stainless steel lies in alloy composition and resulting high‑temperature performance. RA 253 MA contains micro‑alloy additions of cerium, silicon, and nitrogen, which enhance oxidation resistance and creep strength at elevated temperatures. In addition, RA 253 MA has a lower overall nickel and chromium content, making it less susceptible to fluctuations in commodity pricing when compared to 309 and 310 stainless steels.
Key Differences and Comparisons
- Alloying Elements and Cost Stability
RA 253 MA includes additions of cerium, silicon, and nitrogen, while also having lower nickel and chromium content than 309 and 310 stainless steel. This lower alloy content makes RA 253 MA less vulnerable to fluctuating commodity prices. Oxidation Resistance
The micro‑alloy addition of cerium, along with silicon, provides RA 253 MA with good oxidation resistance up to 2000°F. This performance is comparable to 310 stainless steel and superior to 309 stainless steel.Creep Strength at High Temperatures
Due to the combined additions of carbon and nitrogen, the creep strength of RA 253 MA is more than twice that of both 309 and 310 stainless steel at temperatures above 1600°F.ASME Pressure Vessel Approval
RA 253 MA is approved under ASME Section VIII, Division 1 for pressure vessels up to 1650°F. In contrast, 309 and 310 stainless steels are only approved up to 1500°F.ASME P-Group Classification
RA 253 MA, 309, and 310 are all assigned to the same P‑Group in ASME Section IX: P‑Group 8, Group 2.Welding Consumables for Matching Strength
RA 253 MA is welded using RA 253 MA matching composition weld filler, available from Rolled Alloys in FCAW, GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW forms.Dissimilar Metal Welding
RA 253 MA can also be welded to other 300‑series stainless steels using RA 253 MA weld filler, or to higher‑nickel alloys using RA 333 weld filler, to maintain weld strength similar to the RA 253 MA base metal.Product Availability
Rolled Alloys stocks a complete range of RA 253 MA products, including plate, sheet, round bar, pipe, and welding consumables.
Chemical Composition %
| | Cr | Ni | Si | Mn | N | C | Ce | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA 253 MA® UNS S30815 | 21.0 | 11.0 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.08 | 0.04 | balance |
| 310 UNS S31008 | 25.0 | 20.0 | 0.5 | 1.6 | -- | 0.05 | -- | balance |
| 309 UNS S30908 | 23.0 | 13.0 | 0.8 | 1.6 | -- | 0.05 | -- | balance |
Creep-Rupture Properties
Minimum Creep Rate 0.0001% Per Hour
Stress to Rupture 10,000 Hours
Creep Test
Ring specimens subjected to a temperature of 1800°F under the stress of their own weight for a total of 32 hours.
See Figure to Left
Typical Tensile Properties, Plate
| | Temperature | 70°F | 1200°F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA 253 MA® | Ultimate Tensile Strength, | ksi | 87 | 56.4 |
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength | ksi | 45 | 23.0 | |
| 310 | Ultimate Tensile Strength, | ksi | 75 | 54.1 |
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength | ksi | 30 | 20.7 | |
| 309 | Ultimate Tensile Strength, | ksi | 75 | 52.0 |
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength | ksi | 30 | 22.0 |
ASME Section VIII Div. 1 Maximum Design Allowable Stresses
| Temperature | °F | 1100 | 1200 | 1350 | 1500 | 1650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA 253 MA® | ksi | 9 | 5.2 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 0.71 |
| 310H | ksi | 7.6 | 4 | 1.7 | 0.75 | -- |
| 309H | ksi | 7.6 | 4 | 1.4 | 0.75 | -- |
309H and 310H are only approved to 1500°F. Values for 309H and 310H are used in this comparison as they have higher values than 309 and 310 straight grade.
Maximum Suggested Temperature Limit in Air
2000°F Cyclic Oxidation Testing in Air
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