Heat-resistant steel

What is heat-resistant steel?

Heat-resistant steel is a special type of steel that retains its mechanical properties at high temperatures, even above 500 °C. This makes it an ideal material for applications where components are constantly or regularly exposed to high temperatures, such as steam boilers and superheater tubes.

Composition of heat-resistant steel

Heat-resistant steels typically have a low or medium carbon content and are commonly alloyed with chromium and molybdenum. For example, 16Mo3 steel contains about 0.3% molybdenum, while 13CrMo4-5 steel has about 1% chromium and 0.5% molybdenum. 

Properties of heat-resistant steel

Heat-resistant steels tolerate temperature fluctuations well and have excellent creep strength at high operating temperatures. They are not particularly susceptible to corrosion, making them suitable for demanding environments.

Applications of heat-resistant steel

Heat-resistant steel is used in devices and structures exposed to high temperatures, such as furnaces, heaters, heat exchangers, and incineration plants, where temperatures can exceed 1100 °C.

Summary

Heat-resistant steel is an essential material in mechanical engineering, especially in applications that require high temperature resistance and mechanical strength. Its special composition and properties make it an indispensable material in many industrial applications.