Project Description
SUS410L (022Cr12 / 00Cr12) Low-Carbon 12% Cr Stainless Steel Seamless Tube
SUS410L is a low-carbon 12% chromium ferritic stainless steel standardized under JIS G4304 and G4305, with the Chinese GB equivalent 022Cr12 (S11203, formerly 00Cr12). By restricting carbon to a maximum of 0.03% while maintaining chromium at 11.00–13.50%, this grade delivers a combination of moderate general corrosion resistance, good formability, and economical pricing that sits between the 409-series (11% Cr) exhaust-grade alloys and the more costly austenitic stainless steels.
Unlike the titanium-stabilized 409 family, SUS410L achieves its ferritic structure and corrosion resistance through chromium content alone. This simpler metallurgy makes it an attractive choice for general-purpose stainless steel tube applications where the extreme weld-zone demands of multi-pass exhaust fabrication are not present, but where the extra chromium (versus 409) provides a meaningful margin of corrosion protection. At Fushun Steel Tube, we produce SUS410L seamless tubes across the full size range using hot-rolled, cold-drawn, and cold-rolled routes — each selected to match the target application's dimensional and surface requirements. Contact us for a free quote on your SUS410L tube specifications.
SUS410L / 022Cr12 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube — Product View
Shown below is a batch of SUS410L (022Cr12) low-carbon 12% Cr ferritic stainless steel seamless tubes in the pickled-and-passivated surface finish. These tubes are manufactured in compliance with JIS G4304 and applicable tube standards, with full NDT, mechanical, and dimensional testing completed before dispatch.
Applications
SUS410L serves a broad range of applications where its 12% chromium content delivers meaningful corrosion protection without the cost premium of austenitic grades:
- Automotive exhaust tubing — Mufflers, tailpipes, and resonator shells where 12% Cr provides a wider safety margin against external corrosion from road salt and moisture than standard 409.
- Building and structural components — Handrails, balustrades, and architectural tubular sections requiring moderate atmospheric corrosion resistance with a matte finish acceptable for industrial or utility aesthetics.
- Kitchen and food service equipment — Tubular frames, support structures, and non-food-contact components in commercial kitchens where 304 would be over-specified on cost grounds.
- Heat-resisting components — Under JIS G4311, SUS410L is approved for heat-resisting service at moderate temperatures. Radiant tube supports, furnace components, and heat treatment fixtures operating up to approximately 650°C.
- Industrial piping and mechanical tubing — Process piping for mildly corrosive fluids, cold-drawn steel tube for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, and general mechanical applications.
- Appliance components — Washing machine drums, dishwasher interiors, and water heater elements where 12% Cr ferritic stainless provides adequate pitting resistance in treated water environments.
Specifications & Standards
SUS410L appears in multiple JIS standards spanning both stainless and heat-resisting steel categories. The table below identifies the principal standards applicable to this grade, with emphasis on those relevant to tube and pipe production.
| Standard | Title / Scope | Product Form | Grade Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JIS G4304 | Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip | Plate / Sheet | SUS410L |
| JIS G4305 | Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip | Plate / Sheet | SUS410L |
| JIS G4311 | Heat-Resisting Steel Bars and Wire Rods | Bars | SUS410L-HR |
| JIS G4312 | Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip | Plate / Sheet | SUS410L |
| JIS G4303 | Stainless Steel Bars | Bars | SUS410L |
| GB/T 20878 | Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steels — Designation and Chemical Composition | All forms | 022Cr12 / S11203 |
| GB/T 14976 | Seamless Stainless Steel Pipes for Fluid Transport | Seamless Tube/Pipe | 022Cr12 |
For tube applications, SUS410L chemistry can also be supplied to EN 10297-2 and BS 6323-1 when EN or BS certification is required. All tubes are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates as standard; EN 10204 3.2 with third-party inspection is available on request. Tell us your specifications and we will confirm the applicable standard and certification package.
Available Sizes & Delivery
| Route | OD Range (mm) | WT Range (mm) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-Rolled Seamless | 32–426 | 2.5–40 | Up to 12 |
| Cold-Drawn Seamless | 6–219 | 0.8–25 | Up to 12 |
| Cold-Rolled Seamless | 6–114 | 0.5–12 | Up to 12 |
Ready stock of common SUS410L tube sizes is maintained for quick shipment — typically 7 days from order confirmation. Custom dimensions or non-standard specifications require a MOQ of approximately 2–3 tons with 25–35 day delivery. We welcome small trial orders for grade qualification and first-article evaluation. Volume buyers benefit from negotiable pricing and coordinated production scheduling.
Chemical Composition
The composition of SUS410L is defined by JIS G4304 (stainless steel plate) and additionally covered by JIS G4311 (heat-resisting bars). The two standards define slightly different chromium ranges for different product forms:
| Element | JIS G4304 SUS410L (Plate/Sheet, Stainless) | JIS G4311 SUS410L (Bars, Heat-Resisting) | GB/T 20878 022Cr12 (S11203) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040% | ≤ 0.040% | ≤ 0.040% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.00–13.50% | 11.50–13.50% | 11.00–13.50% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.60% (not intentionally added) | ≤ 0.60% | ≤ 0.60% |
The defining compositional feature of SUS410L is the absence of deliberate titanium or niobium stabilization. The 12% chromium level provides a passive oxide film robust enough for atmospheric and mildly corrosive service without the need for stabilizing elements. This simpler chemistry translates to easier melt control, lower alloy cost, and broader availability compared to stabilized grades — advantages that matter when specifying tube for general-purpose applications at volume.
Manufacturing Process
Fushun Steel Tube produces SUS410L seamless tube through an integrated manufacturing route:
- Steelmaking: EAF melting + LF refining + VD treatment. Carbon is controlled to ≤0.03% and chromium to the 11.00–13.50% target range. For demanding applications, ESR or VIM+VAR secondary melting is available.
- Continuous Casting: Round billets are continuously cast, surface-conditioned, and prepared for the pipe mill.
- Hot Piercing & Rolling: Billets heated to 1150–1250°C are rotary-pierced and rolled to hot-finished dimensions on pilger or plug mills.
- Cold Drawing / Cold Rolling: For precision tubes requiring tight dimensional control, hot-rolled hollows are cold-drawn or cold-rolled to final dimensions. Cold-drawn steel tube routes achieve OD tolerance of ±0.10 mm.
- Annealing: Full anneal at 700–820°C with controlled cooling restores the equilibrium ferritic microstructure.
- Finishing: Straightening, cut-to-length, end preparation (plain, beveled, or threaded), and surface treatment per order specification.
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties of SUS410L in the annealed condition, as specified by JIS standards:
| Property | JIS G4304 SUS410L (Hot-Rolled Plate/Sheet) | JIS G4311 SUS410L (Heat-Resisting Bars, ≤75mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, min | ≥ 360 MPa (52 ksi) | ≥ 360 MPa (52 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%), min | ≥ 195 MPa (28 ksi) | ≥ 195 MPa (28 ksi) |
| Elongation, min | ≥ 22% | ≥ 22% |
| Reduction of Area, min | — | ≥ 60% |
| Hardness, max | ≤ 183 HBW | ≤ 183 HBW |
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ (0.280 lb/in³) | |
| Melting Range | ~1480–1530°C (2696–2786°F) | |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~200 GPa at 20°C | |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~25 W/m·K at 20°C | |
| Mean Thermal Expansion (20–500°C) | ~11.5 × 10⁻⁶ /K | |
The yield strength of ≥195 MPa places SUS410L above SUH409L (≥175 MPa) — a direct consequence of the higher chromium content providing modest solid-solution strengthening. For cold-drawn tubes, as-drawn strength is higher and can be tailored through controlled reduction ratios. Full annealing restores the properties listed above.
Heat Treatment
| Treatment | Temperature | Holding Time | Cooling | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Annealing | 700–820°C (1292–1508°F) | 30–90 min (per section) | Air cool or slow furnace cool | Recrystallize cold-worked ferrite grains; restore ductility |
| Stress Relieving | 650–750°C (1202–1382°F) | 60–120 min | Air cool | Relieve forming or welding residual stresses |
Welding note: Because SUS410L lacks titanium stabilization, the heat-affected zone of a weld may experience some chromium depletion at grain boundaries. For thin-gauge tube (WT ≤ 3 mm) in mild service conditions, this is generally inconsequential and post-weld annealing can be omitted. For thicker sections, multi-pass welds, or service in corrosive environments, post-weld annealing at 700–820°C is recommended. Our technical team can advise on the appropriate post-weld treatment for your specific application. Contact us for a free quote with your welding requirements.
Surface Finish & Tolerances
- Hot-Rolled & Pickled
- Standard finish for hot-rolled seamless tubes. The dark oxide scale from hot forming is removed by acid pickling and passivation, producing a matte gray surface suitable for most industrial and structural applications.
- Bright Annealed (Cold-Drawn/Cold-Rolled)
- Cold-worked tubes annealed in a controlled-atmosphere furnace, yielding a bright, oxide-free surface. Preferred for precision stainless steel tube applications requiring clean internal surfaces.
- Polished
- OD mechanical polishing to 180#, 320#, 400#, or 600# grit is available for architectural and aesthetic applications.
Standard dimensional tolerances follow the applicable JIS specification. For cold-drawn precision tubes, OD tolerance of ±0.10 mm and WT tolerance of ±10% of nominal are routinely maintained. Tighter tolerances are achievable for specific requirements.
Quality Assurance & Testing
- Raw Material Verification: Every incoming billet heat is analyzed by OES, tagged with heat number, and traceable through all production steps.
- In-Process Controls: Real-time monitoring of hot-rolling and cold-drawing parameters. Dimensional spot-checks at each process transition.
- NDT: 100% of tubes receive eddy current or ultrasonic testing per applicable standards.
- Hydrostatic Testing: Performed to specification requirements with documented hold times and pressures.
- Mechanical Testing: Room-temperature tensile tests plus hardness verification on sample coupons from each heat treatment lot.
- Metallographic Examination: Ferritic grain structure verification. Intergranular corrosion testing available on request.
- Dimensional Final Inspection: 100% check of OD, WT, length, straightness, and end condition.
Our quality management system is ISO 9001 certified. Every shipment includes an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate. EN 10204 3.2 with third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or your nominated agency is available.
Packing & Shipping
- Cold-drawn precision tubes: Anti-rust paper wrap, steel-strapped bundles, seaworthy plywood cases with end protectors.
- Hot-rolled tubes: Bare bundles with steel straps and plastic end caps. Water-resistant fabric wrap for export.
- Small-diameter tubes: Wooden crates with inter-layer separators to prevent surface contact damage.
Shipping via sea freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, rail, or express courier. Custom labeling and bar-coding available for volume buyers. Documentation and customs clearance support for all major ports worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does SUS410L differ from 409 / SUH409L stainless steel?
- SUS410L contains 11.00–13.50% chromium compared to 10.50–11.75% for 409/SUH409L, providing stronger general corrosion resistance. The key metallurgical difference is that SUS410L has no intentional titanium addition — it relies on chromium alone for corrosion protection rather than Ti stabilization. This means 409L offers better as-welded corrosion resistance for complex welded fabrications, while SUS410L offers inherently better general corrosion resistance and a simpler, more cost-stable chemistry. The yield strength is also slightly higher at ≥195 MPa versus ≥175 MPa.
- What are the equivalent grades to SUS410L in other standards?
- The Chinese GB equivalent is 022Cr12 (S11203, formerly designated 00Cr12). There is no direct ASTM equivalent grade with identical chemistry — ASTM 410S (UNS S41008) has the same chromium content but higher carbon (≤0.08%). In the EN system, the closest equivalents are 1.4000 (X6Cr13, C≤0.08%) and 1.4003 (X2CrNi12, C≤0.03% but with deliberate Ni addition). SUS410L therefore occupies a unique position as a 12% Cr, ultra-low-carbon, nickel-free ferritic stainless.
- Can SUS410L be used at elevated temperatures?
- Yes. Under JIS G4311, SUS410L is classified as a heat-resisting steel with the designation SUS410L-HR. It is suitable for continuous service at temperatures up to approximately 650°C, with intermittent exposure possible up to 750°C. Above these temperatures, scaling rates increase and mechanical strength declines. For applications above 750°C, higher-chromium ferritic grades or austenitic boiler tube grades should be considered.
- What sizes and delivery times are available?
- We supply SUS410L seamless tube in OD 6–426 mm, WT 0.8–40 mm, in lengths up to 12 meters across hot-rolled, cold-drawn, and cold-rolled routes. Common stock sizes ship in approximately 7 days. Custom sizes require MOQ 2–3 tons with 25–35 day delivery. Trial orders are welcome for initial qualification.
