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Carpenter 20

Carpenter 20

Nickel (Ni) - 35 Median
(32.0 Min - 38.0 Max)
Copper (Cu) - 3.5 Median
(3.0 Min - 4.0 Max)
Chromium (Cr) - 20 Median
(19.0 Min - 21.0 Max)
Molybdenum (Mo) - 2.5 Median
(2.0 Min - 3.0 Max)
Iron (Fe) - 34.85 Balance
Manganese (Mn) - 2 Max
Silicon (Si) - 1 Max
Niobium + Tantalum (Nb+Ta) - 1 Max
Other

Key

Nickel
Copper
Chromium
Aluminum
Molybdenum
Iron
Titanium
Manganese
Cobalt
Other
  • Nickel (Ni) 35 Median
    (32.0 Min - 38.0 Max)
  • Copper (Cu) 3.5 Median
    (3.0 Min - 4.0 Max)
  • Chromium (Cr) 20 Median
    (19.0 Min - 21.0 Max)
  • Molybdenum (Mo) 2.5 Median
    (2.0 Min - 3.0 Max)
  • Iron (Fe) 34.85 Balance
  • Manganese (Mn) 2 Max
  • Carbon (C) .07 Max
  • Silicon (Si) 1 Max
  • Phosphorus (P) .045 Max
  • Sulfur (S) .035 Max
  • Niobium + Tantalum (Nb+Ta) 1 Max

UNS N08020, 20CB-3

Durable, corrosion-resistant alloys are essential in industrial settings where materials are constantly exposed to aggressive chemicals. Alloy 20, also known as Carpenter® alloy 20 or Carpenter® 20CB3, is one such alloy that offers exceptional resistance to sulfuric acid and other corrosive environments at a reasonable cost. Nickel Systems is a renowned distributor of alloy 20 bolts, screws and other fasteners, providing the reliability and performance that manufacturers and engineers demand for their critical applications.

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Summary

  • Environment:
    Moderately Corrosive: Acids & Chemicals
  • Temperature Limit:
    1000 °F / 538 °C
  • Ultimate Tensile (Typical):
    90 ksi / 620 mpa

Specifications & Technical Data

If your question isn’t answered below, download the technical data sheet here. Alloy 20 stands out due to its impressive physical and mechanical properties:

 

Specifications

  • Plate & Sheet: ASTM B463, ASME SB463
  • Bar: ASTM B473, ASME SB473
  • Seamless Pipe & Tube: ASTM B729, ASME SB729

Physical Properties

Density lb/in3 0.292
g/cm 8.08
Shear Modulus 103 ksi 11
GPa 76
Young’s Modulus 103 ksi 28
GPa 193
Specific Heat Btu/lb•°F 0.12
J/kg•°C 500
Electrical Resistivity ohm•circ mil/ft 651
µΩ•m 1.08
Thermal Conductivity Btu•in/ft2 •h•°F 85
W/m•°C 12.3
Coefficient of Expansion 77-212°F, 10-6 in/in•°F 8.2
25-100°C, µm/m•°C 14.7

Mechanical Properties

Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength ksi 90
MPa 620
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) ksi 45
MPa 300
Elongation, % 40

 

Room Temperature Tensile Test Results of Cold Worked INCOLOYalloy 020
Cold Reduction Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) Tensile Strength Elongation Hardness
% ksi MPa ksi MPa % Rockwell
0* 44.4 306 95.8 661 38 B83
20 111.0 765 119.8 826 13 C23
30 124.3 857 131.5 907 8 C28
40 127.5 879 135.0 931 7 C27
50 139.5 962 147.5 1017 4 C30
60 139.9 965 149.3 1029 5 C31

*Stabilize anneal

High-temperature Mechanical Properties

Alloy 20 High Temperature Mechanical Properties

Corrosion Resistance

Sulfuric Acid Corrosion Data for Strip*
Temperature H2SO4, % Corrosion Rate
°C °F % mpy mm/a
50 122 70 2 0.051
60 140 20 0 0.000
60 140 70 3 0.076
60 140 90 4 0.102
75 167 70 5 0.127
85 185 20 18 0.457
85 185 70 7 0.178
85 185 90 15 0.381
95 203 90 27 0.686
Boiling 20 17 0.432

 

Joining

Recommended Welding Products
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Gus Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding
INCONEL welding electrode 112 INCONEL filler metal 625
INCONEL welding electrode 122 INCONEL filler metal 622
INCO-WELD welding electrode 686CPT® INCO-WELD filler metal 686CPT®

Heat Treatments

Hot forming should be in the range 1400-2150°F (7601175°C). INCOLOY alloy 020 is normally used in the annealed condition. Annealing: 1800-1850°F (9821010°C)/ for a time commensurate with section size/AC.

What Is Alloy 20?

Alloy 20 is a nickel-iron-chromium austenitic alloy stabilized with niobium to resist intergranular corrosion. It was developed by Carpenter Technology as an upgrade to 316 Stainless steel. It combines the best properties of stainless steel and nickel alloys to offer maximum resistance to acid attack, especially sulfuric acid.

Its composition includes approximately 32-35% nickel, 19-21% chromium, 2-3% molybdenum, and 3-4% copper, making it highly effective in resisting general corrosion, pitting and crevice corrosion in environments containing chlorides, sulfuric, phosphoric and nitric acids. Generally, it is an economical alternative to alloy C276 and other materials higher in nickel content.

 

Alloy 20 Benefits

Engineered for industrial resilience, alloy 20 stainless steel offers unique benefits for numerous industrial applications:

  • Exceptional durability: This alloy performs reliably in harsh conditions due to its mechanical robustness and resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and chloride stress corrosion cracking.
  • Cost-effectiveness: It offers a more economical alternative to higher nickel-content alloys while outperforming standard stainless steels.
  • Excellent fabrication capabilities: This alloy is easy to form and machine using standard techniques, providing flexibility in manufacturing.
  • Extended service life: Alloy 20 withstands aggressive chemical environments, reducing maintenance and replacement costs over time.
  • Versatile applications: This material is suitable for various applications, from chemical mixers to marine equipment.
  • Thermal stability: Capable of operating effectively up to 1000 °F (538 °C), alloy 20 maintains its structural integrity under prolonged high-temperature exposure.

Applications of Alloy 20

Carpenter alloy 20 serves numerous industries where chemical resistance is critical. Notable applications include:

  • Chemical processing: This material is ideal for equipment handling sulfuric acid, such as mixing tanks, heat exchangers, agitators, pump parts and pipelines.
  • Pharmaceuticals and food production: This alloy is crucial in mixers, storage tanks, and other process equipment that require hygienic and corrosion-resistant properties.
  • Petrochemical industries: Alloy 20 is employed in equipment exposed to aggressive media and high temperatures, including bubble caps, pumps, valves, process piping, reactor vessels and distillation towers.
  • Plastics and dye manufacturing: Integral in processing equipment and mixing tanks, Carpenter alloy 20 provides reliable performance in volatile chemical environments.

 

Types of Alloy 20 Fasteners Available

Nickel Systems offers a diverse range of alloy 20 stainless steel fasteners, each engineered to meet specific industrial requirements. Our inventory includes:

Choosing the Right Fasteners

Selecting the appropriate alloy 20 fasteners is critical for the success and safety of your projects. Factors to consider include:

  • Chemical environment: Understanding the corrosive agents present helps to choose fasteners that offer longevity.
  • Mechanical requirements: Assessing load, stress and temperature conditions ensures the fasteners maintain structural integrity.
  • Application specifics: When choosing fasteners, it is essential to identify whether special features like vented designs or socket heads are necessary for your equipment.

Navigating these considerations can be complex. Partnering with experts like Nickel Systems provides valuable insights. Our team has extensive experience with alloy 20 stainless steel applications and can offer personalized recommendations to match your needs.

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Industries We Serve

Nickel Systems provides high quality exotic grade materials that hold up in the toughest, most severe heat and corrosive environments. With our large inventory of specialty fasteners in stock, we are always ready to answer the call to serve the most challenging applications.

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Contact Nickel Systems for Expert Assistance

At Nickel Systems, we understand the challenges procurement managers and engineers face in sourcing high-quality alloy 20 fasteners. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart as your trusted partner. Our knowledgeable team will assist you whether you need expert advice or a customized solution. Contact us today for a free quote or consultation and discover how our extensive inventory and industry expertise can enhance your projects.

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