STAINLESS STEEL FIBERS

The use of Flex-Ten^® Stainless Steel Fibers in the reinforcement of refractory materials provides substantial increase in refractory life and therefore a considerable reduction in maintenance costs. Stainless fibers significantly increase the tensile strength of the refractory in its critical period and greatly increase its energy absorption capability. Though discontinuous, fibers act as a crack arrestor and form a mechanical bond after cracks may occur. Stainless steel fibers greatly improve the flexural strength of the castable. This added increase in ductility contributes greatly to thermal shock and spall resistance.

Stainless fibers cannot perform above their melting temperatures. The critical factor therefore becomes the maximum temperature the fiber will resist oxidation. Were there are thermal gradients, if 70% of the refractory is below the critical temperature, the fibers will perform very well. Where frequent cycling between high and low temperatures occur, fibers will greatly improve refractory life.

The addition of 2% by weight to the refractory materials is suggested. Stainless fibers can also be used to good advantage in refractory gunning applications. Flex-Ten^® stainless steel fibers are manufactured to a nominal size of .018 x .033 x 3/4” or 1” length.

Available Grades:

GRADE 304 STAINLESS
Chrome: 18%
Nickel: 8%
Melting Point: 2600 deg.F
-Heat resistant to 1900 deg.F.  Scaling and oxidation occurs beyond.
-Good resistance to corrosion.
-Resists cycling.
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GRADE 310 STAINLESS
Chrome: 25%
Nickel: 20%
Melting Point: 2550 deg.F.
-Resists oxidation to 2000 deg.F.
-Low coefficient of expansion.
-Good for severe cycling moderate strength at high temperatures.
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GRADE 406  STAINLESS (ALFA-1)
Chrome: 13%
Nickel: 0%
Aluminum: 3%
Titanium: .40%
Melting Point: 2800 deg.F.
-Resists oxidation to 2300 deg.F.
-Good resistance to corrosion, carburization and sulfidation.
-Aluminum enhances oxidation resistance.
-Titanium enhances spalling resistance.
-Comparable to 446, 310 and 330 at a much lower cost.
-Is magnetic.
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GRADE 430 STAINLESS
Chrome: 16/18%
Nickel: 0%
Manganese: 1%
Silicone: 1%
Melting Point: 2600  deg.F.
-Resists oxidation to 1500 deg.F.
-Good resistance to sulfuric conditions and thermal cycling.
-Is magnetic.
Click here to view the Spec Sheet
Click here to view the MSDS form