253MA® Stainless Steel Build Platform - ASTM A240
253MA stainless steel is an austenitic, high-temperature alloy engineered for exceptional oxidation resistance and strength at elevated temperatures. Its unique chemistry—featuring chromium, nickel, silicon, nitrogen, and rare earth elements like cerium—provides outstanding performance in environments up to 1150°C (2100°F).
At United Performance Metals, 253MA is available exclusively as a build plate for additive manufacturing applications. This material’s stability under extreme thermal conditions makes it ideal for supporting advanced 3D printing processes where dimensional integrity and resistance to scaling are critical.
With its combination of oxidation resistance, high creep strength, and durability, 253MA build plates deliver reliable performance for industries such as aerospace, energy, and high-temperature tooling.
- Inventory & Specs
- Chemical Composition
- Physical Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Additional Info
- FAQs
Advanced Inventory Size Ranges for 253MA®
| Type | Size Range | Specifications | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Platform | 0.50" - 5.00" | ASTM A240, UNS S30815 | Get a Quote |
Characteristics of 253MA
253MA is an austenitic stainless steel designed for high-temperature service, offering excellent oxidation resistance up to 1150°C (2100°F) and good creep strength. Its corrosion resistance in oxidizing environments is superior to standard 300-series stainless steels, thanks to its high chromium, silicon, and nitrogen content. The addition of rare earth elements like cerium enhances the stability of the protective oxide layer, making it ideal for cyclic thermal conditions.
While 253MA performs exceptionally in dry, high-temperature environments, it is not intended for prolonged exposure to reducing or carburizing atmospheres. Its corrosion resistance in aqueous environments is similar to that of Type 316 stainless steel.
Working with 253MA
253MA is typically supplied in the annealed condition, which provides good formability and weldability. Standard fabrication techniques for austenitic stainless steels apply, including TIG and MIG welding. Preheating is generally not required, but matching filler metals (such as 22.12HT) are recommended for weld integrity at high temperatures.
Heat treatment for 253MA is straightforward:
- Solution annealing is performed at approximately 1150°C (2100°F) followed by rapid cooling.
- This treatment ensures maximum oxidation resistance and mechanical strength for high-temperature service.
Unlike precipitation-hardening grades, 253MA does not rely on secondary hardening treatments. Its strength comes from solid solution strengthening and nitrogen additions, which maintain stability at elevated temperatures.
Other industry standards we comply with:
Common Trade Names
- 253MA®
Industry Applications for 253MA®
- Furnace Components
- Reformer Tubes
- Heat Exchangers
- Boiler Parts
- Recuperators
- Exhaust Systems
- Thermal Oxidizers
- Radiant Tubes
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percent by Weight Min | Percent by Weight Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cr | Chromium | 20.0 | 22.0 |
| Ni | Nickel | 10.0 | 12.0 |
| Mn | Manganese | 0.80 | |
| Si | Silicon | 1.4 | 2.0 |
| C | Carbon | 0.05 | 0.10 |
| N | Nitrogen | 0.14 | 0.20 |
| Ce | Cerium | 0.03 | 0.08 |
| S | Sulfur | 0.03 | |
| P | Phosphorus | 0.04 | |
| Fe | Iron | bal | |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.282 lb/in3 |
| Melting Range | 2500 - 2610°F |
| Poisson Ratio | 0.31 |
| Electrical Resistivity | 34 µΩ • in |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (68°F - 212°F) | 9.06 µin/in •°F |
| Thermal Conductivity (212°F) | 8.6 BTU/(hr•ft•°F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity (68°F) | 2.9 •107 psi |
Mechanical Properties
| Temperature, °F | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi | 0.2% Yield Strength, ksi | Elongation, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 102.0 | 51.6 | 51.0 |
| 1400 | 45.0 | 22.0 | 44.0 |
| 1600 | 22.0 | 14.0 | - |
| 1800 | 11.5 | 7.0 | - |
| Temperature, °F | Minimum Creep 0.0001%/hour, ki | 10,000 Hour Rupture Strength, ksi |
|---|---|---|
| 1400 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| 1600 | 2.3 | 2.5 |
| 1800 | 0.89 | 1.15 |
| 2000 | 0.25 | 0.68 |
Additional Info
A Brief History of 253MA® Stainless
253MA® (UNS S30815, also known as RA 253 MA®) is a heat‑resistant austenitic stainless steel developed a little over 30 years ago to meet industrial demand for a material with exceptional oxidation resistance and high strength at elevated temperatures. It was originally created and trademarked by Outokumpu Stainless, though other mills now produce equivalent grades under the UNS S30815 designation.
How 253MA® Was Developed
253MA® emerged from the need for a stainless steel that could withstand cyclic high‑temperature environments while maintaining strength and resisting oxidation, carburization, and sulphidation. Key innovations it its development included high chromium (20-22%) and silicon (1.4-2%) for oxide stability and oxidation resistance, nitrogen and rare earth metals to enhance creep strength and improve the adherence of protective oxide layers, and lean nickel content (10-12%) which improved performance in sulphide-rich atmospheres compared to higher-nickel alloys. These strategies allowed engineers to create a stainless steel capable of reliable service up to 2100 °F (1150 °C).
Early Applications of 253MA®
When introduced, 253MA® quickly found use in industries requiring high‑temperature structural stability and oxidation resistance. Early applications included:
- Furnace components
- Heat treatment equipment
- Kilns and burners
- Petrochemical processing equipment
- Boiler and combustion chamber parts
Its ability to outperform traditional grades like 309 and 310 in many high‑temperature environments made it attractive for thermal‑processing industries.
How 253MA® is Used Today
Today, 253MA® remains a widely used high‑temperature stainless steel thanks to its balance of strength, oxidation resistance, and fabricability.
- High Temperature Industrial Equipment: Furnace rollers, conveyor systems, radiant tubes, heat exchangers, recuperators, burner nozzles, combustion chambers
- Petrochemical: Reforming furnace parts, catalyst support grids, tubes, transfer lines
- Power Generation: Boiler components, superheater tubes, waste-to-energy plant hardware
- Cement, Glass, & Ceramics: Kiln lining, support structures, high temperature tooling
Your Trusted Supplier of 253MA® Stainless
UPM Advanced Solutions suppliers 253MA® for build plates in sizes ranging from 0.50" - 5.00". This material’s stability under extreme thermal conditions makes it ideal for supporting advanced 3D printing processes where dimensional integrity and resistance to scaling are critical.
Product FAQs
Key differences of 253MA® include high chromium, silicon, nitrogen, and rare earth metals to help with oxidation resistance, creep strength, and oxide adhesion. Additionally, 253MA® has a lower content level, improving performance in sulphide environments.
Yes, 253MA® offers good weldability and good toughness even at cryogenic temperatures. It is recommended to use shielding gases that include 100% argon or Ar/He/CO₂ blends for welding.