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.
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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
| 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
Tensile 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 | - |
Typical Creep - Rupture Properties
| 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 |