Nitronic 50 vs. Nitronic 60: Key Differences
Aug 01, 2025
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When selecting a high-performance stainless steel for demanding environments, Nitronic 50 (UNS S20910) and Nitronic 60 (UNS S21800) are two frequently considered options. While both are part of the Nitronic family and offer excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, they are engineered for different purposes. This guide explains the key differences to help you make the right material choice for your application.
What is Nitronic 50?
Nitronic 50 is a high-performance austenitic stainless steel that offers significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 316 stainless steel. It also features excellent weldability and machinability, making it widely used in applications such as marine components, offshore platforms, and high-temperature valves.
What is Nitronic 60?
Nitronic 60 is a high-silicon austenitic stainless steel specifically designed for outstanding wear resistance and anti-galling performance. Compared to conventional stainless steels, it excels in metal-to-metal friction applications such as bearings, gears, and fasteners, effectively reducing seizing and wear failures. It is ideal for use in food processing machinery, pump and valve parts, and textile equipment-any industry where frequent motion and friction are common.
Difference between Nitronic 50and Nitronic 60
What is NITRONIC 60 equivalent to?
| Grade | ASTM | UNS | Common Forms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitronic 50 | ASTM A479 | S20910 | Bars, plates, forgings |
| Nitronic 60 | ASTM A193 | S21800 | Fasteners, rods, wire |
Chemical Composition
| Element (%) | Nitronic 50 | Nitronic 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 20.5–23.5 | 16–18 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 11.5–13.5 | 8–9 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 4–6 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1 | 3.5–4.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.5–3 | – |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.2–0.4 | 0.08–0.18 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Nitronic 50 | Nitronic 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 690 MPa (100 ksi) | 760 MPa (110 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 415 MPa (60 ksi) | 550 MPa (80 ksi) |
| Elongation | 35% | 25% |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | 95 HRB (annealed) | 25 HRC (cold-worked) |
What is the difference between Nitronic 50 and Nitronic 60?
Nitronic 40 is used in tubing form by the aerospace industry and can withstand extremely low temperatures. Nitronic 50 is used in marine environments. Nitronic® 60 stands out primarily due to its strong resistance to galling. Galling occurs when wear develops due to sliding surfaces.
What is the difference between Nitronic 50 and 316?
Nitronic-50 was found to have superior mechanical characteristics to stainless steel 316. SS-316 was found to have a surface film consisting of iron oxides, while the surface film of N-50 consisted predominantly of nickel-iron spinel.
What GNEE Can Offer
At GNEE, we supply both Nitronic 50 and Nitronic 60 stainless steel plates, bars, tubes, and forgings, with:
✅ Full traceability and MTC (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
✅ Custom sizes and machining available
✅ Competitive pricing and fast global shipping
✅ Surface finishes: Pickled, polished, machined, or rough turned
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