What is 1.4482 Stainless Steel?

1.4482 stainless steel, commonly known as 2003 or UNS S32003, is a lean duplex stainless steel that offers an optimized balance of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good weldability. With its ferritic-austenitic microstructure, it provides approximately twice the yield strength of conventional austenitic grades like 316L, while using reduced nickel and molybdenum content. It bridges the performance gap between lean duplex grades like 2304 and standard duplex 2205, offering enhanced corrosion resistance compared to leaner grades while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

 

This lean duplex grade is standardized under key international systems.

Standard	Equivalent Grade
EN (Europe)	1.4482
ASTM/AISI (USA)	2003, UNS S32003
Common Name	Lean Duplex 2003

Its composition is optimized with chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	N
Content (%)	≤ 0.03	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.03	≤ 0.02	21.0 - 23.0	3.0 - 5.0	1.5 - 2.5	0.10 - 0.20

It offers high strength with good toughness and enhanced corrosion resistance.

Property	Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	Tensile Strength (Rm)	Elongation (A)	Hardness (HB)	Impact (J)
Typical Value	≥ 450 MPa	650 - 850 MPa	≥ 25%	≤ 290	≥ 100 (20°C)

 

Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4482 / 2003

High Strength: Offers approximately twice the yield strength of austenitic grades like 316L (450 MPa vs. 200 MPa), enabling significant weight reduction and thinner sections in structural applications.

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Provides corrosion resistance approaching that of 2205, with PREN typically 28-30. Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.

Good Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance: The duplex structure provides inherent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking, superior to austenitic grades.

Cost-Effective: Lower nickel and molybdenum content than 2205 offers good economy while maintaining enhanced performance.

 

Primary Applications:

Oil & Gas: Piping systems, flowlines, and process equipment in moderately corrosive environments.

Chemical Processing: Tanks, heat exchangers, and piping for chemical handling.

Marine & Offshore: Seawater piping, pumps, valves, and components in splash zones.

Desalination: High-pressure piping and evaporator components.

Pulp & Paper: Process equipment and storage tanks for aggressive liquors.

Pollution Control: FGD scrubber components and ducting.

Structural Engineering: Bridges and structures in coastal or industrial environments.

 

How does 2003 (1.4482) compare to 2205 (1.4462) and 316L (1.4404)?
2003 offers performance between lean duplex 2304 and standard duplex 2205. It provides approximately twice the yield strength of 316L (450 MPa vs. 200 MPa), similar to 2205. Its corrosion resistance (PREN 28-30) is significantly better than 316L (PREN 24-26) and approaches that of 2205 (PREN 34-35). It offers better resistance to stress corrosion cracking than both 316L and 2205 in many environments. While 2205 provides superior corrosion resistance for the most severe applications, 2003 offers a cost-effective alternative with enhanced performance over 316L. It is typically more economical than 2205 while providing sufficient corrosion resistance for many applications that would otherwise require the higher alloy content.

 

What are the welding considerations for 2003 (1.4482) stainless steel?
2003 has good weldability and can be welded using common methods. Recommended practices include using matching or slightly over-alloyed filler metals (typically 2209 type), controlling heat input (0.5-2.0 kJ/mm), and maintaining interpass temperature below 150°C. Shielding gas with nitrogen addition (typically Ar + 2-3% N2) helps maintain nitrogen content in the weld metal. Preheating is generally not required, and post-weld heat treatment is not necessary. The balanced composition provides good resistance to hot cracking and maintains a favorable ferrite-austenite balance in the weld zone. For optimum corrosion performance in severe environments, over-alloyed filler metals may be considered to ensure the weld zone meets corrosion requirements.

 

Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4482 / 2003 Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel supplies Lean Duplex 2003 (1.4482) stainless steel in plate, sheet, bar, pipe, and fitting forms for applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance at a competitive price point. We provide full material certification (EN 10204 3.1) and processing support including cutting, bending, forming, and welding services. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.