What is 1.4720 Stainless Steel?

1.4720 stainless steel, commonly known as X10CrAlSi18 or UNS S13800, is a ferritic heat-resistant stainless steel with excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance due to its high chromium and aluminum content. The combination of 17-19% chromium and 0.70-1.20% aluminum promotes the formation of a highly stable, adherent aluminum-chromium oxide scale that provides superior protection against scaling and oxidation at elevated temperatures up to 950°C. This makes it an ideal material for demanding high-temperature applications where resistance to thermal cycling and corrosion is required, such as furnace components, heat treatment equipment, and industrial heating systems.

 

This heat-resistant ferritic grade is standardized under key international systems.

Standard	Equivalent Grade
EN (Europe)	1.4720
ASTM/AISI (USA)	X10CrAlSi18, UNS S13800
Common Name	Chromium-aluminum steel

Its composition includes high chromium and aluminum for excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance.

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Al
Content (%)	≤ 0.12	0.70 - 1.40	≤ 1.0	≤ 0.04	≤ 0.03	17.0 - 19.0	0.70 - 1.20

It offers good high-temperature strength and excellent oxidation resistance.

Property	Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	Tensile Strength (Rm)	Elongation (A)	Hardness (HB)
Typical Value (Room Temp)	≥ 280 MPa	480 - 680 MPa	≥ 20%	≤ 210
Typical Value (800°C)	~ 35 MPa	~ 50 MPa	~ 40%	-

 

Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4720 / X10CrAlSi18

Excellent High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance: The high chromium content (17-19%) combined with aluminum (0.70-1.20%) promotes the formation of a stable, adherent aluminum-chromium oxide scale that provides superior resistance to scaling and oxidation up to approximately 950°C (1740°F).

Good Thermal Fatigue Resistance: The ferritic structure provides good resistance to thermal cycling, making it suitable for applications with repeated heating and cooling.

Resistance to Sulfur and Carburizing Atmospheres: Performs well in sulfur-containing and carburizing atmospheres where austenitic stainless steels may degrade.

Low Cost: Absence of nickel makes it significantly more economical than austenitic heat-resistant grades.

 

Primary Applications:

Furnace Components: Radiant tubes, heating elements, furnace linings, burner parts, and support grids.

Heat Treatment Equipment: Retorts, muffles, baskets, and trays for heat treating operations.

Industrial Heating: Recuperators, heat exchangers, and radiant tube sheaths.

Petrochemical: Components in moderate-temperature process equipment and reformers.

Automotive Exhaust: Catalytic converter supports and exhaust manifolds for high-temperature applications.

Household Appliances: Burner components in gas stoves, heater parts, and fireplace inserts.

 

How does 1.4720 compare to 1.4762 (446) and 1.4713 (X10CrAlSi13)?
1.4720 offers performance between 1.4713 and 1.4762. With 17-19% chromium, it provides higher temperature capability than 1.4713 (12-14% Cr, suitable to 900°C) but lower than 1.4762 (23-27% Cr, suitable to 1100°C). The aluminum content provides additional oxidation resistance across all three grades. 1.4720 is often chosen for applications requiring higher temperature performance than 1.4713 but where the maximum capability of 1.4762 is not required. It offers an excellent balance of cost and performance for many industrial heating applications up to 950°C.

 

What are the welding considerations for 1.4720?
Welding 1.4720 requires care due to its ferritic structure and aluminum content. Key considerations include:

Low heat input welding techniques are essential to minimize grain growth in the heat-affected zone

Preheating (200-300°C) is recommended for thicker sections

Austenitic filler metals (309L, 310L) are recommended for better weld ductility

Post-weld annealing at 750-800°C may be required to restore ductility for critical applications

The aluminum content can affect weld pool fluidity and may require special techniques

Resistance welding is often preferred for thin gauge applications

For critical applications, welding should be performed with qualified procedures

 

What temperature range is 1.4720 suitable for?
1.4720 is suitable for continuous service up to approximately 950°C (1740°F) and intermittent service up to 1000°C (1830°F). It maintains good oxidation resistance within this range, making it suitable for furnace components, heat treating equipment, and industrial heating systems. For applications requiring higher temperature capability (above 950°C), 1.4762 with higher chromium content is recommended. The aluminum content provides excellent protection against scaling at elevated temperatures, but the material has limited creep strength above 850°C.

 

Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4720 Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel supplies cost-effective 1.4720 (X10CrAlSi18) stainless steel in plate, sheet, bar, and strip forms for high-temperature heat-resistant applications. We provide full material certification (EN 10204 3.1) and processing support including cutting, forming, and welding services. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.