Nitronic 60 is a high Silicon, high Manganese, Nitrogen strengthened austenitic stainless alloy. Nitronic 60 is an all purpose metal that was originally designed as a temperature alloy and therefore performs well at high temperature around 1800ºF. The additions of silicon and manganese assist to inhibit wear, galling and fretting even in the annealed condition. Through cold working Nitronic 60, it is possible to attain higher strengths, however it does not enhance the anti-galling properties. The oxidation resistance of Nitronic 60 is similar to Alloy 309 and far superior to Alloy 304.
Nitronic 60 is used in the Aerospace , Food and Drug, Oil Field, Petrochemical, Surgical and Chemical Processing Industries.

The uniform corrosion resistance of Nitronic 60 falls between grades 304 and 316. However, in a wear system, galling or seizure occurs first, then dimensional loss by wear, and finally corrosion. Galling and wear are the first concerns in design. Although the uniform corrosion resistance of Nitronic 60 is not quite as good as 316, it offers better pitting resistance to chlorides, stress corrosion cracking resistance and crevice corrosion resistance than grade 316.

Fabrication

Nitronic 60 can be hot forged. After forging the workpiece must be solution annealed.

Machinability

The alloy is difficult to machine, rated at 50% of 304 and 23% of the free cutting carbon steel AISI B1112. Sharp, rigid, carbide tipped tools and well powered machines are recommended, with the use of heavy cuts and slow speeds.

Heat Treatment

Nitronic 60 is fully austenitic and can not be strengthened by heat treatment. Solution annealing is carried out at 1060°C, followed by water quenching

Weldability

Nitronic 60 is readily welded by all conventional processes. Autogenous GTAW welds are sound, with wear characteristics approximating to the base metal. GTAW welds in heavy sections are also sound and weld tensile strength is slightly higher than base metal. Wear properties are near but below base metal. Pure argon is used as shielding gas and AWS A5.9 ER 218 filler metal is used. Pre-heating and post heating are not needed.