Annual Report 2010 - Outokumpu

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Duplex grades
Demand for ferritic-austenitic duplex grades is growing significantly faster than demand for standard stainless grades. In
addition to its low nickel content, duplex stainless steel is characterised by good corrosion resistance and high strength,
allowing thinner gauges to be used in a variety of applications such as tanks, pressure vessels, piping, transportation,
building and construction, and desalination plants. Considerable reductions in material costs can be achieved.
Outokumpu is the clear market leader in duplex grade stainless steel with a global market share of some 50%. The
Group's Avesta Works has a long and successful track record in the very demanding process of duplex production.
Outokumpu LDX 2101 ® , a lean duplex grade developed and patented by Outokumpu, has a nickel content of only 1.5%,
making its price less dependent on the volatile price of nickel. In terms of corrosion resistance, LDX performance is
similar to that of standard austenitic 304 grade (8% nickel), but Outokumpu's lean duplex stainless steel is twice as
strong as the standard grade and has met with great success in demanding applications. To facilitate market penetration,
Outokumpu has granted LDX 2101 ® manufacturing licences to a number of stainless steel producers in Europe and Asia.
A new member of the Outokumpu lean duplex family was launched in 2010. Outokumpu LDX 2404 ® has a 3.6% nickel
content and is well positioned in relation to 316L, the acid-resistant standard austenitic grade (10% nickel). As LDX
2404 ® has a higher chrome and nitrogen content than 316, it offers higher levels of corrosion resistance, making it an
excellent choice for the salty atmospheric conditions which prevail in buildings located near the sea. The higher
mechanical strength of LDX 2404 ® also allows the use of thinner gauges, offering additional benefits in bulk liquid
storage tanks, road and rail tankers, pulp and paper machinery and water-treatment facilities. The combination of
improved corrosion resistance and higher strength makes LDX 2404 ® a very cost-effective solution in such applications.
Outokumpu Annual Report 2010 – Business – Duplex grades