Duplex grades
Demand for ferritic-austenitic duplex grades is growing significantly faster than demand for standard stainless grades. In addition to low nickel content, duplex stainless steel is characterised by good corrosion resistance and high strength, enabling the use of thinner gauges in a variety of applications such as tanks, pressure vessels, piping, transportation, building and construction, and desalination plants. Considerable savings in material costs are the result. Outokumpu is a clear market leader in duplex grade stainless with a global market share of some 50%. Avesta Works has a long and successful track record in duplex production, a very demanding process.
Outokumpu has developed and patented LDX 2101®, a Lean Duplex grade with a nickel content of only 1.5%, a feature which makes its price less dependent on the volatile price of nickel. In terms of corrosion resistance, the performance of LDX is similar to that of standard austenitic 304 grade (8% nickel), but Outokumpu's Lean Duplex is twice as strong and has met with great success in demanding applications. To facilitate its market penetration, Outokumpu has awarded manufacturing licences to a number of stainless steel producers in Europe and Asia.
