When you're dealing with intense heat in industrial settings, standard materials just won't cut it. That's precisely where 253MA Plates & Sheets (UNS S30815) demonstrate their value. At USA Piping Solution, we specialize in manufacturing and supplying this robust alloy, meticulously designed for environments that demand both high strength and exceptional resistance to oxidation when temperatures soar. We offer ready stock and custom solutions in ASTM A240 253MA Plate and sheet formats, ensuring your critical equipment benefits from a material built for endurance. For reliable access to High-Temperature Stainless Steel Plate and the expertise to back it up, look no further than USA Piping Solution.

What are 253MA Plates & Sheets?
So, what exactly is 253MA? Think of it as a clever evolution in heat-resistant stainless steel. Carrying the designations UNS S30815 and EN 1.4835, it's an austenitic alloy, but its real strength lies in a carefully optimized chemical recipe. Beyond the typical chromium and nickel, 253MA includes strategic amounts of nitrogen, silicon, and rare earth elements like cerium.
Why does this specific blend matter so much? It delivers some very practical advantages in tough conditions:
- Stands Up Strong Against Oxidation: The teamwork between silicon and cerium is remarkable. Together, they help form a highly stable and adherent protective oxide layer on the steel's surface. This shield performs admirably, especially under the stress of heating and cooling cycles, offering solid protection against oxidation in air at temperatures reaching up to about 1150°C (2100°F).
- Maintains Strength When Hot: Adding nitrogen, alongside carbon, significantly bolsters the alloy's ability to resist creep – that slow stretching that can occur under load at high temperatures. In practice, this means components made from 253MA hold their shape and integrity longer, extending service life considerably.
- Handles Certain Tough Atmospheres: Compared to grades with much higher nickel content (like 310), 253MA often fares better in reducing environments where sulfur is present. It also holds its own in atmospheres containing carbon and nitrogen, conditions that can challenge some other alloys.
- Resists Embrittlement: The carefully balanced composition helps prevent the formation of sigma phase, a brittle structure that can sometimes form in stainless steels after prolonged exposure to intermediate temperatures. This enhanced stability means less worry about the material losing toughness over time.
- Offers Economic Advantages: Because nickel is a significant cost driver in alloys, 253MA's leaner nickel content often makes Alloy 253MA Sheet and plate a more budget-friendly choice than higher-nickel alternatives, without making major sacrifices in essential high-temperature performance.
- Fabricator-Friendly: Good news for welders: 253MA generally behaves like familiar austenitic stainless steels during fabrication. Standard welding techniques work well, though for the best results, especially concerning high-temperature strength in the weld, using recommended filler metals (such as 22.12.HT) is advisable.
Essentially, 253MA Plates & Sheets occupy a crucial space, offering a step up from standard stainless grades and providing a potent, often more economical, alternative to high-nickel alloys for challenging thermal processing needs.
253MA Plates & Sheets Specifications
Consistency and reliability are non-negotiable for materials used in demanding applications. That's why USA Piping Solution ensures all our 253MA Plates & Sheets adhere to established international standards and specifications.
Technical Specifications
Specification Point |
Typical Detail |
---|---|
Primary Standard |
ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
UNS Number |
S30815 |
European Norm (EN) |
1.4835 |
Product Forms |
Plate, Sheet, Coil, Strip |
Plate Thickness |
Generally 3/16" (4.8mm) up to 4" (100mm), specifics upon request |
Sheet Thickness |
Generally 0.018" (0.5mm) up to near 3/16" (4.8mm) |
Standard Widths |
48" (1219mm), 60" (1524mm), potentially up to 78.7" (2000mm) or custom |
Standard Lengths |
96" (2438mm), 120" (3048mm), 240" (6096mm) or custom lengths available |
Available Finishes |
Hot Rolled Annealed & Pickled (HRAP / No. 1), Cold Rolled (2B, 2D, BA) |
Special Forms |
Perforated Sheet, Chequered Plate can often be sourced or produced |
Edge Conditions |
Mill Edge, Slit Edge, Sheared Edge |
Remember, material availability is dynamic. For the most current information on specific dimensions, finishes, and stock levels, please connect with USA Piping Solution directly.
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
The performance profile of UNS S30815 Plates is a direct result of its specific chemical ingredients and the mechanical strength derived from them, particularly under heat.
Chemical Composition (Typical)
Getting the elemental balance right is what gives 253MA its high-temperature prowess. A typical composition looks like this:
Element |
Symbol |
Typical % Range |
Contribution to Performance |
---|---|---|---|
Chromium |
Cr |
20.0 - 22.0 |
The cornerstone for fighting oxidation and general corrosion. |
Nickel |
Ni |
10.0 - 12.0 |
Key for the stable austenitic structure, adds toughness, aids hot strength. |
Silicon |
Si |
1.40 - 2.00 |
Dramatically improves oxidation resistance, especially working with Ce. |
Nitrogen |
N |
0.14 - 0.20 |
A powerful strengthener at high temps, significantly boosting creep resistance. |
Cerium |
Ce |
0.03 - 0.08 |
Enhances the protective oxide scale's adherence, vital under thermal cycling. |
Carbon |
C |
0.05 - 0.10 |
Adds to high-temperature strength, balanced with Nitrogen's effect. |
Manganese |
Mn |
≤ 0.80 |
Helps during the steel production process. |
Phosphorus |
P |
≤ 0.040 |
An impurity element, kept to a minimum. |
Sulfur |
S |
≤ 0.030 |
Another impurity, levels are restricted for optimal properties. |
Iron |
Fe |
Balance |
The fundamental base metal providing the alloy's structure. |
Note: These percentages represent typical ranges per ASTM A240. While slight variations exist between different production batches (heats), all material will conform to the certified standard.
Mechanical Properties
While room temperature data provides a starting point, the true measure of ASTM A240 253MA Plate is its behavior when things get hot.
Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties:
Property | Typical Value | Units | Reference Standard |
---|---|---|---|
Ultimate Tensile Strength | 650 (95) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM A240 |
0.2% Offset Yield Strength | 310 (45) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM A240 |
Elongation (in 2" or 50mm) | 40 | % | ASTM A240 |
Hardness (Approximate) | 95 | Rockwell B | |
217 | Brinell (HB) | ||
Density | 7.8 | g/cm³ | |
Melting Range | 1371 - 1432 (2500-2610) | °C (°F) |
The High-Temperature Advantage:
Let's be clear: 253MA earns its keep in heated environments. Its most compelling mechanical characteristic is its excellent creep rupture strength. This resistance to slow deformation under sustained stress at high temperatures significantly outperforms common grades like 304 or 316, and frequently surpasses even 310 stainless steel, especially within the 850°C to 1100°C (1560°F - 2010°F) range. What does this mean for you? Longer lasting components in your high-temperature equipment. Additionally, its austenitic nature ensures it remains tough and resists becoming brittle, even at cryogenic temperatures.
For detailed engineering calculations involving performance under heat, consulting specific creep and stress rupture data charts is crucial. The technical team at USA Piping Solution is ready to assist in providing this necessary data for your specific operating conditions.
Types and Variations of 253MA Plates & Sheets
USA Piping Solution supplies 253MA / UNS S30815 in the formats manufacturers need most:
- 253MA Plates: Generally refers to the thicker material (starting around 3/16" or 4.8mm), typically hot-rolled, annealed, and pickled (HRAP or No. 1 finish). This is the workhorse for structural elements, heavy furnace parts, and applications demanding substantial material thickness. Standard and custom-cut sizes are available.
- 253MA Sheets: Thinner gauge material, often produced via cold rolling. This process allows for smoother surface finishes (like the common 2B matte or brighter BA finishes) and tighter control over thickness. Sheets find use in liners, heat shields, expansion joints, and lighter fabricated items.
- 253MA Coils: For high-volume production or continuous processes, 253MA sheet or strip can be supplied in large coils. This format is efficient for automated lines producing things like tubing or long components, and can be slit down to specific widths.
- 253MA Strip: Narrower sections precisely slit from coil. Strip is often destined for specific parts like high-temperature seals, gaskets, clamps, or smaller formed components.
- Specialty Forms (Upon Request):
- Perforated 253MA Sheet: We can facilitate the supply of sheets with punched hole patterns for applications needing airflow or drainage at high temperatures, such as industrial baskets, trays, or screens.
- 253MA Chequered Plate: Plate featuring a raised pattern for grip can also be sourced, although less common for primary high-temp structural roles compared to flat plate.
We focus on providing the material in the most efficient form for your fabrication process. Discuss your specific needs with us.
Applications and Industries Served
Where does the unique skillset of 253MA Plates & Sheets shine? In industries facing the dual challenge of intense heat and potentially corrosive atmospheres:
- Furnace Engineering & Heat Treatment: This is prime territory for 253MA. Uses include:
- Radiant tubes, muffles, retorts – essential for controlled heating.
- Internal structures like linings, hearths, supports.
- Burner components enduring direct flame impingement.
- Conveyors, belts, chains moving workpieces through heat.
- Baskets, trays, fixtures holding parts securely during processing.
- Petrochemical & Refining Sector: Finds critical use in:
- Tube hangers supporting piping inside large process heaters.
- Components for flare stacks handling hot exhaust gases.
- Internals for reactors operating under demanding conditions.
- Ducting and cyclone separators processing hot streams.
- Power Generation Facilities: Leveraged for:
- Durable nozzles in pulverized coal burners.
- Components for soot blowers cleaning boiler tubes.
- Parts within waste incineration and biomass energy plants.
- High-temperature ductwork and essential expansion joints.
- Cement & Lime Manufacturing: Contributes to:
- Components inside rotary kilns facing extreme heat and abrasion.
- Robust chain systems operating within the kiln environment.
- Burner pipes and related assemblies.
- Pulp & Paper Mills:
- Specific uses in recovery boilers, such as smelt spouts, requiring durability.
- Other Diverse Applications:
- High-performance sections of automotive exhaust systems.
- Equipment involved in glass production.
- Various types of industrial combustion chambers.
In short, any application pushing beyond the limits of standard stainless steel due to temperatures approaching 1150°C (2100°F), particularly in oxidizing conditions or where specific resistance to sulfidation is needed, is a potential candidate for High-Temperature Stainless Steel Plate like 253MA.
253MA Plates & Sheets Size Chart
USA Piping Solution offers a wide range of dimensions. While inventory fluctuates, this chart gives a general idea of common sizes:
Product Type | Typical Thickness | Common Widths | Common Lengths |
---|---|---|---|
Plate | 3/16" (4.8mm) - 2" (50.8mm) * | 48" (1219mm), 60" (1524mm), 72" (1828mm) | 96" (2438mm), 120" (3048mm), 144" (3658mm), 240" (6096mm) |
Sheet | 0.018" (0.5mm) - < 3/16" (4.76mm) | 36" (914mm), 48" (1219mm), 60" (1524mm) | 96" (2438mm), 120" (3048mm), 144" (3658mm) |
Coil/Strip | 0.018" (0.5mm) - < 3/16" (4.76mm) | Custom slit widths available | Continuous (Coil) / Specific (Strip) |
- Need plate thicker than 2 inches? Let's discuss your specific requirements.
- Custom dimensions are part of our service through cutting and shearing.
- As stock levels change, it's always best to verify current availability for your needed size.
Certifications and Compliance Standards
Peace of mind comes from knowing your materials meet the grade. At USA Piping Solution, we ensure every piece of 253MA Plates & Sheets is backed by proper documentation and adherence to recognized standards:
- Core Standard: Manufactured primarily in accordance with ASTM A240 / ASME SA240. This is the foundational specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general use.
- Grade Confirmation: Material certifies to UNS S30815 chemistry and properties, and typically aligns with the requirements of EN 1.4835.
- Traceability Guaranteed: You'll receive Mill Test Certificates (MTCs), usually following the EN 10204 3.1 standard. This crucial document provides the 'birth certificate' for your material, detailing its exact chemical analysis, mechanical test results, heat treatment history, and traceability back to the producing mill and heat number.
- Further Testing Options: If your project requires testing beyond the standard MTC (like ultrasonic inspection, specific corrosion tests, or elevated temperature tensile data), we can coordinate these through certified independent labs.
We are committed to providing materials you can trust, fully certified to meet industry regulations and your project specifications.
Why Choose USA Piping Solution for 253MA Plates & Sheets?
Making the right choice of supplier for advanced materials like 253MA directly impacts your project's success. Here’s why clients choose USA Piping Solution:
- Specialized Knowledge: We don't just sell metal; we understand it. Our team has specific expertise in high-temperature alloys, including Alloy 253MA Sheet and plate. We can offer meaningful advice on selection, application suitability, and even fabrication considerations.
- Assured Quality: Quality isn't just a buzzword for us. We partner with reputable mills known for consistent production and implement rigorous quality checks. Every order of ASTM A240 253MA Plate comes with full certification, ensuring you get exactly what you specified.
- Inventory & Access: We maintain a solid stock of common 253MA sizes to support quick turnarounds. For less common requirements, our strong mill relationships enable efficient sourcing.
- Value-Added Processing: Need plates or sheets cut to specific dimensions? Our processing services (including precision plasma, waterjet, shearing) deliver material ready for your fabrication lines, potentially saving you time and reducing scrap.
- Dedicated Service: We operate on a partnership model. Our goal is to understand your needs and provide responsive, reliable support throughout the entire process, from initial inquiry to on-time delivery.
- Compliance Focus: We ensure all materials meet the relevant ASTM, ASME, and EN standards, providing the necessary paperwork to satisfy project requirements and regulatory bodies.
When you source UNS S30815 Plates from USA Piping Solution, you gain a supplier committed to quality, technical support, and dependable performance.
Related Products
Beyond 253MA, USA Piping Solution is your source for a comprehensive range of stainless and alloy solutions:

310/310S Stainless Steel Plates & Sheets
A popular choice for high heat, offering higher nickel content than 253MA.

309/309S Stainless Steel Plates & Sheets
Another reliable option for elevated temperature service.

316/316L Stainless Steel Plates & Sheets
Excellent corrosion resistance, particularly important where chlorides are a concern.

Duplex Stainless Steel Plates (like 2205)
Offering high strength combined with outstanding resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking.

Nickel Alloy Plates (Various Grades)
For the most severe temperature and corrosion challenges, including Inconel®, Hastelloy®, and Monel® alloys.

Complementary Piping Products
Explore our range of pipes, tubes, fittings, and flanges in similar high-performance materials.
Final Call to Action
Is your high-temperature equipment built to last?
In the demanding environments of furnaces, petrochemical plants, power generation units, and heat treatment facilities, 253MA Plates & Sheets supplied by USA Piping Solution provide the essential combination of high-temperature strength and robust oxidation resistance needed for reliable, extended service life.
Don't let substandard materials compromise your operational efficiency or safety. Our team is ready to assist with selecting the right grade, providing technical details, and delivering UNS S30815 Plates and sheets processed precisely to your requirements.
Elevate the performance of your high-temperature applications. Reach out to USA Piping Solution today for a competitive quote, to discuss your unique project challenges, or to inquire about our current 253MA inventory.
Request Your 253MA Plat & Sheets Quote Today!