So, what is Lean Duplex Stainless Steel? When and where would you use it? A big topic for a short article. This is merely a brief introduction. Perhaps it will encourage further investigation. Also, we are referring here only to solid round bar, sheet and plate.

For many decades, Austenitic Stainless Grades dominated the industrial and commercial marketplace. They provided excellent general corrosion resistant properties. Then, hardenable martensitic grades began to see usage where increased strength was required. The successful combination of the grain types (Austenite and Ferrite) into one steel introduced Duplex Stainless Steel. Duplex grain structures allowed the broadest utilization of the properties of each. The initial concept was not terribly new; having been introduced about 80 years ago. LEAN DUPLEX stainless steels were the offspring of that product. Early improvements to the Duplex grade involved the enrichment of chemistry of the initial Duplex grade creating upgrades called; Super Duplex and Hyper Duplex; elevated property products with elevated price tags. A significant nickel shortage in the late 1960’s sent engineers scrambling to reverse the “richer is better” trajectory. They embarked upon a project that would minimize the expensive elements in the steel to lower the cost. Minimizing the content of key elements was expected to likewise minimize effectiveness. That was acceptable provided any new grade was still effective in combatting corrosion (specifically Stress Corrosion Cracking, or SCC) and increasing strength over the levels provided by the Austenitic and Martensitic grades used prior to the inception of Duplex.

The resultant steel was Lean Duplex (LDX). It was leaner and cheaper by a long shot. The great surprise was that the resultant loss in corrosion resistance and strength was not as significant as was anticipated. In fact, it was minimal for most intended service applications.

Fairly quickly, the LDX grades enjoyed overwhelming acceptance in the global manufacturing of various tanks, vessels and tubing. So much so, that it is rare these days to find any of those items that do not contain some percentage of Lean Duplex Stainless Steel. What was not readily apparent was the huge potential for daily use as upgraded replacements for the myriad of mundane, and unheralded daily maintenance wear parts and widgets that represent the lowest rung on the maintenance metals food chain; the gremlin maintenance parts that bend and pit and wear. The parts that won’t disassemble because of galling.

My opinion: Lean Duplex shafting, sheet and plate is under-used as a maintenance material. It needs a publicist, promoter or talent agent. Some gnarly champion that might say; “You can use that sh..t on anything!”

It’s that good. Why, it’s the Ginsu knife, the Veg-O-Matic of stainless shafts.

the lean duplex grades are stronger than the austenitic grades of 304 and 316. In my opinion they are generally better grades than 410 and 416. But wait, there’s more, Lean Duplex resists Stress Corrosion Cracking in Sour Service Applications. Since it will most likely be non-similar to your current stainless grades and because it will most likely have a different hardness, it is not disposed to gall. Plus, it is stronger and easier to machine.

Conclusion & Sales Pitch: Associated Steel is one of the few service centers that carries Lean Duplex (ASC2250® LDX) in long shafts they will cut to size. They also carry IN STOCK two different shaft finishes; Fine Turned Oversize “the size will make the size” resulting in less machining and less wasted material, and a Precision polished finished guaranteed bearing fit. Try it! Inquire on hi-def plasma cut parts from plate. Make maintenance life a little easier. Note: Your particular maintenance application has unique characteristics. Always refer to published material information sheets for qualification. 

-Howard Thomas, May 6th 2019