Sandvik 253 MA (253 MA is a trademark owned by Outokumpu OY) is an austenitic chromium-nickel steel alloyed with nitrogen and rare earth metals. The grade is characterized by:

• High creep strength

• Very good resistance to isothermal and, above all, cyclic oxidation

• Very good resistance to combustion gases

• Good structural stability at high temperatures

• Good weldability

The grade can be used at temperatures up to about 1150°C (2100°F).

The high creep strength of Sandvik 253 MA, coupled with its excellent oxidation resistance and its good resistance to carburisation in constantly carburising gas, makes it a very suitable material for purposes for which 18/8 steels lack the necessary resistance to oxidation and carburisation. Stainless chromium steels have insufficient creep strength and structural stability. What is more, 253 MA can very well take the place of higher-alloyed materials such as 25Cr/20Ni steels and Alloy 800H, or even Alloy 600 in certain cases.

Sandvik 253 MA has come to be extensively used in the metallurgical industry and in the petrochemical and power industries.