Ferritic steel is a commonly used stainless steel in welding. It belongs to the stainless steel family which also includes austenitic, duplex, martensitic and precipitation hardening steels. It is a type of stainless steel alloy and contains more than 12% chromium. The proportion of chromium may go up to 30%. However, the carbon content is less than 0.10%. It may or may not have nickel.
Ferritic steel is available in different grades, depending on ferritic stainless steel composition. It can be classified into 1 to 5 grades as per the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The grades 1 to 3 are referred to as standard grades while the grades 4 and 5 are referred to as speciality grades because they are used only in special cases.
The ferritic materials have a wide range of applications in the following industries:
Industrial equipment
Kitchenware
Coldwater tanks
Chemical and food processing
Electrical cabinets
Water treatment plan
Automotive production
Induction cookers
Magnetic fasteners
Dishwashers
Kitchen sinks
Coins
Nuclear reactors
Heat transfer applications
Development of Ferritic Stainless Steels
The history of ferritic steel can be traced to 1912 when Canada-born engineer Frederick Mark Becket discovered a ferrous alloy containing 25-27% chromium. It was the first high-chromium alloy which became heat-resisting stainless steel. However, it was not until the 1980s that ferritic steel became commercially popular.
Ferritic Stainless Steel Properties
The characteristic of ferritic steel is defined by its Body-Centred Cubic (BCC) crystal structure. This means that the crystal structure has a cubic atom cell with an atom in the centre. It is similar to pure iron at room temperature. It is also made up of microstructures called ferrite. Ferrite is a ceramic compound which is a mixture of iron oxide and one or more other metals with ferrimagnetic properties.
Ferritic steel has the following properties:
Magnetic
Non-hardenable by heat treatment
Slightly hardenable by cold rolling
Corrosion-resistant
Good ductility and formability
Low coefficient of thermal expansion
High thermal conductivity
High oxidation resistance
Weldability of Ferritic Steel
Though ferritic steel has low weldability, it is suitable for most arc welding processes. When it comes to Shielded Metal Arc Welding - SMAW electrodes, ferritic steel can offer superior performance. However, welders should limit the heat input to minimise grain growth which otherwise could result in joint cracking.
Conventional Welding
It refers to the process of joining ferritic metal through the application of heat with or without applying pressure or filter.
Reclamation Welding
It refers to the repair of a badly worn out component of ferritic metal and bringing it to its original condition.
If you are looking for flux or wires to weld ferritic steel, you can consider buying them from D&H Secheron.
10 October 2025 | Welding
An In-Depth Exploration of Low-Alloy Steel: Your Comprehensive Guide10 October 2025 | Welding
Six-lane expressway of Mumbai-trans-harbour-link (MTHL) connecting Sewri on Mumbai Island10 October 2025 | Welding
Nagpur - Bori - Tuljapur Road MSH-3 in Yavatmal District (Maharashtra)10 October 2025 | Welding
3 Tips for Finding the Best Mild Steel Electrode for Your Application10 October 2025 | Welding
Ways To Prevent Weld Defects When Working With Different Materials10 October 2025 | Welding
Low Hydrogen Electrodes: Storage, Baking, and Best Practices for High-Quality Welds10 October 2025 | Welding
How to Select the Right Welding Filler Wires for Stainless Steel Welding?10 October 2025 | Welding
SMAW: Guidelines, Advice, and Troubleshooting Tips for Beginners10 October 2025 | Welding
Building the Narendra Modi Stadium with Norma V and Autotherme-1 Electrodes10 October 2025 | Welding
Understanding Gas Welding: Process, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages10 October 2025 | Welding
Low Alloy Steel Welding in a (PEB) Pre Engineered Building Structure10 October 2025 | Welding
Welding Rods: Different Types and Tips for Properly Storing and Handling10 October 2025 | Welding
Tips for Flawless Welds with Stainless Steel Electrodes: Pros and Cons10 October 2025 | Welding
Exploring Applications and Benefits of Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes10 October 2025 | Welding
Mastering Stick Welding: 5 Expert Tips for Perfect SMAW Technique10 October 2025 | Welding
Welding Basics: Joining Metals with Heat and Pressure - A Beginners Guide10 October 2025 | Welding
Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL): Bridging Mumbai and Navi Mumbai10 October 2025 | Welding
Forehand vs. Backhand Welding Techniques: Choosing the Right Method10 October 2025 | Welding
Creep-Resistant Steels: Heat Treatment Excellence by D&H Secheron10 October 2025 | Welding
Welding Innovations to Improve Manufacturing Productivity & Quality10 October 2025 | Welding
Implementation of 96.3 CBM Sarambala medium irrigation scheme at Sawantwadi in Sindhudurg10 October 2025 | Welding
Key Considerations When Choosing the Correct Gas for MIG Welding10 October 2025 | Welding
What are Nickel Electrodes? Exploring Varieties and Applications with Real-world Examples10 October 2025 | Welding
Exploring the World of Welding Consumables: Types and Applications10 October 2025 | Welding
Distinguishing Low-Alloy Steel from High-Alloy Steel: Understanding the Variations10 October 2025 | Welding
Hard Facing Wire - Understanding the Process and Achieving Optimal Result10 October 2025 | Welding
Exploring the Advantages of Stainless Steel Electrodes in Welding Applications10 October 2025 | Welding
Advantages of SAW Welding: Efficiency, Quality, and Cost Savings10 October 2025 | Welding
Weathering Steel vs. Traditional Steel: A Comparative Analysis of Performance10 October 2025 | Welding
Choosing the Right Welding Rod: Why 6013 Electrodes Might Be Your Ideal Option10 October 2025 | Welding
Selecting the Right Hardfacing Electrode: A Decision-Making Guide10 October 2025 | Welding
Innovations in Stainless Steel Welding: Emerging Trends and Technologies for Enhanced Productivity10 October 2025 | Welding
Why 7018 Electrodes Are Preferred for High-Strength Welds in Pipeline Construction10 October 2025 | Welding
Understanding Weathering Steel: Characteristics, Advantages, and Common Applications10 October 2025 | Welding
Filler Wire vs. Stainless Steel Filler Wire: Understanding the Key Differences10 October 2025 | Welding
What are Mild Steel Electrodes? A Detailed Explanation of Different Types with Examples10 October 2025 | Welding
Exploring the Impact of Filler Material on Welding Quality and Durability10 October 2025 | Welding
Understanding the Full Potential of Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)10 October 2025 | Welding
A Comprehensive Guide to Submerged Arc Welding Wire: Benefits, Uses, Best Practices & More10 October 2025 | Welding
Choosing the Right Cast Iron Electrode for Different Welding Projects10 October 2025 | Welding
Benefits of Using Nickel Electrodes in Corrosion-Resistant Welding10 October 2025 | Welding
5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Stainless Steel Welding Rods10 October 2025 | Welding
Top Advantages of Cast Iron Electrodes for Industrial Welding Applications10 October 2025 | Welding
Key Benefits and Challenges of Using TIG Welding in Industrial Projects10 October 2025 | Welding
Lotherme-601: A Game-Changer for Restoring Shoulder Pins in Heavy Machinery10 October 2025 | Welding
How D&H Sécheron Helped Repair a Rotary Kiln’s Cooler Section with LoTherme 35210 October 2025 | Welding
Welding PPE Kit: The Lifesaving Gear You Can’t Afford to Ignore!10 October 2025 | Welding
Piston Repair for Mining Industry: Cost-Effective Solutions with LoTherme 46810 October 2025 | Welding
Top 5 Advantages of Flux Cored Arc Welding for Heavy-Duty Applications10 October 2025 | Welding
5 Reasons Why 7018 Electrode is the Gold Standard for Welding Professionals10 October 2025 | Welding
Revitalising Power Plant Efficiency: The Role of LoTherme 470M in Drive Shaft Repairs