New Age Stainless Steel for Auto Industry

20 Years Ago

Columbus Stainless has formulated a revolutionary stainless steel alloy, known as 1.4509 to replace the grade 409 alloy currently being used in South Africa for catalytic converters.

The demand for a more stable alloy that could withstand higher temperatures arose as a result of 409’s poor performance when a vehicle’s engine began heating up.  The blend used in 1.4509 combines titanium with a higher percentage of chromium for better oxidation resistance and niobium for strength at greater temperatures.  The result is a superior product that withstands higher temperatures, remaining stable throughout.

Lucien Matthews, technical manager for research and development at Columbus Stainless, says, “The production of 1.4509 was not trouble-free and initial research and production did have its setbacks.  However, with our highly experienced researchers and professional developers, process metallurgist and customer liaison specialists, we were able to overcome all difficulties and create an alloy of superior quality that exceeds international standards.”

Columbus Stainless’ 1.4509 successfully withstands temperature up to 850°C, with the alloy failing to sag below 4mm in the subsequent “creep” test.

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