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Type Analysis
Single figures are nominal except where noted.

Carbon (Maximum) 0.15 % Manganese 6.50 to 9.00 %

Phosphorus (Maximum) 0.060 % Sulfur (Maximum) 0.030 %
Silicon (Maximum) 1.00 % Chromium 15.50 to 17.50 %
Nickel 1.50 to 3.50 % Molybdenum (Maximum) 1.00 %
Copper 2.00 to 4.00 % Nitrogen 0.05 to 0.25 %
Iron Balance

General Information
Description

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless is a copper-containing, low-nickel, nitrogen-strengthened, austenitic stainless

steel. The nitrogen addition results in higher annealed strength than Type 304; however, the copper addition
reduces the work hardening rate to provide cold worked properties similar to Type 304. The alloy is nonmagnetic
in the annealed condition and remains nonmagnetic after cold working. Cold forming characteristics are superior
to 200 series stainless steels and similar to Type 304.

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless should be considered for applications where Type 304 has been previously used.
These have included wire products such as spring, fence, rope, belt, nail, electropolished, pole-line, buttress
screw and windshield wiper arms.

Scaling

The safe scaling temperature for continuous service is 1400°F (760°C).

Corrosion Resistance

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless has good resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Its resistance to some acids and
corrosive products is comparable to that of Type 304.

Intergranular corrosion may be a problem if the material is heated between 800°F (427°C) and 1650°F (899°C) or
cooled slowly through that range.

For optimum corrosion resistance, surfaces must be free of scale, lubricants, foreign particles, and coatings applied
for drawing and heading. After fabrication of parts, cleaning and/or passivation should be considered.

Important Note:The following 4-level rating scale is intended for comparative purposes only. Corrosion testing is
recommended; factors which affect corrosion resistance include temperature, concentration, pH, impurities,
aeration, velocity, crevices, deposits, metallurgical condition, stress, surface finish and dissimilar metal contact.
Nitric Acid Moderate Sulfuric Acid Restricted
Phosphoric Acid Restricted Acetic Acid Moderate
Sodium Hydroxide Moderate Salt Spray (NaCl) Moderate
Sea Water Restricted Humidity Excellent

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Properties
Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
-- 7.81
Density
-- 0.2820 lb/in³
Mean Specific Heat
73 to 212°F 0.1190 Btu/lb/°F
Mean CTE
77 to 212°F 9.50 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 302°F 9.61 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 392°F 9.77 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 482°F 9.94 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 572°F 10.1 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 662°F 10.2 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 752°F 10.3 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 842°F 10.4 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 932°F 10.6 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 1022°F 10.7 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 1112°F 10.8 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 1202°F 10.8 x 10-6 in/in/°F
77 to 1292°F 10.8 x 10-6 in/in/°F

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Thermal Conductivity
122°F 93.79 BTU-in/hr/ft²/°F
212°F 104.0 BTU-in/hr/ft²/°F
392°F 118.3 BTU-in/hr/ft²/°F
572°F 131.2 BTU-in/hr/ft²/°F
752°F 142.4 BTU-in/hr/ft²/°F
932°F 154.4 BTU-in/hr/ft²/°F

Electrical Resistivity
70°F 460.0 ohm-cir-mil/ft
Typical Mechanical Properties

Typically, the rotating beam fatigue strength of annealed Carpenter Type 204-Cu Stainless is 40.0 ksi (293 MPa) for
10^7 cycles.

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Heat Treatment
Annealing

Heat to 1900/1950°F (1038/1066°C) and water quench, or rapidly cool as with other austenitic stainless steels.
Typical hardness as annealed is approximately Rockwell B 90.

Hardening

Cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Can be hardened only by cold work.

Workability
Hot Working

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless can be readily forged, hot headed, riveted and upset. Because of its high hot
hardness, more power for a given reduction is required than with mild steel. To forge, heat uniformly to 2100/2300°
F (1149/ 1260°C). Do not forge below 1700°F (927°C). Forgings can be air-cooled without danger of cracking. For
full corrosion resistance, forgings must be annealed.

Cold Working

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless is readily fabricated by cold working. It is extremely tough and ductile and
responds well to deep drawing, bending, forming and upsetting. After heavy cold working, it is only slightly
magnetic. Like Type 304, the tensile strength and hardness of Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless can be significantly
increased by cold working.

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Machinability

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless machines similarly to Type 302 and Type 304 stainless. However, because of the
slightly higher annealed strength of Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless, more power input is required. The use of chip
breakers or chip curlers on the tools is advisable. Heavy positive feeds should be used to avoid glazing.

Weldability

Carpenter Type 204-Cu stainless can be satisfactorily welded by the shielded fusion and resistance welding
processes. Oxyacetylene welding is not recommended, since carbon pickup in the weld may occur. When a filler
metal is required, consider AWS E/ER240 welding consumables which should provide welds with strength
approaching that of the base metal. If high weld strength is not necessary, then consider E/ER308. Resistance to
intergranular corrosion can be restored by a postweld annealing treatment.

Other Information
Wear Resistance

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Applicable Specifications
• ASTM A313
Forms Manufactured
• Bar-Rounds • Billet
• Wire • Wire-Rod
Technical Articles
• Alloy Selection for Cold Forming (Part I)

• Alloy Selection for Cold Forming (Part II)

• Development of Type 204 Cu Stainless, A Low-cost Alternative to Type 304

• Selecting New Stainless Steels for Unique Applications

Disclaimer:
The information and data presented herein are typical or average values and are not a guarantee of maximum or
minimum values. Applications specifically suggested for material described herein are made solely for the purpose of
illustration to enable the reader to make his/her own evaluation and are not intended as warranties, either express or
implied, of fitness for these or other purposes. There is no representation that the recipient of this literature will
receive updated editions as they become available.

Unless otherwise specified, registered trademarks are property of

CRS Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Carpenter Technology Corporation.
Copyright 2014 CRS Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.

Edition Date: 09/01/2000

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