ASTM ASME 440B Stainless Steel Pipes & Tubes

ASTM/ASME 440B Stainless Steel Pipes & Tubes are ultra-high-carbon martensitic (UNS S44003) products conforming to ASTM A213/A268 standards, featuring a precision-engineered chromium (16-18%) and high-carbon (0.75-0.95%) composition for extreme hardness (up to 60 HRC when properly heat-treated) and superior wear resistance. This advanced cutlery-grade alloy offers enhanced edge retention and abrasion resistance compared to 440A, with maintained corrosion protection through optimized tempering processes. The material achieves peak performance through specialized quenching and multiple tempering cycles, developing exceptional compressive strength for bearing surfaces, surgical implants, and industrial cutting applications. While primarily utilized in precision components rather than structural piping, 440B stainless steel tubes serve critical functions in high-wear applications including chemical processing valves, aerospace components, and specialized tooling where maximum hardness and moderate corrosion resistance are paramount. Requires controlled post-fabrication heat treatment to achieve full properties and exhibits limited weldability characteristic of hypereutectoid martensitic grades.