Duplex stainless steel occupies a unique niche in modern metallurgy because it fuses the best attributes of two fundamentally different micro‑structures. The austenitic component gives the alloy outstanding resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, while the ferritic component supplies markedly higher tensile and yield strengths than conventional austenitic grades. Grade S31803—also catalogued under the UNS designation S32205 and commonly known by the commercial name “2205”—is the most widely produced member of the duplex family. It has become the go‑to material for projects where weight, strength and durability must be balanced against aggressive service environments.
Palgotta Metal Pvt Ltd, a well‑established metal‑stockist based in Mumbai, markets its Duplex Steel S31803 Sheets as “highly resistant to rust and corrosion” with a “durable and long‑lasting finish” that complies with the stringent requirements of ASTM A240/ASME SA240. The alloy’s chemistry is deliberately engineered for optimal performance: 22‑23 % chromium provides the fundamental stainless‑steel protection; 4.5‑6.5 % nickel enhances austenite stability and ductility; 3‑3.5 % molybdenum boosts resistance to chloride‑induced pitting; and nitrogen (0.14‑0.20 %) elevates strength while further improving pitting resistance. Trace amounts of carbon (≤ 0.03 %), manganese (≤ 2 %), silicon (≤ 1 %), phosphorus (≤ 0.03 %) and sulfur (≤ 0.02 %) are tightly limited to preserve weldability and avoid sensitisation. This composition yields a Pitting‑Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) that exceeds 40— a widely recognised benchmark indicating that the material can withstand severe chloride attack and stress‑corrosion cracking in harsh environments.
From a physical‑property standpoint, S31803 offers several advantages that translate directly into design flexibility. Its density of 7.805 g cm⁻³ (0.285 lb in⁻³) and melting range of 1 420‑1 465 °C (2 588‑2 669 °F) place it comfortably within the operating envelope of most high‑temperature services. Tensile strengths typically exceed 620 MPa, while the yield strength hovers around 350 MPa— values that are roughly double those of conventional austenitic 300 series stainless steels. The combination of high strength and moderate ductility enables engineers to specify thinner wall sections, thereby reducing overall component weight without compromising load‑bearing capacity. This benefit is especially critical for weight‑sensitive applications such as offshore platforms, subsea pipelines, pressure vessels, and aerospace‑related structures where every kilogram saved improves economics and performance.
A Wide Spectrum of Dimensions and Finishes
What truly differentiates Palgotta’s offering is the sheer breadth of dimensions and surface finishes that can be supplied directly from the shop floor. The company maintains an inventory of duplex sheets in widths ranging from 160 mm to an impressive 1 500 mm, thicknesses from a fine 0.20 mm up to robust 6 mm, and lengths that can be ordered anywhere between 1 m and 6 m. This “cut‑to‑size” capability eliminates the need for secondary machining, shortens lead times, and helps customers optimise material utilisation while keeping waste to a minimum.
Equally versatile is the finish menu. Palgotta can deliver sheets in any of the following standard surface conditions:
- 2B, 2D, BA (Bright Annealed) – classic finishes for welding and general‑purpose fabrication.
- No. 1, No. 4, No. 8 – progressively higher polish levels for aesthetic or hygienic applications.
- Mirror, 8K, Polished – ultra‑high‑reflectivity surfaces suited to architectural cladding and decorative panels.
- Brushed, Etched, Sand‑blasted, Embossed, Hairline, Satin (plastic‑coated) – textural finishes for ambience, slip resistance, or branding.
- Hot‑rolled (HR) and Cold‑rolled (CR) – options that reflect the sheet’s production route and influence mechanical properties.
Beyond these standard options, Palgotta also produces perforated, perforated‑embossed, and other custom‑patterned sheets. Such specialty products can add functionality—improved filtration, acoustic damping, or visual interest—without requiring a separate post‑processing step. By offering this level of customization, the supplier empowers designers to select the exact combination of thickness, width, length, edge‑treatment and surface finish that best meets the performance, aesthetic and cost targets of a given project.
Industries That Trust S31803
The proven track record of duplex S31803 across multiple sectors stems from its balanced property suite. In the offshore and marine arena, the alloy’s resistance to seawater, salt spray and marine bio‑fouling makes it ideal for hull plating, deck structures, pipe supports, rig foundations and subsea manifolds. The oil‑and‑gas industry exploits the high yield strength and SCC resistance for pressure vessels, storage tanks, refinery piping, and heat‑exchanger tubing where cyclic pressure and corrosive fluids are routine.
Chemical and petrochemical plants benefit from the alloy’s ability to resist aggressive acids, alkalis and chlorides, allowing its use in reactors, condensers, and process‑line equipment. Desalination facilities, which continuously expose materials to highly chlorinated seawater, rely on S31803 for condensers, manifold components and seawater‑side heat exchangers, taking advantage of the high PREN value that guards against pitting and stress‑corrosion cracking.
In the power‑generation sector, duplex sheets are employed for boiler tubes, turbine casings and condenser plates, where both high temperature strength and corrosion resistance are required. Finally, the construction and architectural fields value the material’s aesthetic versatility; duplex sheets serve as façade cladding panels, roofing sheets, balcony railings, decorative façades and interior wall claddings, offering designers the ability to combine structural performance with striking visual appeal. Palgotta explicitly lists desalination plants, chemical‑processing equipment, offshore platforms, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, marine structures and architectural cladding among its core markets for duplex sheets a clear testimony to the alloy’s adaptability.
Why Palgotta Metal Is the Preferred Supplier
Choosing Palgotta Metal as the source for S31803 does more than guarantee a high‑grade material; it provides a full‑service value chain that simplifies procurement, ensures compliance, and reduces overall project risk. An in‑house technical team oversees every phase of the process—from the careful selection of certified raw material to the final stages of packaging and dispatch—verifying that each batch meets international standards and is accompanied by a material test certificate (MTC) and a mill test report (MTR)[1].
The company maintains an up‑to‑date price list, allowing both domestic Indian customers and overseas buyers to obtain competitive rates without hidden surcharges. Its export capability is backed by complete documentation, customs clearance support and reliable logistics partners, ensuring that shipments reach global destinations on schedule.
Perhaps most compelling is Palgotta’s ability to tailor dimensions, edge‑treatments and surface finishes to the exact specifications demanded by a project. This flexibility reduces lead times, eliminates the need for secondary machining, and helps engineering teams keep budgets in check while delivering a product that is ready for immediate installation or fabrication. In sectors where performance, reliability and cost‑control are paramount, the combination of a superior alloy and a responsive supplier creates a competitive advantage that can be the decisive factor in winning contracts and delivering long‑lasting solutions.
Conclusion
Duplex stainless‑steel S31803 (UNS S32205, “2205”) stands out as a high‑performance material that bridges the gap between the outstanding corrosion resistance of austenitic grades and the high strength of ferritic alloys. Palgotta Metal Pvt Ltd, with its extensive inventory, wide array of customizable finishes, and rigorous quality‑assurance processes, offers a turnkey solution that meets the exacting demands of offshore, oil‑&‑gas, chemical, power‑generation and architectural applications. By delivering sheets that combine strength, durability, aesthetic flexibility and reliable supply, Palgotta enables designers, fabricators and end‑users to develop lighter, stronger, and longer‑lasting products—exactly the kind of engineering advantage needed in today’s competitive, high‑risk environments.