How to Cut the Best 2205 Duplex Pipe?

The way you cut stainless steel is important because the different grades require particular techniques to ensure they are not spoiled while others may be harder to cut. The best 2205 duplex pipe is partly austenitic so the same methods you would use to cut such stainless steel tubes can be applied to 2205.

Even when you are dealing with the best 2205 duplex pipe, you need to be cautious that you do not undermine its corrosion resistance b using the wrong cutting method. If it is going to be used in an area with corrosive elements, that would affect its durability or even suitability.

In some cases, you may need to buy 304 stainless steel tube to use as a replacement when cutting is required since 304 is faster to deal with and costs less than 2205. However, if you need to work with 2205 only, here is how to go about cutting.

Sawing

Sawing 2205 is no easy task if you do not have the right tools. This steel is hardened and has no inclusions to serve as chip breakers. You would have a hard time trying to use the same equipment for sawing carbons on this grade of stainless steel. For this one, you need strong blades that include alignment systems, as well as a coolant that will serve as a lubricant as the work goes on. The toothed course blade will need to be operated between slow and medium speed to ensure steady progress into the steel as opposed to superficial scratching.

Plasma Laser Cutting

This process is carried out with a similar technique as most austenitic steel. There are minimal adjustments made however and the process is slightly slower. Laser cutting however is faster than sawing. Because duplex steel has higher thermal conductivity as well as more sulfur content in comparison to 316 or 314, there will be a slight difference in the parameters and the outcome but the difference will be negligible.  You will also need to use coolant for lubrication.

Shearing

Shearing 2205 stainless steel requires extra strength in comparison to 304. Although the technique employed is the same, the strength of this steel requires greater power to be added. You would be looking at shear strength of 58% whether it is a cold-rolled sheet of hot rolled plate. You would be able to shear thicker austenitic steel than duplex steel mainly because of its strength. Sometimes you may have to reduce the thickness to shear it.

Conclusion

Although 2205 stainless steel is hard to cut, it has several other properties that make it worth using. With sufficient practice, cutting this steel can become an easy task. However remember, if it is possible to substitute it in certain areas where cutting is needed, do not hesitate to use austenitic steel which has similar properties. It may not be advisable though if the reason you are using 2205 is for its high corrosion resistance, especially in acidic environments.