Stainless Steel Castings

Welcome to Bhanu Special Castings Pvt. Ltd. – your trusted partner for premium stainless steel castings in Vijayawada and across India. As a leading stainless steel foundry, we specialize in manufacturing corrosion-resistant, high-performance stainless steel components in grades including 304 (CF8), 316 (CF8M), duplex 2205, and specialty alloys for chemical processing, marine, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and architectural applications.

Stainless steel castings are corrosion-resistant ferrous alloys containing minimum 10.5% chromium, which forms a self-healing passive oxide layer on the surface, protecting against rust, pitting, and chemical attack. Our castings deliver exceptional corrosion resistance (especially in marine/chloride environments with 316), excellent strength-to-weight ratios, hygienic non-porous surfaces ideal for food/pharma, superior weldability and machinability, and outstanding heat resistance (up to 1100°C in high-alloy grades)—making them indispensable where carbon or low alloy steels would corrode rapidly.

Our stainless steel castings deliver unmatched performance including outstanding corrosion resistance in acids, alkalis, and seawater, exceptional hygiene for food-contact surfaces, high tensile strength (485-800+ MPa depending on grade), superior heat and oxidation resistance, and excellent formability. Manufactured to ASTM A743, A351, CF8, CF8M standards, these castings serve as valve bodies and pump housings, marine propellers and deck fittings, food processing equipment, chemical reactor components, and architectural hardware. With advanced AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) refining and comprehensive corrosion testing, every casting meets stringent international quality standards.

Our Product Range

We manufacture corrosion-resistant stainless steel castings engineered for demanding service environments:

  • Valve Bodies & Components Ball, gate, globe, and check valves in grades such as CF8M (316) for chemical and corrosive service.
  • Pump Parts Impellers, casings, and volutes designed for corrosive fluids and seawater applications.
  • Marine Fittings Propeller hubs, rudder stocks, and deck hardware in duplex grades such as 2205.
  • Food Processing Equipment Sanitary fittings, mixer blades, and conveyor components for hygienic processing lines.
  • Pharmaceutical Components Reactor vessels, piping components, and sanitary connections for sterile environments.
  • Chemical Processing Parts Heat exchanger components, reactor internals, and column trays for aggressive chemical media.
  • Architectural Hardware Decorative fittings, railings, and structural architectural components.
  • Custom Stainless Steel Castings Application-specific designs manufactured to customer specifications.

Weight Range: 0.2 kg to 3000 kg | Grades: CF8, CF8M, 304, 316, Duplex 2205

Industry Applications

Our stainless steel castings serve critical corrosion-resistant applications across:

  • Chemical Processing Acid and alkali handling equipment for chemical and petrochemical industries.
  • Food & Beverage Dairy, brewing, beverage processing, and meat processing facilities.
  • Marine & Offshore Ships, offshore platforms, desalination plants, and coastal installations.
  • Pharmaceutical Drug manufacturing, sterile processing systems, and cleanroom equipment.
  • Water Treatment Desalination, wastewater treatment, and potable water systems.
  • Architecture Building facades, decorative elements, and public infrastructure.
  • Oil & Gas Offshore platforms, subsea equipment, and refinery components.
  • Power Generation Turbine components, heat exchangers, and cooling systems.

Stainless steel castings are produced using high-chromium alloys (10.5-26% Cr) with varying nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen content to create austenitic (304, 316), martensitic (410, 420), duplex (2205), or specialty grades. The chromium forms a passive chromium oxide layer that self-heals when scratched, providing exceptional corrosion resistance in chemical, marine, food processing, and pharmaceutical applications where carbon steel would fail within days or weeks.

Advanced Stainless Steel Casting Process

At Bhanu Special Castings, our stainless steel foundry employs AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) refining and precision casting techniques to produce corrosion-resistant components with tight composition control and superior surface finish.

1. Design & Pattern Engineering

CAD design optimized for stainless steel shrinkage characteristics, sanitary design for food/pharma applications, corrosion allowance calculations.

2. AOD Refining & Melting

Argon Oxygen Decarburization for ultra-low carbon (L grades), precise Cr, Ni, Mo addition, induction melting with controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation.

3. Precision Casting & Solidification

Investment casting or sand casting per application, controlled cooling to prevent carbide precipitation, clean sand/oxide removal for food-grade finish.

4. Solution Annealing

Solution treatment at 1040-1150°C (grade dependent) followed by rapid quenching to retain austenite and dissolve carbides for maximum corrosion resistance.

5. Finishing & Passivation

CNC machining with coolants to prevent work-hardening, electropolishing or pickling for sanitary surfaces, passivation treatment to enhance oxide layer.

6. Corrosion & Quality Testing

Intergranular corrosion testing (ASTM A262), salt spray testing for marine applications, ferrite measurement for duplex grades, surface roughness verification.

Heat Treatment for Optimal Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel heat treatment is critical for corrosion resistance. Improper treatment can cause carbide precipitation (sensitization) leading to intergranular corrosion failure. Our controlled processes ensure maximum performance:

Heat Treatment Temperature & Process Purpose & Benefits For Grades
Solution Annealing (Austenitic) 1040-1150°C, rapid water quench Dissolve carbides, retain austenite, maximize corrosion resistance 304, 316, 310, CF8, CF8M (most critical)
Stabilization (L Grades) 900-920°C, air cool Precipitate Ti/Nb carbides away from grain boundaries 304L, 316L, 321, 347 (welded components)
Quench & Temper (Martensitic) 980-1050°C quench + 150-750°C temper Achieve high hardness (350-550 HB) with toughness 410, 420, CA15, CA40 (valves, shafts)
Solution Treat (Duplex) 1020-1100°C, water quench Balance austenite-ferrite phases (50/50 target) 2205, 2507, duplex alloys
Passivation Treatment Chemical (nitric/citric acid) at 20-60°C Remove free iron, enhance passive oxide layer All grades after machining (food/pharma critical)

Customization and Quality Assurance

We provide fully customized stainless steel castings engineered to your exact specifications, from grade selection and sanitary finish requirements to passivation treatments for food/pharma compliance. Our team in Vijayawada ensures every component meets stringent corrosion resistance and hygiene standards.

Customization Capabilities
  • Grade selection (304, 316, 2205, 310, 904L per application)
  • Sanitary design for food/pharma (3A, EHEDG standards)
  • Surface finish specifications (Ra values, electropolishing)
  • Passivation and pickling treatments
  • Investment casting for complex geometries
  • Material certifications (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
Quality Testing & Certifications
  • Chemical Analysis (PMI) Positive Material Identification to verify chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content.
  • Corrosion Testing Intergranular corrosion testing as per ASTM A262, salt spray testing, and PREN calculation for corrosion resistance assessment.
  • Mechanical Testing Tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness testing conducted as per ASTM A743 requirements.
  • Ferrite Content Measurement Ferrite level measurement for duplex stainless steel grades and welded areas to ensure metallurgical stability.
  • Surface Finish & Passivity Surface roughness measurement and passivation testing to confirm corrosion-resistant surface integrity.
  • ASTM A743 / ASTM A351 Compliance Full material certification, traceability, and documentation in accordance with applicable ASTM standards.

Every stainless steel casting undergoes rigorous testing including PMI chemical analysis, intergranular corrosion testing (ASTM A262 Practice A/E), ferrite measurement, surface finish verification, and comprehensive mechanical testing. Our quality protocol guarantees compliance with ASTM A743, A351, FDA, 3A Sanitary standards.

Why Choose Bhanu Special Castings for Stainless Steel?

With specialized expertise in corrosion-resistant stainless steel castings for chemical, marine, food, and pharmaceutical applications, we deliver superior quality, proper heat treatment, and reliable performance. Here's why we're the trusted choice:

Corrosion Expertise

Decades of experience with marine, chemical, and food-grade stainless steel castings with proven service records in harsh environments.

AOD Refining

Argon Oxygen Decarburization for ultra-clean stainless steel with precise composition control and low carbon L grades.

Food/Pharma Certified

FDA compliant, 3A Sanitary Standards, sanitary design with electropolished finishes for hygienic applications.

Corrosion Testing Lab

In-house ASTM A262 intergranular corrosion testing, salt spray chamber, PREN calculation for pitting resistance.

Marine Grade Specialist

Duplex 2205 and super austenitic 904L for severe marine/offshore applications with superior pitting resistance.

Technical Partnership

Material selection guidance, corrosion assessment, passivation support, and field troubleshooting assistance.

Grades and Applications of Stainless Steel Castings

Our stainless steel castings are available in various grades including ASTM A743, CF8, CF8M, SS 304, SS 304L, SS 316, SS 316L, SS 310, SS 310L, 410, 904, and 2205 . Each grade is engineered for specific properties such as corrosion resistance, strength, and heat tolerance to suit different industrial requirements.

Stainless steel castings are widely used across industries requiring durability, corrosion resistance, and precise engineering. Key application areas include:

  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical Processing
  • Food and Beverage Equipment
  • Marine and Offshore Components
  • Automotive and Transportation Parts
  • Architectural and Decorative Elements
Grade Properties Common Applications
304 (CF8) General-purpose austenitic, good corrosion resistance Food processing, general equipment, architectural components
316 (CF8M) Enhanced corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments Chemical processing, marine equipment, pharmaceutical equipment
304L (CF3) / 316L (CF3M) Low carbon for welding applications, prevents carbide precipitation Welded components, chemical and food processing equipment
410 / 420 Martensitic, magnetic, high strength and hardness Valves, pump components, automotive parts
2205 (Duplex) Mixed austenite-ferrite, high strength, excellent corrosion resistance Chemical processing, marine, oil & gas, industrial machinery
904 / 310 / 310L High alloy austenitic, heat and corrosion resistant High-temperature equipment, chemical & power industries

Key Properties & Benefits of Stainless Steel Castings

Stainless steel castings form a self-healing passive chromium oxide layer that delivers outstanding corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh, wet, and chemically aggressive environments. They also provide hygienic surfaces and reliable high-temperature performance.

  • Exceptional Corrosion Resistance Resists rust, pitting, and crevice corrosion, especially in grades such as 316 and duplex 2205 used in chloride-rich and marine environments. The self-healing oxide layer ensures long-term durability in chemical, food, and pharmaceutical service.
  • High Strength & Durability Offers good tensile strength typically ranging from 485–700+ MPa with excellent toughness. Duplex grades such as 2205 provide significantly higher yield strength for demanding loads.
  • Hygienic & Easy to Clean Non-porous, smooth surfaces resist bacterial adhesion, making stainless steel ideal for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical equipment where sanitation is critical.
  • Heat & Oxidation Resistance High-temperature grades such as 310 and 904L perform reliably at temperatures exceeding 1100°C, suitable for heat exchangers, furnaces, and exhaust systems.
  • Versatility & Aesthetic Appeal Excellent weldability and machinability combined with an attractive surface finish. Austenitic grades are non-magnetic, making them suitable for architectural and decorative uses.
  • Long Service Life & Low Maintenance Reduces downtime and replacement costs in marine, offshore, chemical, and industrial environments, delivering strong lifecycle value.

These properties make stainless steel castings the preferred choice for corrosion-critical, hygienic, and high-reliability applications across demanding industries.

Typical Composition & Properties (ASTM A743 / Common Casting Grades)

Element / Property Typical Range / Value Notes (e.g., CF8=304, CF8M=316, etc.)
Chromium (Cr)16–26%Forms protective oxide layer; higher in duplex/high-alloy (e.g., 22% in 2205)
Nickel (Ni)4–14%Stabilizes austenite; low in martensitic (e.g., 410), higher in 316/2205
Molybdenum (Mo)0–4%Improves pitting resistance (2–3% in 316/CF8M, 3% in 2205)
Carbon (C)≤0.08% (≤0.03% for L grades)Low to prevent carbide precipitation; L grades for welding
Nitrogen (N)0–0.3%Boosts strength/corrosion in duplex (e.g., 0.14–0.20% in 2205)
Tensile Strength485–800+ MPaHigher in duplex/martensitic (e.g., 620+ MPa min for 2205)
Yield Strength205–550+ MPaDuplex excels (e.g., 450 MPa min for 2205)
Elongation20–40%Good ductility in austenitic; lower in martensitic
Hardness (HB)140–300 (austenitic); up to 400+ (martensitic)Heat-treatable in 410/420 for hardness

Values typical for solution-annealed conditions in ASTM A743/A351 grades (CF8=304, CF8M=316, etc.); duplex/martensitic offer higher strength. Custom heat treatments and compositions available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

304 (18% Cr, 8% Ni) is suitable for general corrosion resistance, food processing, and architectural applications without chloride exposure. 316 (18% Cr, 10% Ni, 2-3% Mo) is essential for marine, chemical processing, coastal environments, and any chloride-containing applications. The molybdenum in 316 provides 5-10x better pitting resistance. Always use 316 for seawater or where salt/chlorides are present.

Sensitization occurs when stainless steel is held at 450-850°C, causing chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries. This creates chromium-depleted zones susceptible to intergranular corrosion. We prevent it through: 1) Proper solution annealing (1040-1150°C) followed by rapid quenching, 2) Using L grades (304L, 316L) with <0.03% carbon, 3) ASTM A262 testing to verify resistance. Never weld austenitic stainless without post-weld solution treatment or using L grades.

Duplex 2205 (22% Cr, 5% Ni, 3% Mo, 0.15% N) has 50% austenite, 50% ferrite microstructure providing 2x the yield strength of 316 (450 MPa vs 205 MPa) with superior pitting/crevice corrosion resistance (PREN ~35 vs 24 for 316). Use duplex for: offshore platforms, desalination, chemical processing, marine propellers, and applications needing both high strength and corrosion resistance. More expensive than 316 but enables weight savings through thinner sections.

Yes! We manufacture FDA-compliant, 3A Sanitary Standards certified stainless steel castings for food/beverage equipment. Requirements: 304/316L grade, electropolished finish (Ra ≤0.8 μm), sanitary design (no crevices, drainable, cleanable), passivation treatment, material certification. Our castings serve dairy, brewing, meat processing, and beverage industries. We provide 3A certification and material certificates confirming food-grade compliance.

Passivation is a chemical treatment (typically citric or nitric acid) that removes free iron contamination from machining and enhances the chromium oxide passive layer. Critical after machining because embedded iron particles can cause rust spots and compromise corrosion resistance. Our passivation process per ASTM A967 ensures clean, oxide-rich surface. Essential for marine, food/pharma, and chemical applications. We verify passivity with copper sulfate or salt spray testing.

Yes, comprehensive documentation includes: Material Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1/3.2), PMI chemical analysis (Cr, Ni, Mo, N verification), ASTM A262 intergranular corrosion test (Practice A or E), ferrite number for duplex grades, mechanical properties (tensile, yield, elongation), hardness test, surface roughness measurement, passivation certificate, and salt spray test results for marine applications. Full heat traceability from steel mill to final component.

Yes, we have specialized CNC machining capabilities for stainless steel (which work-hardens during cutting). We use sharp carbide tools, proper coolants, reduced speeds, and sequential machining to achieve ±0.05-0.2mm tolerances. For sanitary applications, we provide Ra 0.4-0.8 μm surface finish through precision grinding and electropolishing. Investment casting can achieve near-net-shape geometries reducing machining requirements for complex parts.

Primary sectors: Chemical Processing (25%), Food & Beverage (20%), Marine & Offshore (20%), Pharmaceutical (15%), Water Treatment & Desalination (10%), Architecture (5%), Oil & Gas (5%). We serve clients across India and export to Middle East (desalination, offshore), Southeast Asia (chemical processing, marine), and Europe (food equipment). Approved supplier to major chemical plants, food processors, and shipyards.

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