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 Strength | 485–800+ MPa | Higher in duplex/martensitic (e.g., 620+ MPa min for 2205) |
| Yield Strength | 205–550+ MPa | Duplex excels (e.g., 450 MPa min for 2205) |
| Elongation | 20–40% | 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)
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