AFNOR Z6CN18-10
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel
Introduction
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel designation associated with the French AFNOR classification system. It belongs to the 18% chromium–10% nickel family of austenitic stainless steels and is valued for its combination of corrosion resistance, ductility, formability and weldability.
The designation Z6CN18-10 indicates an austenitic stainless steel containing approximately 18% chromium and 10% nickel, with controlled carbon content. The chromium provides a passive protective layer, while nickel contributes to the stability of the austenitic structure and overall corrosion resistance.
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 can be compared with international stainless steel grades within the AISI 304 / UNS S30400 family. However, an exact one-to-one equivalence should not be assumed without verifying the applicable AFNOR specification, product form, chemical composition, metallurgical condition and material certificate.
The material can be supplied in different product forms, including stainless steel pipes, tubes, sheets, plates, round bars, flanges and fittings, for applications in oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, food and beverage, water treatment, pharmaceutical, construction and general engineering.
Key Features
- AFNOR Z6CN18-10 designation.
- Austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel.
- Approximately 18% chromium.
- Approximately 10% nickel.
- Good general corrosion resistance.
- Good resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
- Good oxidation resistance.
- High ductility.
- Good formability.
- Good to very good weldability.
- Good surface finishing and polishing characteristics.
- Generally non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
- Not hardenable through conventional quenching.
- Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Specifications
| Property | Z6CN18-10 |
|---|---|
| Standard / Designation | AFNOR Z6CN18-10 |
| Material Family | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Type | Chromium-Nickel |
| Chromium | Approximately 18% |
| Nickel | Approximately 10% |
| Microstructure | Austenitic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good |
| Weldability | Good to Very Good |
| Formability | Good |
| Ductility | High |
| Heat Treatment | Solution Annealing, where applicable |
| Hardening | Not hardenable by conventional quenching |
| Magnetic Condition | Generally non-magnetic when annealed |
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 Equivalent Grades
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 belongs to the 18Cr-10Ni austenitic stainless steel family and is commonly compared with Type 304 stainless steel.
| Standard / System | Grade / Reference |
|---|---|
| AFNOR | Z6CN18-10 |
| AISI | 304 – family comparison |
| UNS | S30400 – family comparison |
| EN | 1.4301 – family comparison |
| Material Type | 18Cr-10Ni Austenitic Stainless Steel |
Important: These references represent commonly used family comparisons and should not automatically be considered exact equivalents. Chemical composition, mechanical properties, product standard, heat treatment and certification must be checked before material substitution.
Available Products
Emirerri Steel can supply AFNOR Z6CN18-10 in various product forms according to customer and project requirements:
- Z6CN18-10 Seamless Stainless Steel Pipes
- Z6CN18-10 Welded Stainless Steel Pipes
- Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Tubes
- Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger Tubes
- Z6CN18-10 Sheets
- Z6CN18-10 Plates
- Z6CN18-10 Round Bars
- Z6CN18-10 Flanges
- Butt Weld Fittings
- Forged Fittings
- Custom Industrial Components
Products can be supplied in standard or customized dimensions, thicknesses, lengths, surface finishes and delivery conditions.
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 Chemical Composition
The exact chemical composition of AFNOR Z6CN18-10 must be verified against the applicable AFNOR specification and product standard. The following values are provided as indicative reference values for the 18Cr-10Ni stainless steel family.
| Element | Indicative Composition |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.06%* |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≈ 17–19% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≈ 9–11% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00%* |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00%* |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045%* |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030%* |
| Nitrogen (N) | According to applicable specification |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
* Exact chemical limits depend on the applicable AFNOR designation, product form, specification and material condition.
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties depend on product form, thickness and delivery condition. The following are typical/reference values associated with 304-type austenitic stainless steel.
| Mechanical Property | Typical / Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 205 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Elastic Modulus | ≈ 193 GPa |
| Hardness | According to material condition |
Guaranteed mechanical properties should always be confirmed against the applicable product standard and Material Test Certificate.
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 Physical Properties
| Physical Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ≈ 7.9–8.0 g/cm³ |
| Elastic Modulus | ≈ 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | ≈ 16 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | ≈ 500 J/kg·K |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | ≈ 17–18 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Microstructure | Austenitic |
Types of Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Products
Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Pipes
Z6CN18-10 stainless steel pipes are used for transporting liquids and gases in industrial and process piping systems where good general corrosion resistance is required.
They can be supplied in seamless or welded configurations depending on application, dimensions and applicable standards.
Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Tubes
Z6CN18-10 tubes are suitable for process equipment, heat exchangers, water-treatment systems, food-processing equipment and general industrial applications.
Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Sheets & Plates
Sheets and plates can be used for manufacturing:
- Storage tanks
- Process equipment
- Industrial structures
- Chemical equipment
- Mechanical components
- Food-processing equipment
- Fabricated assemblies
Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Round Bars
Round bars are used for machining and manufacturing:
- Shafts
- Axles
- Bushes
- Pins
- Flanges
- Mechanical components
- Industrial machine parts
Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel Flanges & Fittings
Z6CN18-10 flanges and fittings are used for connecting stainless steel piping systems.
They can be supplied according to applicable flange and fitting standards, pressure classes and project specifications.
Corrosion Resistance
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 provides good general corrosion resistance in many atmospheric, aqueous and industrial environments.
The chromium content promotes the formation of a passive oxide layer that helps protect the steel surface against many common forms of corrosion.
However, like other 304-type austenitic stainless steels, Z6CN18-10 can be susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments.
For highly chlorinated, marine or aggressive environments, materials such as 316L, Duplex 2205 or Super Duplex 2507 may be considered depending on the actual service conditions.
Material selection should consider:
- Chloride concentration
- Operating temperature
- pH
- Fluid composition
- Exposure duration
- Pressure
- Environmental conditions
Heat Resistance
Z6CN18-10 provides good oxidation resistance under many service conditions and can be used in selected elevated-temperature applications.
Its suitability for high-temperature service depends on:
- Operating temperature
- Exposure duration
- Atmosphere
- Pressure
- Chemical environment
- Metallurgical condition
For continuous exposure to particularly high temperatures, a grade specifically developed for high-temperature applications may be required.
Heat Treatment
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 is an austenitic stainless steel and cannot be hardened through conventional quenching and tempering.
Solution annealing may be performed under suitable manufacturing conditions to restore the desired austenitic structure and corrosion resistance.
Heat-treatment parameters should be established according to the applicable material and product specification.
Welding
Z6CN18-10 offers good to very good weldability and can be welded using several industrial processes:
- TIG / GTAW
- MIG / GMAW
- MAG
- SMAW
- FCAW
- SAW
- Orbital welding for suitable tubular applications
The welding procedure should consider material thickness, joint design, welding process, filler material and project requirements.
Appropriate post-weld cleaning is important for preserving the corrosion-resistant surface.
Fabrication
Z6CN18-10 is suitable for various fabrication processes, including:
- Cutting
- Bending
- Rolling
- Forming
- Stamping
- Drawing
- Machining
- Welding
- Polishing
- Brushing
Cold working can increase strength and hardness through strain hardening. Appropriate tooling and machining parameters should therefore be selected.
Surface Finishes
Depending on the product form, Z6CN18-10 can be supplied with different surface finishes:
- No. 1
- 2B
- BA
- No. 4
- Brushed
- Satin
- Polished
- Industrial finish
The surface finish can be selected according to aesthetic, hygienic, functional and industrial requirements.
Applications
Oil & Gas
- Process piping
- Industrial piping
- Storage equipment
- Piping components
- General process equipment
Petrochemical & Chemical
- Chemical process equipment
- Storage tanks
- Process piping
- Heat exchanger components
- Corrosion-resistant equipment
Food & Beverage
- Food-processing equipment
- Storage tanks
- Sanitary tubing
- Conveying systems
- Processing components
Water Treatment
- Water piping
- Filtration equipment
- Storage tanks
- Water-treatment systems
- Industrial water equipment
Pharmaceutical
- Process equipment
- Stainless steel tubing
- Storage tanks
- Hygienic components
- Process systems
Construction & General Engineering
- Architectural components
- Industrial structures
- Mechanical components
- Fabricated equipment
- Decorative applications
Z6CN18-10 vs AISI 304
| Characteristic | AFNOR Z6CN18-10 | AISI 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Material Family | Austenitic Stainless Steel | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Chromium | ≈ 18% | ≈ 18% |
| Nickel | ≈ 10% | Typically ≈ 8–10.5%, depending on specification |
| Carbon | According to specification | According to applicable specification |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good |
| Weldability | Good to Very Good | Excellent |
| Formability | Good | Excellent |
| General Applications | Industrial and general corrosion-resistant service | Industrial and general corrosion-resistant service |
| Equivalence | Requires verification | International reference grade |
Z6CN18-10 can be compared with the AISI 304 family, but exact equivalence should be confirmed using the applicable AFNOR/product standard, chemical composition, mechanical properties and Material Test Certificate.
Quality & Certification
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 products can be supplied with quality documentation according to customer and project requirements.
Documentation may include:
- Material Test Certificate (MTC)
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate, where specified
- Chemical analysis
- Mechanical test reports
- Dimensional inspection
- Visual inspection
- Surface inspection
- Heat-treatment records, where applicable
- Non-destructive testing, where specified
- Material traceability
- Inspection documentation
Quality requirements can be aligned with applicable AFNOR, ASTM, ASME, EN or project-specific specifications, depending on the product.
Why Choose AFNOR Z6CN18-10?
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 offers a combination of:
- Good general corrosion resistance
- High ductility
- Good formability
- Good weldability
- Good surface finishing capability
- Good fabrication performance
- Availability in multiple product forms
- Broad industrial applicability
It is suitable for general applications requiring an austenitic 18Cr-10Ni stainless steel.
Conclusion
AFNOR Z6CN18-10 Stainless Steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel designation belonging to the 18Cr-10Ni stainless steel family.
Its combination of corrosion resistance, ductility, formability, weldability and fabrication characteristics makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Z6CN18-10 can be compared with the AISI 304 / UNS S30400 / EN 1.4301 family, but exact equivalence should always be confirmed against the applicable AFNOR or product standard, chemical composition and Material Test Certificate.
Emirerri Steel can supply Z6CN18-10 in pipes, tubes, sheets, plates, round bars, flanges, fittings and other industrial components, according to required dimensions, specifications and quality documentation.
The material can be used in oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, water treatment, construction and general engineering applications.
For highly chloride-rich, marine or aggressive chemical environments, material selection should be based on the actual service conditions and project requirements.
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