A new stainless material called the 445NF developed by South Korean steel giant POSCO has been registered with the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) with the serial number S44536.
It is the second POSCO-developed ASTM-designated steel material, following 329LD which is currently sold under the trademark of POSDUO.
ASTM's unified numbering system is an alloy designation system widely accepted in North America.
According to a POSCO press release, developed by adding 21 percent chrome and lowering carbon and nitrogen content, the 445NF steel has improved weldability, corrosion resistance and is more price competitive. It is mainly used for kitchen utensils and interior materials of elevators.
In collaboration with the Korea Machinery, Meter and Petrochemical Testing and Research Institute, an umbrella organization of South Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, POSCO has been preparing two more new steel materials for ASTM registration, namely 304CuW and 304J1.