• END USER INTERVIEW • materials selection
ward duplex stainless steels. That was a major driver.”
Today, that transition is largely complete.
“ Duplex- particularly 2205- is now considered a standard material for us. It’ s not exotic anymore. It’ s not difficult to source, and it’ s not something that concerns our fabricators.”
This normalisation is significant. Materials that were once treated as highrisk or specialist options have moved into the mainstream, supported by improved supply chains, better fabrication practices, and a more experienced workforce.
At the higher end of the spectrum, the same trend is beginning to take hold.
“ We’ re using more super duplex now than we did in the past, particularly where we need additional corrosion resistance. And I think that will continue.”
Welding and fabrication: No longer a barrier Historically, one of the major objections to duplex stainless steels was weldability. Early adoption was slowed by concerns over phase balance, heat input control, and the risk of embrittlement.
Barber is clear that those concerns have largely been addressed.
“ Texas is effectively the metals hub of America, especially for imports.”
– David Barber, Senior Manufacturing & Engineering Fellow, Global Improvement Leader and Materials Engineering Discipline Leader at Dow Inc.
“ Welding really isn’ t a problem anymore. When duplex first came in, that was the big issue everyone talked about. But today, it’ s treated as a normal material. Our approved fabricators around the world are comfortable working with it.”
That shift reflects not just improved metallurgy, but also decades of accumulated practical experience- procedures, training, and quality control systems that have matured alongside the materials themselves.
If duplex has become standard, lean duplex remains something of a work in progress.
“ We’ re trying to use more lean duplex where it makes sense,” Barber says.“ But the challenge is availability- particularly across all the product forms we need.”
This limitation has practical consequences. In many cases, engineers are forced to adopt hybrid solutions.
“ You might use lean duplex plate, but then switch to 2205 for nozzle necks or flanges simply because those forms aren’ t available. From a corrosion standpoint, that’ s acceptable-2205 gives you a margin-but it’ s not ideal from a standardisation or cost perspective.”
The implication is clear: for lean duplex to achieve wider adoption, the supply chain must evolve-not just in volume, but in product diversity.
Supply chains under pressure While technical barriers to advanced stainless steels have largely diminished, economic pressures are intensifying. The chemical sector is operating in an environment of tight margins and heightened cost scrutiny.
“ The industry is extremely price-conscious right now,” Barber notes.“ That’ s pushing us to look further afield for supply, particularly in lower-cost regions.”
This global sourcing strategy is not new, but it is becoming more aggressive. And it brings with it a familiar set of risks.
Stainless Steel World Americas | June 2026 | ssw-americas. com 25