Outokumpu launched its latest addition to the duplex product family, the FDX platform, and introduced a new pricing model at the Outokumpu Experience in London, UK.
The new FDX product family exhibits a unique combination of price stable alloying with high strength and substantially improved formability. FDX is a new material solution for applications where the formability of current duplex grades has not been sufficient. Like all duplex grades, FDX platform delivers significant material savings and lifecycle advantages compared to traditional stainless steel grades.
The FDX family comprises of two product variants: FDX 25 and FDX 27 having corrosion resistance and formability properties similar to 304 and 316 stainless steels respectively, but twice the mechanical strength. These characteristics make FDX grades well suited for applications with high demands on formability, such as plate heat exchangers, flexible pipes and pumps, where strength, formability, durability and long-term service are required.
Outokumpu also plans to introduce an additional stainless steel pricing model—the Daily Alloy Surcharge that would build on the traditional Monthly Alloy Surcharge mechanism. The new Daily Alloy Surcharge model is designed to address the weaknesses of the monthly model, as it would react far quicker to changes in the volatile alloy costs and provide better delivery reliability for customers.
Outokumpu’s customers would potentially also have the flexibility to decide whether to fix the Alloy Surcharge on the day of the order or only closer to the delivery time. Exact details of the planned model will be developed further based on the customer feedback and findings.