Question:

In several paragraphs of both NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156 it is stated that materials (e.g., austenitic SS) are acceptable if they are free of cold work intended to enhance their mechanical properties or is stated “in the annealed or solution-annealed condition only” (e.g., Ni-based only). Question: Is there a limit to what is considered cold work, e.g., 5%, or is any cold work whatsoever included?

answe:

NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3 does not prohibit all cold work of the austenitic stainless steels; it prohibits cold work intended to enhance mechanical properties. A limit for the percentage of cold work is not provided.

This question is in relation to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3 A.3 and A.4

Reference: ISO 15156 Maintenance Panel Inquiry #2003-28 Q1