The alloy’s carbon content (0.12 % max) is also comparatively higher than previous alloys, which enables the alloy to be easily drawn and formed without much difficulty.

The alloy is often termed non- hardenable as it cannot be hardened by heat treatment due to lesser than required carbon content. Considering its low work hardening rate, it can be easily cold worked and machined. Since the alloy does not harden excessively during cold working, processes like bending, stretching, rolling, deep drawing and upsetting can be suitably done.

The alloy can certainly not be used at cryogenic temperatures, since it might cause a brittle fracture. The chemical composition has no molybdenum with negligible amount of nickel which reduces the cost of metal and fittingly compensating its properties. The alloy has limited application in welded form because even after the alloy being ferritic, the portion at the weld becomes martensitic in nature due to its carbon content. The welded metal needs to be heat treated to about 850°C, for it to be ductile enough for applications. The tensile strength of the alloy at room temperature is around 500 MPa, remains around 450 MPa at 300°C and eventually decreases after 400°C. The alloy might become a little brittle at room temperature after prolong heat treating and cooling, the same can be managed by annealing.