STAINLESS STEEL RESISTANT TO DELAYED CRACKING AND A METHOD FOR ITS PRODUCTION

The invention relates to a stainless steel exhibiting transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect resistant to delayed cracking and to the method for producing the stainless steel. The resistance to delayed cracking in the stainless steel is achieved limiting the total hydrogen content of the stainless steel measured by inert gas fusion method below 4 weight ppm, preferably below 3 weight ppm by a heat treatment performed at the temperature range between 100° C. and 700° C. for 0.1-300 hours, preferably at 200-600° C. for 1-100 hours, and more preferably at 250-500° C. for 1-100 hours.