What are the main grades of stainless steel?
There are numerous grades of stainless steel, each designed for specific applications based on their composition, properties, and resistance to corrosion. However, here are some of the main categories and common grades:
1. Austenitic Stainless Steels:
- 304: The most widely used grade of stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and formability.
- 316: Similar to 304 but contains molybdenum, giving it better resistance to chlorides and increased resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
2. Ferritic Stainless Steels:
- 430: Contains around 17% chromium but no nickel, making it less expensive than austenitic grades. It provides good corrosion resistance but has limited strength and ductility compared to austenitics.
3. Martensitic Stainless Steels:
- 410: A general-purpose martensitic stainless steel with about 12% chromium content, offering moderate corrosion resistance and good hardness after heat treatment.
- 420: Known for its higher carbon content, which enables it to be hardened and tempered for improved wear resistance, used for cutlery and surgical instruments.
4. Duplex Stainless Steels:
- 2205 (UNS S31803/S32205): Has a two-phase microstructure of austenite and ferrite, providing a balance of strength and corrosion resistance, particularly against chloride stress corrosion cracking.
5. Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels:
- 17-4 PH (UNS S17400): Can be precipitation hardened to achieve high strength and hardness while maintaining good corrosion resistance.
Each grade has its own unique set of characteristics, so choosing the right one depends on factors such as the environment it will be exposed to, mechanical requirements, and cost considerations.
MORE BLOG
-
Stainless steel according to the shape of what?At present, the products divided according to the shape of stainless steel on the market are probably the following categories: stainless steel sheet, stainless steel pipe, stainless steel bar, stainless steel coil, stainless steel profile, stainless steel pipe fittings, etc.
-
How to choose the suitable stainless steel material?The selection of suitable stainless steel materials usually needs to be considered according to the following aspects: Working environment,Mechanical requirements,Processing technology,Cost budgeting,Aesthetic requirements,Long-term performance maintenance
-
Where can 410 stainless steel plate be used?410 stainless steel plate is commonly used in applications where high strength and moderate heat and corrosion resistance are required.