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Stainless Steel Grades
Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which helps form a thin, invisible layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel. This oxide layer protects the material from corrosion and rusting. Stainless steel is commonly used for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to perform under harsh conditions.
Stainless steel is a group of iron-based alloys known for their corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. These materials are used in various industries, from construction and automotive to medical and food processing.
Properties of Stainless Steel
Key types of alloy steel include:
- Corrosion Resistance Stainless steel's primary advantage is its resistance to corrosion, especially in environments that would otherwise cause rust in ordinary steel.
- Durability: It is highly durable and resistant to wear, oxidation, and high temperatures.
- Strength: It maintains strength at both high and low temperatures.
- Non-reactivity:Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it doesn't leach harmful substances into food, liquids, or medicines, making it ideal for medical, food, and pharmaceutical applications.
Table of Content
200 Series Stainless Steel
The 200 series stainless steels are a group of austenitic alloys containing high levels of manganese and lower levels of nickel compared to the 300 series. These alloys provide excellent corrosion resistance and are often used in various applications where resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and heat is necessary.
Grades of 200 Series Stainless Steel
201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel is known for its high corrosion resistance and strength. It is a cost-effective alternative to 304 stainless steel, as it contains less nickel and more manganese and nitrogen. This grade is widely used in industries such as food processing, kitchen equipment, and other environments where corrosion resistance is crucial.
- Applications: Food processing equipment, kitchen equipment, countertops, and other applications requiring moderate corrosion resistance.
- Mechanical Properties: Good strength, ductility, and formability.
- Corrosion Resistance: Comparable to 304, but not as resistant to acidic environments as 304 steel.
202 Stainless Steel
202 stainless steel is a modification of 201 stainless steel with a higher manganese content. This steel is stronger and harder than 201, making it more suitable for use in demanding applications. It is commonly used in appliances, food service equipment, and other applications where strength and moderate corrosion resistance are important.
- Applications: Household appliances, kitchen equipment, food service equipment, and architectural applications.
- Mechanical Properties: High strength and hardness, making it useful for structural and architectural applications.
- Corrosion Resistance: Slightly less corrosion resistant than 304 but suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications.
204 Stainless Steel
204 stainless steel is stronger than 201 and 202 stainless steels, with a higher chromium content. It is primarily used in structural and architectural applications where strength and durability are key. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for use in construction and manufacturing of large structures.
- Applications: Structural applications, architectural applications, and industrial uses that require higher strength.
- Mechanical Properties: Stronger than both 201 and 202, with high tensile strength.
- Corrosion Resistance: Moderate corrosion resistance, suitable for applications in less harsh environments.
205 Stainless Steel
205 stainless steel is a low-carbon alloy that is commonly used in appliances and architectural applications. It has higher strength than 201 but a lower cost compared to 304, making it a cost-effective alternative for various applications that require strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
- Applications: Household appliances, kitchen equipment, and architectural applications requiring moderate corrosion resistance.
- Mechanical Properties: Excellent strength, hardness, and ductility.
- Corrosion Resistance: Good corrosion resistance, but it is still inferior to 304 in highly corrosive environments.
Mechanical Properties of 200 Series Stainless Steel
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HRB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | 515-1030 | 205-275 | 80-90 |
| 202 | 515-1030 | 240-310 | 85-95 |
| 204 | 590-1030 | 250-310 | 95-105 |
| 205 | 515-1030 | 235-300 | 85-95 |
The 200 series stainless steels provide a cost-effective alternative to the 300 series, with good strength, formability, and corrosion resistance. These grades are suitable for applications where high corrosion resistance is not required in highly corrosive environments, and they are commonly used in the food processing, appliance, and architectural industries. Depending on the specific requirements, different grades such as 201, 202, 204, and 205 can be selected for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
300 Series Stainless Steel
The 300 series stainless steels are austenitic, chromium-nickel alloys that offer excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and good machinability. These steels are widely used in applications requiring excellent formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance, such as in the food processing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Grades of 300 Series Stainless Steel
304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is one of the most widely used stainless steels. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly against atmospheric and dilute acid environments. It has good forming and welding characteristics, making it ideal for applications such as food processing, kitchen equipment, and chemical containers.
- Applications: Kitchenware, food processing, medical devices, chemical containers, and architectural uses.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion in most environments.
- Mechanical Properties: Good tensile strength and toughness, can be easily welded and formed.
316 Stainless Steel
316 stainless steel is known for its superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments and against chloride-induced corrosion. It is often used in more aggressive environments, including chemical processing, marine applications, and in the production of pharmaceutical and food equipment.
- Applications: Marine environments, chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and medical implants.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.
- Mechanical Properties: High strength, excellent weldability, and good toughness at cryogenic temperatures.
304L Stainless Steel
304L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of 304 stainless steel. The reduced carbon content helps minimize carbide precipitation during welding, making it more suitable for welded structures that require higher resistance to intergranular corrosion.
- Applications: Chemical processing equipment, welded structures, piping, and tanks.
- Corrosion Resistance: Similar to 304, but better for welded structures due to reduced carbide precipitation.
- Mechanical Properties: Comparable to 304, with improved weldability and reduced risk of corrosion at the weld joints.
316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel is the low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel. It has improved weldability and greater resistance to corrosion at the weld joints, making it ideal for use in industries that require high-performance materials in corrosive environments.
- Applications: Marine, medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing equipment, where superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion is needed.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to chloride corrosion, especially in marine and chemical environments.
- Mechanical Properties: Similar to 316 but with enhanced resistance to weld decay.
309 Stainless Steel
309 stainless steel has a higher chromium and nickel content compared to 304, making it more resistant to high temperatures and oxidation. It is used for high-temperature applications such as heat exchangers, furnaces, and other equipment exposed to high temperatures.
- Applications: High-temperature applications, such as furnace parts, heat exchangers, and chemical reactors.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion at elevated temperatures.
- Mechanical Properties: High tensile strength, good creep and fatigue strength, and excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
Mechanical Properties of 300 Series Stainless Steel
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HRB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 520-720 | 205-290 | 70-90 |
| 316 | 520-720 | 205-290 | 70-90 |
| 304L | 520-720 | 205-290 | 70-90 |
| 316L | 520-720 | 205-290 | 70-90 |
| 309 | 520-700 | 205-290 | 75-95 |
303 Stainless Steel
Overview: 303 Stainless Steel is a highly machinable austenitic stainless steel alloy containing sulfur or selenium for improved machinability. It is widely used for precision machining, such as gears, bolts, and other complex parts. Its corrosion resistance is good, but not as high as other grades like 304.
Chemical Composition:
- Iron (Fe): Balance
- Chromium (Cr): 17-19%
- Nickel (Ni): 8-10%
- Manganese (Mn): 2% max.
- Sulfur (S): 0.15-0.30%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.2% max.
- Carbon (C): 0.15% max.
- Silicon (Si): 1% max.
Standard Specifications:
- AISI/SAE 303
- ASTM A582
- UNS S30300
321 Stainless Steel
Overview: 321 Stainless Steel is a titanium-stabilized version of 304 stainless steel. It offers excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion, making it ideal for applications involving heat and chemical exposure, such as in exhaust systems, furnace parts, and heat exchangers.
Chemical Composition:
- Iron (Fe): Balance
- Chromium (Cr): 17-19%
- Nickel (Ni): 9-12%
- Titanium (Ti): 5x(C+N)% min
- Manganese (Mn): 2% max.
- Carbon (C): 0.08% max.
- Silicon (Si): 1% max.
- Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max.
- Sulfur (S): 0.030% max.
Standard Specifications:
- AISI/SAE 321
- ASTM A240
- UNS S32100
310 Stainless Steel
Overview: 310 Stainless Steel is a high-temperature resistant grade, known for its excellent oxidation resistance, especially in temperatures up to 2100°F (1150°C). It is commonly used in industries such as furnace, heat treatment, and high-temperature applications due to its exceptional resistance to thermal degradation.
Chemical Composition:
- Iron (Fe): Balance
- Chromium (Cr): 24-26%
- Nickel (Ni): 19-22%
- Manganese (Mn): 2% max.
- Silicon (Si): 1.5% max.
- Carbon (C): 0.25% max.
- Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max.
- Sulfur (S): 0.03% max.
Standard Specifications:
- AISI/SAE 310
- ASTM A240
- UNS S31000
The 300 series stainless steels are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. They are widely used in industries that require materials with superior resistance to oxidation, pitting, and corrosion, particularly in chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, and marine applications. The various grades, including 304, 316, 304L, 316L, and 309, are suitable for a range of demanding environments, with each offering specific advantages based on their composition and properties.
400 Series Stainless Steel
The 400 series stainless steels are martensitic or ferritic alloys primarily used for their high strength and excellent wear resistance. Unlike the austenitic 300 series, the 400 series steels have a higher carbon content, which gives them increased hardness and the ability to be heat-treated. These steels offer good resistance to corrosion in less corrosive environments and are commonly used for applications like automotive components, industrial equipment, and cutlery.
Grades of 400 Series Stainless Steel
410 Stainless Steel
410 stainless steel is a martensitic stainless steel grade that provides good strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. It can be hardened by heat treatment, which improves its strength and hardness. This grade is typically used in applications that require moderate corrosion resistance and good resistance to wear.
- Applications: Pump shafts, valve components, cutlery, surgical instruments, and other general-purpose items.
- Corrosion Resistance: Moderate resistance, not suitable for environments exposed to high corrosion levels.
- Mechanical Properties: High strength and hardness, but reduced ductility and toughness compared to austenitic grades.
420 Stainless Steel
420 stainless steel is a high-carbon martensitic steel with a higher hardness level compared to 410. This grade can achieve the highest hardness of any stainless steel, making it ideal for applications where wear resistance is paramount. However, it has lower corrosion resistance than other stainless steel grades and is typically used in situations where hardness is prioritized over corrosion resistance.
- Applications: Cutting tools, blades, medical instruments, and high-wear parts.
- Corrosion Resistance: Fair to moderate corrosion resistance; not suitable for highly corrosive environments.
- Mechanical Properties: Excellent hardness, high wear resistance, but reduced corrosion resistance and toughness.
430 Stainless Steel
430 stainless steel is a ferritic stainless steel that offers good corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments. It is non-hardenable by heat treatment, but its magnetic properties make it useful for certain applications. 430 is commonly used in consumer goods and automotive applications.
- Applications: Automotive trim, appliances, kitchen equipment, and general-purpose applications.
- Corrosion Resistance: Good resistance to oxidation and corrosion, especially in mildly corrosive environments.
- Mechanical Properties: Good formability and moderate strength, but it is not suitable for high-strength applications.
431 Stainless Steel
431 stainless steel is a martensitic stainless steel that combines high strength with good corrosion resistance. It can be heat-treated to achieve high hardness and strength, and it is often used in marine applications and other environments where a balance of strength and corrosion resistance is needed.
- Applications: Marine environments, turbine blades, pumps, and other high-stress applications where corrosion resistance is important.
- Corrosion Resistance: Good corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments, but not as high as 316 stainless steel.
- Mechanical Properties: High strength and toughness with the ability to resist pitting and crevice corrosion.
Mechanical Properties of 400 Series Stainless Steel
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HRB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 410 | 500-750 | 205-300 | 80-95 |
| 420 | 500-900 | 250-500 | 90-100 |
| 430 | 415-585 | 205-275 | 70-90 |
| 431 | 620-850 | 275-450 | 80-100 |
The 400 series stainless steels are primarily martensitic and ferritic alloys that offer a good balance of strength, hardness, and moderate corrosion resistance. These grades are widely used in applications where high strength and wear resistance are required, but the environment is not highly corrosive. Common industries that use 400 series steels include automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods manufacturing.
430F
430F Stainless Steel is a ferritic, martensitic stainless steel that contains a higher level of carbon and sulfur to improve machinability. It is a free-machining grade of 430 stainless steel, making it suitable for applications where parts need to be easily manufactured, such as fasteners, bolts, and gears. It offers good corrosion resistance but has slightly lower resistance than other grades like 304 or 316. It is magnetic and has lower formability than austenitic stainless steels.
Chemical Composition:
- Iron (Fe): Balance
- Chromium (Cr): 16-18%
- Nickel (Ni): 0.75% max.
- Manganese (Mn): 1.00% max.
- Sulfur (S): 0.15-0.35%
- Carbon (C): 0.12% max.
- Silicon (Si): 1.00% max.
- Phosphorus (P): 0.04% max.
Key Properties:
- Good Machinability: Higher sulfur content enhances the machinability compared to other grades of stainless steel.
- Corrosion Resistance: Moderate resistance to corrosion in mild environments. Not as resistant as austenitic grades like 304 or 316.
- Magnetic: Being a ferritic grade, it is magnetic.
- Strength: It has good tensile strength, but it is less ductile than austenitic stainless steels.
- Formability: Lower formability compared to austenitic stainless steels due to its ferritic nature.
Applications:
- Fasteners and Bolts: Commonly used in manufacturing fasteners, bolts, screws, and other mechanical components.
- Automotive Parts: Used in automotive applications such as valves, gears, and exhaust components.
- Household Appliances: Suitable for certain kitchen appliances, washing machines, and other household items.
- Industrial Components: Used in parts such as shafts, valves, and springs where high machinability is required.
- Marine and Chemical Industries: Used in environments where mild corrosion resistance is acceptable.
Standard Specifications:
- AISI/SAE 430F
- ASTM A276
- UNS S43020
1.4313
1.4313 is a martensitic stainless steel offering high strength, good toughness, and moderate corrosion resistance. It’s commonly used in hydroelectric turbines, oil & gas equipment, and other demanding environments.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.03 – 0.05 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.0 – 14.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.5 – 5.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.5 |
Key Properties
| Property |
|---|
| Martensitic microstructure |
| High tensile strength (900–1100 MPa) |
| Good corrosion resistance |
| Fair weldability with heat treatment |
Standards & Designations
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| EN/DIN | 1.4313 |
| AISI/ASTM | Similar to 415 / CA6NM |
| UNS | S41500 |
Typical Applications
- Hydraulic turbines
- Pump shafts and impellers
- Power generation equipment
- Marine and petrochemical components
431
Grade 431 is a high chromium, low nickel, high hardenability martensitic stainless steel with excellent tensile and torque strength, along with good corrosion resistance.
Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| EN/DIN | 1.4057 |
| AISI/ASTM | 431 |
| UNS | S43100 |
Chemical Composition (approx.)
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.0 – 17.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.25 – 2.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
Key Features
| Feature |
|---|
| Excellent tensile strength and toughness |
| Moderate corrosion resistance |
| Good resistance to scaling up to 925°C |
| Can be hardened by heat treatment |
EN57 Stainless Steel Grade
EN57 is a type of ferritic stainless steel that contains high chromium and low carbon, offering good corrosion resistance, especially in mild environments. It is known for being magnetic and is commonly used in domestic appliances, cutlery, and automotive trim.
Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| BS (British Standard) | EN57 |
| UNS | S43000 |
| ASTM/AISI | 430 |
Chemical Composition (approx.)
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.12 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
Key Properties
| Property |
|---|
| Good resistance to oxidation and corrosion |
| Magnetic in all conditions |
| Moderate strength and hardness |
| Excellent surface finish and polishability |
1.4057 Stainless Steel Grade
1.4057 is a martensitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and high strength. It is often used in mechanical components that require good wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistance, such as shafts, bolts, and pump parts.
Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| EN/DIN | 1.4057 |
| AISI/ASTM | 431 |
| UNS | S43100 |
Chemical Composition (approx.)
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.0 – 17.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
Key Properties
| Property |
|---|
| Martensitic microstructure |
| High tensile strength (850–1000 MPa) |
| Good corrosion resistance |
| Moderate machinability |
| Fair weldability with post-weld heat treatment |
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