Types and uses of some stainless steel materials

Types of Stainless Steel and Their Uses

The invention of stainless steel in the early 20th century revolutionized the world of modern materials. This low-maintenance, highly durable family of products offers a range of versatile options with countless uses. Different types of stainless steel can be chosen based on their properties and the intended application. The most commonly used are the 200, 300 and 400 stainless steel series.

200 Series

The 200 series of stainless steel is comprised mostly of austenitic grades. These are easy to form and can become very bright and reflective when polished. The predominant alloying element is chromium and generally contains a lower quantity of nickel than the 300 series. Common grades within this series include 201, 202, 203 and 204.

These grades are often used for applications requiring good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and formability. As a result, this series is often seen in the catering, medical and plastics industry.

300 Series

The 300 series of stainless steel includes alloys with higher nickel and chromium content, as well as other alloys such as 304 and 316 stainless. This series is extremely durable and incredibly resistant to corrosion, making it the preferred solution for medical, marine, and industrial applications.

304 stainless steel is the most common grade and is widely used, while 316 stainless provides the best corrosion resistance of all the stainless steel alloys. These grades are ideal for independent projects and architectural applications, as they are highly resistant to corrosion and fire.

400 Series

The 400 series of stainless steel is the most popular choice for both commercial and industrial applications. This series contains ferritic and martensitic grades, which are available in various shapes and sizes.

Common grades within this series include 403, 405, 409 and 410. This type of stainless steel has greater strength, offers good durability and is a cost-effective option. This series is often used in outdoor applications, such as the automotive industry, construction, and the food industry.

Conclusion

Stainless steel offers an array of versatile options with countless uses. Stainless steel can be categorized into three types based on their properties and intended use. These include the 200 Series of stainless steel, which consists of austenitic grades with lower nickel and chromium content, the 300 Series of stainless steel, which consists of more durable and corrosion-resistant alloys, and the 400 Series of stainless steel, which consists of ferritic and martensitic grades that provide greater strength and are a cost-effective option.

Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains a minimum of 10.5% to 11% chromium content by mass. It is also known as inox steel or inox from French inoxydable. Stainless steel resists corrosion, maintains its strength at high temperatures, and is easy to maintain. This makes it a popular material for many types of applications.

Stainless steel is generally categorized into five groups depending on its microstructure and composition: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardened steels.

Austenitic steels are the most widely used stainless steel family of all. They possess good formability and excellent corrosion resistance. Austenitic steels are non-magnetic and have excellent weldability. This type of steel is used in a variety of applications, including kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, home and commercial microwaves, and power generation plants.

Ferritic steels are magnetic and have good corrosion resistance, making them ideal for many industrial applications. This type of steel is often used in automotive exhaust systems, heat exchangers, and lighting fixtures.

Martensitic steels have high strength and wear resistance. They can be hardened and tempered, making them an ideal choice for cutlery and surgical instruments.

Duplex steels are a combination of austenitic and ferritic steels and are about twice as strong as austenitic steels. This type of steel is used in a variety of applications, including piping, pressure vessels, and water heaters.

Precipitation hardened steels are also referred to as PH steels and are strengthened by heat treatments. This type of steel is often used in aircraft parts, turbines, and pumps.

No matter which type of stainless steel is used, it is always an economical choice due to its cost-to-performance ratio. Its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance make stainless steel an ideal material for many industrial applications.