World Steel Grade Chart (Stainless and Acid Resistant Grades)
Steel is one of the oldest and most versatile of all industrial materials. It is composed of iron and other metals and is used to create everything from bridges to jewelry. Steel is strong, corrosion resistant and relatively lightweight, making it an ideal material for a variety of applications. Steel is often graded according to its strength and durability, with different steel grades suited for different applications.
The most common steel grade used in many industries is stainless steel, which is also known as acid resistant steel. This type of steel is usually made from alloyed iron, chromium and nickel, and is effective in resisting corrosion over extended periods of time. Stainless steel is typically divided into different grades based on its chemical composition, as each grade is best suited for different uses.
Grade 304 stainless steel, also referred to as 18/8 stainless, is the most widely used stainless steel grade. Grade 304 is made up of approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. This combination also provides excellent strength and hardness properties, making it ideal for a range of applications, including cookware, cutlery, and medical equipment.
Grade 316 stainless steel is commonly used in marine environments, as it offers superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for applications exposed to salt water. Grade 316 stainless is composed of approximately 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum, giving it superior corrosion resistance. It is also resistant to acids and corrosion, making it the preferred choice for a variety of marine applications.
Grade 440 stainless steel, a high-end version of grade 304 stainless, is also commonly used in a variety of applications. Grade 440 stainless is composed of approximately 17% chromium, 1% carbon, and 1% molybdenum, giving it superior hardness and strength, as well as good resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Grade 440 is often used for cutlery, bearings, and special industrial tools.
High-performance alloys, such as the nickel-based Inconel 625 and the titanium-based Grade 6AL-4V are also available in various forms. These alloys are specifically designed to be resistant to extreme temperatures and high levels of corrosion, making them the ideal choice for a variety of industrial and aerospace applications.
Stainless and acid-resistant steel grades are widely used in a variety of applications, from bridges to cookware. Different grades are suited for different applications, offering different levels of strength, corrosion resistance and other properties. Steel grade selection should be based on the application and the environment to which it will be exposed in order to ensure a long lifetime of use.
