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Stainless steel is an important material used in a number of applications. It is favoured because of its unique combination of properties, most notably, its resistance to corrosion and its aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel is also appreciated for its understated beauty as it can be used to create a wide variety of shapes and finishes.
Stainless steel can be graded, depending on its chemical structure, into three main groups, which are austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic. Each of the groups has its own standard range of grades, and within each range, stainless steel grades may be further identified by their alloy content.
Austenitic grades are the most corrosion-resistant stainless steel grades. Examples of iron-chromium-nickel combinations are 304L and 316L. Martensitic grades, on the other hand, contain significant amounts of carbon. 420 and 440 are two common examples of martensitic grades. Ferritic grades are the more cost-effective stainless steel grades, which contain less nickel and chromium content than the austenitic and martensitic classes. Examples of ferritic grades are 409 and 430.
Each grade has its own chemical composition and this defines its specific properties. Stainless steel grades are defined by their chemical composition, which includes the following elements: carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
The specific properties of each grade are determined by its chemical composition as well as its heat treatment and mechanical processing. Each grade’s unique combination of properties provides it with a range of advantages and disadvantages.
The most common grades are 304, 316 and 430. Grade 304, also known as 18/8, contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This grade is very corrosion-resistant and it has excellent formability and weldability characteristics. Grade 304 is often used for applications requiring corrosion-resistance, such as kitchen equipment, decorative trim, and heat exchangers.
Grade 316 is also known as 18/10 and contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This grade has excellent corrosion-resistant properties and is ideal for applications exposed to high levels of chlorides and acids, such as marine environments and food and drink production. Grade 316 is also used for medical applications and for architectural applications, such as in cladding and fixtures.
Grade 430 is also known as magnetic stainless steel and contains around 16% chromium, but only an insignificant amount of nickel. Grade 430 is mostly used in applications where its magnetic qualities are beneficial, such as in electrical appliance cladding and in furniture.
Stainless steel has become a popular choice of material due to its versatility, durability, aesthetic appeal, and its resistance to corrosion. By understanding the different grades and their similarity or difference between their chemical composition, a user can select the grade best suited for their application.
