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Stainless Steel Grades and Classifications Explained
There are many different grades of stainless steel with varying degrees of chemical composition manufactured according to international standards. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron (FE) and chromium (Cr), with a controlled amount of carbon (C). They are a family of steels containing a minimum of 11% chromium, whose primary property is that of corrosion resistance. If 11% or more chromium is added, a protective, passive chromium oxide film will form. The higher the chromium content, the stronger the passive film. Below we discuss the different categories/grades.
Martensitic Stainless Steel
Martensitic Grades are plain chromium alloys with relatively high carbon levels. They are included in the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 400 series. These steels have a moderate corrosion resistance, high strength and hardness developed by heat treatment. They have poor weldability and are magnetic. The most well-known of Martensitic stainless steels are 410, 420 and 440A which are not usually stock standard grades available off the shelf at most South African suppliers.
Ferritic Stainless Steel
Ferritic Grades are plain chromium alloys with low carbon levels and are included in the AISI series. These steels have moderate to excellent corrosion resistance depending on the chromium content. They cannot be strengthened or hardened and with the exception of 3CR12 have poor weldability. They are magnetic. The most well-known of Ferritic stainless steels are grades 430 and 3CR12. Both are readily available in coil and sheet form as well as plate form – 3CR12 only.
Austenitic Stainless Steel
Austenitic grades are steels that are included in both the AISI 300 and AISI 200 series and contain nickel along with the chromium with low to very low carbon contents. These materials have excellent corrosion and high temperature oxidation resistance. The strength and hardness can be increased by cold work. They have excellent cryogenic properties and are non-magnetic. The most well-known of Austenitic stainless steels are grades 304 and 316 both readily available in most forms off the shelf.
Duplex Stainless Steel
Duplex grades are steels that contain chromium but less nickel than the austenitic alloys and have very low carbon contents. They have a duplex (mixed) crystal structure of ferrite and austenite. These steels have excellent corrosion resistance, particularly to pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. They also have high strength, excellent weldability and are magnetic. The most well-known grades are 2205 and 2101. Duplex grades are usually the ‘go to alternative to austenitic grades when excellent corrosion resistance is required and the nickel price rises.
Contact Euro steel for all Your Stainless Steel
Euro Steel is South Africa’s largest stockist and supplier of stainless steel carrying a wide range of the different stainless steels mentioned. Stock availability may vary from branch to branch. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
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