Stainless Steel Composition: What You Need To Know

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy, the main components of which include iron, chromium, nickel, and other alloying elements. The specific combination of these elements endows stainless steel with unique corrosion resistance and other physical properties.
Stainless Steel Composition What You Need To Know_

Below is the data categorized by “standard types,” as follows:

Type Cr Ni Cmax Other Elements Major Characteristics
303 17.00-19.00 8.00-10.00 0.15 S 0.15 min Free-machining modification of Type 302
303 Se 17.00-19.00 8.00-10.00 0.15 Se 0.15 min Free-machining version of Type 302. Produces better surface finish than Type 303.
304 18.00-20.00 8.00-10.00 0.08 Low carbon variation of Type 302. Minimizes carbide precipitation during welding
304L 18.00-20.00 8.00-10.00 0.03 Extra-low carbon content eliminates harmful carbide precipitation due to welding
309 22.00-24.00 12.00-15.00 0.2 High strength and resistance to scaling at high temperatures
310 24.00-26.00 19.00-22.00 0.2 Higher alloy content improves basic characteristics of Type 309
316 16.00-18.00 10.00-14.00 0.08 Mo 2.00-3.00 Mo improves general corrosion and pitting resistance and high temperature strength over that of Type 302
316L 16.00-18.00 10.00-14.00 0.2 Mo 2.00-3.00 Extra-low carbon version of Type 316. Eliminates harmful carbide precipitation due to welding
317 18.00-20.00 11.00-15.00 0.08 Mo 3.00-4.00 Higher alloy content improves basic advantages of Type 316
321 17.00-19.00 9.00-12.00 0.08 Ti 5 x C. min Stabilized to permit use in 800-1500°F temperature range without harmful carbide precipitation
347 17.00-19.00 9.00-13.00 0.008 Cb + Ta 10 x C. min Characteristics similar to Type 321. Stabilized by Cb and Ta.
348 17.00-19.00 9.00-13.00 0.08 Ta 0.10 max Cb 0.20 max Cb + Ta 10 x C min Similar to Type 347 but Ta reduced for atomic energy applications
410 11.50-13.50 - 0.15 - Lowest cost general purpose stainless steel. Wide use where corrosion is not severe
416 12.00-14.00 - 0.15 S 0.15 min Free-machining version of Type 410.
420 12.00-14.00 - 0.15 min - Similar variation of Type 410 but higher carbon produces higher strength and hardness.
430 14.00-18.00 - 0.12 - Most popular of the chromium types. Combines good corrosion and heat resistance and mechanical properties.
430 F 14.00-18.00 - 0.12 S 0.15 min Free-machining version of Type 430
440A 16.00-18.00 - 0.60-0.75 - Series of high carbon types. Some basic composition with varying carbon content. Higher carbon produces higher strength and hardness but lower toughness. All Type 440 versions are corrosion resistant only in the hardened condition
440B 16.00-18.00 0.75-0.95
440C 16.00-18.00 0.95-1.20
446 23.00-27.00 - 0.2 - Similar to Type 442 but Cr increased to provide maximum resistance to scaling
15-5 PH 14.00-15.50 3.50-5.50 0.07 Cu 2.50-4.50 Similar in properties and characteristics to 17-4 PH but has superior transverse ductility and toughness
PH 15-7 Mo 14.00-16.00 6.50-7.75 0.09 Mo 2.00-3.00 Special type similar to 17-7 PH but with higher strength
Al 0.75-1.50
17-4 PH 15.50-17.50 3.00-5.00 0.07 Cu 3.00-5.00 Special type that combines excellent corrosion resistance…high strength and hardness… low temperature hardening and good fabrication characteristics
17-7 PH 16.00-18.00 6.50-7.75 0.09 AL 0.75-1.25 Special ultra-high strength type with good formability and excellent fabricating characteristics

Introduction to the Chemical Composition of Several Common Stainless Steels

304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is a widely used austenitic stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, workability, and weldability.

316L Stainless Steel

It is a derivative of the 18-8 austenitic stainless steel, with the addition of 2-3% molybdenum (Mo), which provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially widely used in the chemical industry.

316 Stainless Steel

The addition of molybdenum enhances its corrosion resistance, particularly against corrosion from chlorides.

Austenitic Stainless Steel

In addition to 304 and 316, there are other austenitic stainless steels, such as 317L, which increases the content of molybdenum and nickel based on 316 to enhance its corrosion resistance

Ferritic Stainless Steel

Such as type 430, with a chromium content of about 12%, it has magnetic properties but relatively poor corrosion resistance.

Duplex Stainless Steel

Such as type 2205, with a chromium content of over 18%, a nickel content of around 8%, and a molybdenum content of about 3%, it possesses good strength and corrosion resistance.

Martensitic Stainless Steel

Different types of stainless steel materials have different chemical compositions, which directly affect their performance and applications. When selecting stainless steel materials, it is necessary to choose the appropriate type based on the specific usage environment and requirements.

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