Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy of different metal types that, when mixed, become stronger and more durable. Engineers have developed different varieties of the alloy by adding and deducting various elements, thereby creating different types of stainless steel, each having their own uses and characteristics.
The Different Grades of Stainless Steel
Austenitic
Thesegrades of stainless steel are highly resistant to corrosion and become non-magnetic when in annealed condition. They are non-hardenable by heat treating, making them extremely hygienic and a great choice for welding .
Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type. It is generally used for kitchen equipment, food processing equipment, and structural components in the aerospace industries.
Ferritic
Ferritic stainless steel is another common grade defined as a straight chromium,
non-hardenable class of alloys that contain between 10.5% to 30% chromium, and less than 0.20% of carbon. Ferritic stainless steel is often looked at as an affordable option with its own benefits and drawbacks. They have good corrosion and heat resistance, but have generally poorer, low-temperature toughness.
Ferritic stainless steel is typically used in automotive parts, furnaces, heat exchangers, and other durable products, such as equipment and appliances.
Martensitic
Martensitic is a grade of stainless steel developed specifically for property requirements for high strength, hardness, and wear resistance. However, unlike austenitic and ferritic austenitic grades, they can be hardened by heating, with lower levels of corrosion resistance.
As a result, martensitic stainless steel is best for products where hardness is important. It is used in utensils, such as knives, blades, scissors, surgical instruments, electric motors, machine parts, pump and valve parts, nuts and screws, and other cutting hand tools.
Duplex
Duplex stainless steel is a more recently developed group that is potentially becoming the most popular. Tougher than ferritic, duplex stainless steel is ideal for applications in demanding environments, such as oil, gas, and chemical processing. It is also commonly used in biofuel plants, the pulp and paper industry, and cargo tanks for trucks and ships.
Stainless steel is incredibly useful in almost all industries as a result of the strength, durability, versatility, and corrosion resistance. If you are working with stainless steel needs, contact Van Loon Industries. We provide services for welding, turret punching, laser cutting, and more.