Types of Stainless Steel
There are several types of stainless steel, including:
Austenitic stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is non-magnetic and highly corrosion-resistant. It contains at least 16% chromium and 6% nickel, and is often used in kitchen appliances, cutlery, and medical equipment.
Ferritic stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is magnetic and has a lower corrosion resistance compared to austenitic stainless steel. It contains at least 10.5% chromium, and is often used in automotive parts and kitchen equipment.
Martensitic stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is also magnetic and has a higher strength and hardness compared to austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. It contains at least 11% chromium, and is often used in knives, medical instruments, and industrial equipment.
Duplex stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel and has a higher strength and corrosion resistance compared to the other types. It contains at least 22% chromium and 5% nickel, and is often used in chemical processing and marine equipment.
Precipitation hardening stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel can be heat treated to increase its strength and hardness. It contains at least 15% chromium and 3% nickel, and is often used in aerospace and nuclear applications.
Super Austenitic stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel contains high levels of nickel, molybdenum, and chromium. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and is often used in harsh chemical environments.
Super Duplex stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel with even higher strength and corrosion resistance than standard duplex stainless steel. It contains high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum and is often used in the oil and gas industry, offshore platforms, and chemical processing.
Lean Duplex stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel has a lower nickel and molybdenum content than standard duplex stainless steel, making it more economical. It offers good corrosion resistance and is often used in pipelines, tanks, and structural applications.
High-temperature stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is designed to withstand high temperatures and is often used in furnace linings, heat exchangers, and other high-temperature applications.
High-performance stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is designed for demanding applications such as aerospace, nuclear, and medical equipment. It offers high strength, corrosion resistance, and resistance to high temperatures.
Nitronic alloys:
These stainless steels contain high levels of nitrogen and manganese, and offer excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength. They are often used in marine, food processing, and medical applications.
PH stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is precipitation-hardened and is known for its high strength and corrosion resistance. It is often used in aerospace, nuclear, and medical equipment.
Titanium-stabilized stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel contains titanium, which helps to prevent intergranular corrosion and improves its overall corrosion resistance. It is often used in chemical processing, food processing, and marine applications.
Superferritic stainless steel:
This type of stainless steel is similar to standard ferritic stainless steel, but contains higher levels of chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten, which results in improved corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength.
Weathering steel:
This type of stainless steel is a specialized type that is designed to be exposed to the elements, and will develop a protective rust patina over time. It is often used in architectural and structural applications.