Stainless Steels
Typical grades we supply
303, 304/L, 310, 316/L, 321, 17/4 PH
Stainless Steel information
Stainless steel refers to a range of steel types and grades noted for resistance of corrosion or oxidation. The chromium content creates a thin layer of oxide on the surface called the passive layer. This layer prevents further corrosion of the surface. Increasing the levels of Chromium increases resistance to corrosion.
Stainless steel also contains varying amounts of Carbon, Silicon and Manganese. Other elements such as Nickel and Molybdenum may be added to impart other useful properties such has enhanced formability and increased corrosion resistance and strength.
303 Stainless: This is the most readily machineable of all the austenitic grades of stainless, which is due to the presence of sulphur in the composition. The sulphur also lowers the corrosion resistance and slightly reduces its strength.
304/L Stainless: The most versatile and most widely used stainless steel available in a wider range of products, forms and finishes than any other. The balanced austenitic structure of grade 304 enables it to be severely deep drawn without intermediate annealing which has made this grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts.
Grade 304L: the low carbon version of 304, does not require post-weld annealing and so is extensively used in heavy gauge components.
310 Stainless: Combining excellent high temperature properties with good ductility and weldability, this grade is designed for high temperature service. It resists oxidation in continuous service at temperatures up to 115 degrees centigrade.
316 Stainless: This is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade. It has better overall corrosion resistant properties than 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Grade 316 has outstanding welding characteristics. Post-weld annealing is not required when welding thin sections.
Grade 316L: the low carbon version of 316 and is immune from sensitization thus it is extensively used in heavy gauge welded components.
321 Stainless: Stainless 321 is similar to type 304. However, it contains a titanium addition of at least 5 times the carbon content. Type 321 has extensive use in aircraft parts, such as exhaust systems where operating temperatures are higher than 800 degrees farenhite and where corrosion conditions are not too severe.
17/4 Stainless: 17 4 PH is a precipitation martensitic stainless steel which includes copper. It can be supplied in a variety of conditions ranging from Annealed to Double Aged. It is used for high stress applications in corrosive environments. Typical parts are valves, shafts, tie rods, gears, bolts.
Typical Supply Sizes Round Bar generally from 10mm to 450mm diameter (subject to grade)Typical Mechanical Properties (bar) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Condition | Tensile Range(Mpa) | Yield 0.2 % (Mpa) min | Elongatio n % min | Red of Area % | Hardness max |
303 | Sol Treated | 500-700 | 190 | 35 | 50 | 230 HB |
304 | Sol Treated | 500-700 | 190 | 45 | 60 | 215 HB |
310 | Sol Treated | 500-700 | 210 | 35 | 40 | 200 HB |
316 | Sol Treated | 500-700 | 200 | 40 | 50 | 210 HB |
321 | Sol Treated | 500-700 | 190 | 40 | 50 | 215 HB |
17 4 PH | Sol Ann Double Aged | 862 | 724 | 18 | 50 | - |
The above figures represent typical values and are for guidance and information only and should be regarded as such.
They are not guaranteed nor intended as warranties of suitability for any applications noted. Other expected mechanical properties will of course be determined by differing sizes and heat treated conditions.