Do you know what are the common classifications of stainless steel?
As a company specialized in the research, production, and sales of stainless steel piping products, Ganyeah Group has an in-depth understanding of stainless steel and its various classifications. Choosing the right type of stainless steel is crucial for ensuring excellent performance and durability in different industrial applications. But do you know the most common types of stainless steel?
Stainless Steel Pipe Manufacturing
Typically, based on metallographic structure, stainless steels are classified into three main categories: Austenitic Stainless Steel, Ferritic Stainless Steel, and Martensitic Stainless Steel. Additionally, to meet specific needs, new varieties such as Duplex Stainless Steel and Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel have been developed, as well as high-alloy steels with iron content lower than 50%.
1.Austenitic Stainless Steel
Structure: Face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure (γ phase)
Characteristics: Non-magnetic, strengthened primarily through cold working (which may induce slight magnetism).
Identification: American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) designations include the 200 and 300 series, such as 304 stainless steel.
Applications: Known for excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for food processing, chemical equipment, and architectural projects.
2.Ferritic Stainless Steel
Structure: Body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure (α phase)
Characteristics: Magnetic, generally not hardenable by heat treatment but slightly strengthened by cold working.
Identification: Marked by AISI numbers such as 430 and 446.
Applications: Cost-effective solution for less aggressive environments, used in automotive exhausts, home appliances, and architectural panels.
316L stainless steel pipes
3.Martensitic Stainless Steel
Structure: Martensite phase (BCC or body-centered tetragonal structure)
Characteristics: Magnetic, mechanical properties adjustable through heat treatment.
Identification: Identified by AISI numbers like 410, 420, and 440.
Applications: Offers high strength and hardness, commonly used for cutlery, surgical instruments, and mechanical components.
4.Duplex Stainless Steel
Structure: A balanced mixture of austenite and ferrite phases, with the less dominant phase generally exceeding 15%.
Characteristics: Magnetic, strengthened by cold working, superior strength compared to austenitic stainless steels.
Identification: Examples include 329 duplex stainless steel.
Applications: High strength and excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion and pitting, making it ideal for offshore and marine industries.
5.Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
Structure: Base matrix of austenitic or martensitic structures.
Characteristics: Can be hardened through precipitation hardening heat treatments.
Identification: Typically labeled in the 600 series, such as 630 (17-4PH).
Applications: High strength and moderate corrosion resistance, widely used in aerospace, nuclear, and petrochemical industries.
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel
Generally, austenitic stainless steels provide the best corrosion resistance and are suitable for highly corrosive environments. For environments with lower corrosion risks, ferritic stainless steels offer a cost-effective alternative. In slightly corrosive environments where high strength or hardness is needed, martensitic and precipitation hardening stainless steels are excellent choices.
At Ganyeah Group, we are committed to delivering high-quality stainless steel piping solutions tailored to your project’s unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about the perfect stainless steel material for your applications!