Stainless steel has a series of characteristics such as excellent corrosion resistance, formability and strength and toughness in a wide temperature range. Therefore, it has been widely used in heavy industry, light industry, daily necessities industry, building decoration and other industries. However, it needs to be selected in different use environments. The different stainless steel varieties are very important.
The following explains the characteristics of different stainless steel materials and their application areas.
300 series
301
Compared with 304 steel, it has less Cr and Ni content, and its tensile strength and hardness increase during cold working. It is non-magnetic, but becomes magnetic after cold working.
Trains, aircraft, conveyor belts, vehicles, bolts, nuts, springs, screens
301L
On the basis of 301 steel, the C content is reduced to improve the grain boundary corrosion resistance of the welding joint; the N element is added to make up for the lack of strength caused by the reduced C content and ensure the strength of the steel.
Railway vehicle structure and exterior decoration materials
304
As a widely used steel, it has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and mechanical properties; good hot workability such as stamping and bending, and no heat treatment hardening phenomenon (non-magnetic, operating temperature -196℃~800℃ ).
Medical appliances, building materials, chemicals, ship parts, auto parts, food industry, household products (tableware, cabinets, indoor pipelines, water heaters, bathtubs, etc.), agriculture
304L
As a low-C 304 steel, its corrosion resistance is similar to that of 304 steel under normal conditions. However, after welding or stress relief, its resistance to intergranular corrosion is excellent; it can also maintain good performance without heat treatment. Corrosion resistance, operating temperature -196℃~800℃.
Used in outdoor open-air machines in the chemical, coal, and petroleum industries that require high resistance to grain boundary corrosion, heat-resistant building material parts, and parts that are difficult to heat treat.
316L
As a low-C series of 316 steel, in addition to having the same characteristics as 316 steel, it has excellent resistance to grain boundary corrosion.
In corrosive media containing chloride ions, it has higher corrosion resistance than 304 and 304L. Suitable for seawater desalination and water industry
321
Adding Ti element to 304 steel to prevent grain boundary corrosion; suitable for use at temperatures of 430℃-900℃.
Aircraft, exhaust pipe, boiler drum
400 series
409L
Due to the addition of Ti element, its high temperature corrosion resistance and high temperature strength are better.
Car exhaust pipes, heat exchangers, containers and other products that are not heat treated after welding.
410L
Based on 410 steel, the C content is reduced, and its processability, resistance to welding deformation, and high temperature oxidation resistance are excellent.
Mechanical structural parts, engine exhaust pipes, boiler combustion chambers, burners.
430
As a representative steel type of ferritic steel, it has low thermal expansion rate, excellent formability and oxidation resistance.
Heat-resistant appliances, burners, home appliances, tableware, kitchen sinks, exterior decorative materials, bolts, nuts, CD rods, screens
436L
It has good heat resistance and abrasion resistance, and because it contains niobium element, it has excellent processability and weldability.
Washing machines, car exhaust pipes, electronic products, 3-layer bottom pots
410
As a representative steel of martensitic steel, although it has high strength, it is not suitable for use in harsh corrosive environments; its processability is good.
Knife blades, mechanical parts, petroleum refining equipment, bolts, nuts, pump rods, tableware (knives and forks).
420J1
High hardness and good corrosion resistance after quenching
Cutlery (knives), turbine blades
420J2
After quenching, the hardness is higher than that of 420J1 steel
Blades, nozzles, valves, rulers, cutlery (scissors, knives)
200 series
201
(American Standard)
Compared with 304 steel, it has less Ni content, high Mn content, non-magnetic, strong hardness and poor corrosion resistance.
For general use in dry environments such as lighting equipment, telecommunications poles, and automobile frames.
202
(American Standard)
Compared with 201 steel, it has high Mn content, is non-magnetic and has strong hardness. Poor corrosion resistance.
Lighting equipment, telecommunication poles, automobile frames and other general purposes.