AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEELS
Austenitic stainless steels are biggest group of the stainless steels.
They contain 10,5 - 26% Chrome (Cr) and 8 - 36% Nickel (Ni) content. Austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic in solution annealed condition. Carbon (C) content is low in Austenitic group. They can not be hardened with heat treatment.
They mainly have good corrosion and heat resistance. The resistance for corrosion and heat may be increased with added content of Chrome (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and other specific (Molybdenum, Titanium etc) elements.
Austenitic grades have good weldability. There is no need for further treatment after welding.
304 grade is the most widely used grade in the Austenitic group. It is the optimal grade for general purposes under atmospheric environments. This grade is the most popular stainless steel grade, due to its good corrosion and thermal resistance, strength at low tempratures, good mechanical properties, aesthetical apperance and polishabilty. And most importantly, with its price / performance ratio.
304L grade, the low Carbon (C) version, has better resistance for intergranular corrosion.
Adding Molybdenum (Mo) and increasing the Nickel (Ni) of 304, leads us to 316 grade. It has superior corrosion resistance to 304 and higher temprature strength. Low Carbon (C) version, 316L grade is more popular due to its better intergranular corrosion resistance. In order to maximize intergranular corrosion resistance, 316Ti grade may be preferred, with the additional Titanium (Ti) content.
303 grade has added Sulfur (S) content over 304, which leads to excellent machinability. But Sulfur (S) reduces the corrosion resistance, and the material is not suitable for bending, cold forming or deep drawing. This grade has the sole application of machining.
321 grade has added Titanium (Ti) content and increased Nickel (Ni) over 304. It gains better resistance to intergranular corrosion and more heat resistance to higher tempratures.
With increased contents of Chrome (Cr) and Nickel (Ni), we get 309S and 310S, heat resistant grades. These grades have better strength and corrosion resistance at higher tempratures.
200 SERIES
These grades are more economic (also non-magnetic) alternatives of the Austenitic group. These grades have lower Nickel (Ni) and higher Manganese (Mn) contents. Their Nickel content is between 1-4%. They are harder than the 300 series grades. Therefore their machinibility and weldability are worse than the other Austenitic grades.
However, in 204Cu grade, material hardness is reduced with the added content of Copper (Cu), allowing the materials to be pressed or bended without cracking.
For more information of the Austenitic grades in Teknik Metal stocks, please check our stock range.
Given data is based on theoritical vaules and intended as informative purposes only. Given data may be revised at any time without prior notice. Stainless steels may vary in performance under different circumstances. Teknik Metal Endustri Malz. Tic. Ve San. A.S. disclaims any and every liability, and will not be held responsible for any consequences derived from the end use or the application of the materials.