Stainless Steel: A Versatile and Durable Alloy
Stainless steel, a remarkable alloy, has become an indispensable material in various industries and daily life due to its outstanding properties. This product description will explore the definition, history, composition, classification, properties, applications, and advantages of stainless steel.
Definition and History
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy primarily composed of iron, chromium, and carbon, with some types containing additional elements such as molybdenum, silicon, and manganese. It is renowned for its corrosion resistance in natural and industrial environments, often categorized into stainless and acid-resistant steel, both belonging to the special performance steel group.
The journey of stainless steel began in the early 20th century. Scientists like Henry Brearley in the UK, along with contributions from French and German researchers, discovered the corrosion-resistant properties of Fe-Cr and Fe-Cr-Ni alloys. In 1913, Brearley accidentally found that a chromium-containing alloy was highly resistant to various chemical solutions. Further research revealed that an alloy with at least 12% chromium was ideal, marking the official birth of stainless steel. Since then, continuous technological advancements, such as the development of oxygen steelmaking methods, have led to significant improvements in its performance and increased production.
Composition and Classification
The main alloying element in stainless steel is chromium, which plays a crucial role in enhancing its corrosion resistance. As the chromium content increases, especially around 13%, the alloy's electrode potential significantly rises, leading to a substantial improvement in corrosion resistance. Additionally, other elements are added to confer specific properties. Molybdenum, for example, stabilizes the metal oxide on the surface, improving corrosion resistance, especially in reducing and chloride-containing environments. Nickel expands the austenite phase region, enhancing toughness and high-temperature resistance.
Stainless steel can be classified in several ways. By alloy composition, it includes chromium stainless steel, chromium-nickel stainless steel, and chromium-manganese-nitrogen stainless steel. Based on(metallographic structure), it is divided into five main types:
- Ferritic Stainless Steel: High-chromium steel with 13%-30% chromium. It has excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, especially in stress corrosion resistance. However, its mechanical and processing properties are average, mainly used in acid-resistant, low-strength construction, and oxidation-resistant applications.
- Austenitic Stainless Steel: With austenite as the main component, containing about 18% chromium, 8%-25% nickel, and about 0.1% carbon. It has high corrosion resistance, good plasticity, easy formability, non-magnetic properties, and excellent weldability. It is suitable for high-temperature and high-strength applications above 550°C.
- Austenitic-Ferritic Duplex Stainless Steel: Contains both austenite and ferritic structures at room temperature. With a 1:1 ratio of the two phases, it exhibits excellent comprehensive properties, including good stress corrosion resistance, improved cold and hot processing performance, and reduced intergranular corrosion tendency.
- Martensitic Stainless Steel: Mainly composed of martensite, with 12%-18% chromium and some austenite components. It can be heat-treated to adjust its mechanical properties and is often used in applications requiring moderate corrosion resistance, such as cutlery and surgical instruments.
- Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel: Characterized by high strength achieved through the addition of elements like aluminum, copper, and niobium. It has comparable corrosion resistance to austenitic stainless steel and is used in applications such as long shaft construction.
Properties
- Corrosion Resistance: The most prominent property of stainless steel is its ability to resist corrosion. The chromium in the alloy forms a dense and stable passive oxide layer on the surface, preventing further oxidation and corrosion. This makes it suitable for use in environments with moisture, acids, alkalis, and salts.
- Mechanical Properties: Stainless steel offers high tensile strength, making it suitable for structural applications. Different types of stainless steel can have varying mechanical properties, allowing for customization based on specific requirements.
- Hygienic and Easy to Clean: Due to its smooth surface and corrosion resistance, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain. This property makes it a preferred choice for food and medical industries, where strict hygiene standards are required.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With a polished and sleek finish, stainless steel adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to architectural and consumer products, enhancing their visual appeal.
- High-Temperature Resistance: Some types of stainless steel can withstand high temperatures without significant loss of strength or corrosion resistance, making them suitable for applications in high-temperature environments such as furnaces and heat exchangers.
Applications
- Construction and Architecture: Stainless steel is widely used in building facades, handrails, doors and windows, and structural components. Its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal make buildings more durable and visually appealing.
- Kitchen and Household Appliances: Pots, pans, cutlery, and kitchen sinks are often made of stainless steel due to its hygiene, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. In household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens, stainless steel parts enhance durability and appearance.
- Medical Equipment: Surgical instruments, implants, and hospital equipment are commonly made of stainless steel. Its biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and ease of sterilization ensure safety and reliability in medical applications.
- Automotive and Transportation: Stainless steel is used in automotive exhaust systems, body panels, and interior components. In the aerospace industry, it is used in aircraft engine parts and structural components due to its high strength and heat resistance. In the marine industry, it resists seawater corrosion, making it suitable for shipbuilding.
- Industrial Equipment: In chemical plants, oil refineries, and food processing industries, stainless steel is used to make reaction vessels, pipelines, and storage tanks due to its excellent corrosion resistance to various industrial media.
Advantages
- Durability: Stainless steel has a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance, thus saving costs in the long run.
- Low Maintenance: Its easy-to-clean surface and corrosion resistance mean that it requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials.
- Recyclability: Stainless steel is highly recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Recycling stainless steel helps conserve natural resources and reduce energy consumption.
- Versatility: With its wide range of types and properties, stainless steel can meet the diverse needs of different industries and applications.
In conclusion, stainless steel is a versatile, durable, and high-performance alloy that has revolutionized various industries. Its unique combination of properties makes it an ideal choice for applications where corrosion resistance, strength, hygiene, and aesthetics are important. Whether in construction, manufacturing, or daily life, stainless steel continues to play a vital role in enhancing the quality and functionality of products and structures.
Product picture
1, Stainless Steel Details
Thickness |
0.3-200mm |
Length: |
2000mm, 2438mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm,12000mm, etc |
Width: |
40mm-600mm, 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm, etc |
Standard: |
ASTM,AISI,JIS,GB, DIN,EN |
Surface: |
BA,2B,NO.1,NO.4,12K,HL,8K |
Application: |
It is widely used in high-temperature and electric industry, medical devices, construction, chemistry, food industry, agriculture, and ship components.It also applies to food and beverage packaging, kitchen supplies, trains, aircraft, conveyor belts, vehicles, bolts, nuts, springs, and screen mesh etc. |
Certification: |
ISO, SGS,BV |
Technique: |
Cold Rolled Hot Rolled |
Edge: |
Mill Edge Slit Edge |
Grade (ASTM UNS) |
Mill Edge Slit Edge |
Chemical Composition |
The typical chemical composition is shown in the table below. |
Grade |
Standard |
304 Chemical Composition |
C |
Si |
Mn |
Cr |
Ni |
P |
S |
Mo |
Others |
≤ % |
≤ % |
% |
% |
% |
≤ % |
≤ % |
≤ % |
% |
304 |
ASTM A240 |
0.08 |
0.75 |
2 |
18.0 - 20.0 |
8.0 - 10.5 |
0.045 |
0.03 |
- |
N≤ 0.10 |
1.4301 |
EN 10088-2 |
0.07 |
1 |
2 |
17.0 - 19.5 |
8.0 - 10.5 |
0.045 |
0.015 |
- |
N≤ 0.11 |
SUS304 |
JIS G 4304 | JIS G 4305 |
0.08 |
1 |
2 |
18.0 - 20.0 |
8.0 - 10.5 |
0.045 |
0.03 |
- |
- |
Mechanical Properties |
The mechanical properties are given in the table below. |
Grade |
Standard |
304 Mechanical Properties |
Tensile Strength |
Yield Strength 0.2% |
Elongation >% |
Hardness |
(MPa) ≥ |
(MPa) ≥ |
HRB ≤ |
HB ≤ |
304 |
ASTM A240 |
515 |
205 |
40 |
92 |
201 |
1.4301 |
EN 10088-2 |
520 |
210 |
45 |
90 |
215 |
SUS304 |
JIS G 4304
JIS G 4305 |
520 |
205 |
40 |
90 |
187 |
304 stainless steel is a common material in stainless steel, with a density of 7.93 g/cm3, which is also called 18/8 stainless steel in the industry. |
High temperature resistant to 800°C and processability. Common labeling methods on the market include 0Cr18Ni9 and SUS304. Among them, 0Cr18Ni9 generally means national standard production, and 304 generally means ASTM standard production. |
2,Surface comparison chart
Surface options |
Grade |
GB/T |
ASTM |
JIS |
EN |
No.1 |
1D |
No.1 |
No.1 |
2D |
No.2D |
2D |
No.2D |
No.2D |
2D |
No.2B |
2B |
No.2B |
No.2B |
2B |
BA(6K) |
BA |
BA |
BA |
2R |
No.3 |
3# |
No.3 |
No.3 |
2G |
No.4 |
4# |
No.4 |
No.4 |
2G |
#240 |
6# |
No.6 |
240# |
2J |
#320 |
7# |
No.7 |
320# |
2K |
#400 |
8# |
No.8 |
400# |
2P |
HL |
HL |
- |
HL |
- |
8K Mirror Finish |
8K |
8K |
8K |
8K |
Fine 8K Mirror Finish |
Fine 8K |
Fine 8K |
Fine 8K |
Fine 8K |
Titanize |
Titanize |
Titanize |
Titanize |
Titanize |
Etching Finish |
Etch |
Etch |
Etch |
Etch |
Fingerprint Resistant |
AF |
AF |
AF |
AF |
3,Production details
4,Process Steps

5,Surface Treatment Delivery Condition
6,Our advantage
7,Packing and shipping
8,FAQ