Types of Stainless Steels

Ferritic Stainless Steels

• Ferritic stainless steels include chromium and less then 0.10 percent of carbon. Some grades of ferritic stainless steel are used for automotive trim and inside clothes dryers and dishwashers. The material gets hard when exposed to heat. Other features include its magnetic ability and its resistance to corrosion.

Austenitic Stainless Steel

• The most common stainless steel available is austenitic stainless steel. It is a metal with a solid solution of iron and carbon that is situated in steel above the temperature of 1,350 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, this type of steel may include nitrogen, manganese and nickel to increase the strength. Austenitic stainless steel allows workers to weld and form the steel easier than ferritic stainless steel. It is non-magnetic, cannot harden with heat and offers resistance to corrosion cracking. Additionally, the more chromium, nitrogen and molybdenum the more resistant the steel is to corrosion.

Duplex Stainless Steel

• Duplex stainless steel is stronger than austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. It is constructed from approximately 50 percent austenitic stainless steel and 50 percent ferritic stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel is magnetic, easy to weld and is easier to form into different shapes.

Martensitic Stainless Steel

• Martensitic has the ability to harden similar to low-alloy and carbon steels. It is similar to ferritic stainless steel, with the exception of the high levels of carbon, up to 1 percent. Martensitic stainless steel works well with applications that require durability and a modest amount of corrosion resistance. However, it is not as durable as austenitic stainless steel.

Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel

• Precipitating hardening stainless steel is extremely strong when the steel structure includes aluminum, niobium and cooper. Its features include flexibility to mold to various shapes and small amounts of distortion. It has similar corrosion resistance as the regular austenitic stainless steels.