Characteristics and uses of major stainless steel types
304: As a steel with a wide range of uses, it has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and mechanical properties, good thermal processing properties such as stamping and bending, no heat treatment hardening phenomenon, no magnetism, and a use temperature of minus 193 degrees to positive 800 degrees.
Uses: Tableware, kitchen utensils, water heaters, boilers, auto parts, medical devices, food machinery, wine storage utensils, pressure vessels (chemical machinery, chemical equipment).
As a low-carbon 304 steel, 304L has similar corrosion resistance to 304 in general conditions, but after welding and stress elimination, it has good resistance to intercrystalline corrosion. It can also maintain good corrosion resistance without heat treatment. It is generally used at 400 degrees.
Uses: petrochemical industry, building materials.
321 Add Ti to 304 steel to prevent intercrystalline corrosion, suitable for positive 430 to 900 degrees below, non-magnetic;
Use: Automotive exhausts, heat exchangers, containers and other products that are not heat treated after welding are not suitable for making food processing equipment due to the addition of Ti elements.
316 low carbon and MO element added, so its corrosion resistance and atmospheric corrosion resistance and high temperature strength are particularly good. It can be used under harsh conditions. It is suitable for use below 900 degrees and is non-magnetic.
Uses: equipment used in seawater, chemicals, dyes, papermaking, acetic acid, fertilizers and other production equipment, food industry and coastal facilities, and products with special requirements for combating intercrystalline corrosion.
The content of 309S/310S, nickel and chromium, is relatively high. At the same time, the content of Si is increased to make it resistant to high temperature and corrosion resistance. Among them, 309S can withstand repeated heating below 980, the service temperature of 310S reaches 1200 degrees, and the continuous use temperature can be 1150 degrees. Non-magnetic.
Uses: Suitable for key parts such as high-temperature electric furnace equipment, drying equipment, furnace materials, aviation, petrochemicals, electricity, etc.
The 200 series is similar to 304 cheap and economical.
Uses: Food processing utensils, kitchen equipment, food processing equipment, filters, milk cans, durable consumer goods, washing machine accessories, water heaters, steel furniture, building decoration, decoration. In terms of fatigue resistance, the hardness of 201 is relatively large, and the toughness is not as good as that of 304, or the fatigue resistance of 304 is better.
