Stainless Steel

(UNS S66286) A-286 stainless steel is an iron-based precipitation hardening alloy that combines high strength and good corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 1300 degrees F (704C). Highly resistant to oxidation even at elevated temperatures, this material is often used for its superior creep strength. Its machinability is similar to the 300 series stainless steels. A-286 is suitable for both heavy (1850-2200 F) and light (1600-1850 F) forgings. Typical applications include aircraft engines, turbine blades, afterburner parts, exhaust parts and nozzles for the oil industry, and fasteners and springs subject to elevated temperatures.

(UNS S31000) 310 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel grade. Its high chromium and high nickel content make 310 suitable for use in temperatures up to 2100 degrees F. Its properties give it solid corrosion resistance, excellent resistance to oxidation, and superior strength at these elevated temperatures. High temperature 310 stainless steel is often used for industrial furnaces, oil industry equipment, heat-treat baskets, heat exchangers, steam boilers, thermo-wells, and combustion tubes and other applications where high thermal atmospheres is a consideration.

(UNS S30403) 304L is an austenitic stainless steel with low carbon levels and a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is the classic, versatile, general purpose stainless steel with good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, many organic and inorganic chemicals, and food and beverages. 304L exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in many environments and is easily formed and fabricated. Some of the many uses of 304L include chemical tanks, kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, heat exchangers, industrial wire mesh, screws and fasteners, and architectural trim.

(UNS S15500) 15-5 stainless steel is a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel. It stands up well to a range of atmospheric conditions even when exposed to corrosive elements. 15-5 is used in applications requiring better corrosion resistance and transverse properties compared to other similar martensitic grades. Strength and toughness desired is easily altered by temperature range variations through heat treatment. 15-5 stainless steel is well suited to a wide range of applications including valves, aircraft parts, pumps, shafts, fasteners, fittings and gears.

(UNS S30400) 304 is an austenitic stainless steel with a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is the classic, versatile, general purpose stainless steel with good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, to many organic and inorganic chemicals, and to food and beverages. 304 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in many environments and is easily formed and fabricated. Some of the many uses of 304 include chemical tanks, kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, heat exchangers, industrial wire mesh, screws and fasteners, and architectural trim.

(UNS S31600) 316 is a molybdenum bearing austenitic stainless steel. The higher nickel and molybdenum content in this grade gives strength at elevated temperatures and affords improved corrosion resistance compared to 304/304L grades, especially with regards to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. 316L, the lower carbon version of 316, is immune from sensitization and is frequently used in heavy gauge welded components. It is a good choice for high-stress situations. Common uses of 316 include furnace parts, heat exchangers, chemical processing equipment, pulp, paper and textile processing equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, valve and pump parts, jet engine parts, and exhaust manifolds.

(UNS S31603) 316L is a molybdenum bearing austenitic stainless steel. The higher nickel and molybdenum content in this grade gives strength at elevated temperatures and affords improved corrosion resistance compared to 304/304L grades, especially with regards to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. 316L, the lower carbon version of 316, is immune from sensitization and is frequently used in heavy gauge welded components. It is a good choice for high-stress situations. Common uses of 316L include furnace parts, heat exchangers, chemical processing equipment, pulp, paper and textile processing equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, valve and pump parts, jet engine parts, and exhaust manifolds.

(UNS S41000) 410 stainless steel is a hardenable martensitic stainless steel. Unlike austenitic grades, it can be heat treated to generate high strength with good ductility. 410 is required when strength, hardness, and wear resistance is needed with some corrosion resistance. Due to its hardening capabilities, other properties and the resulting performance of this steel are somewhat compromised. This material can only be effectively used in mildly corrosive environments and the operating temperature range is limited. Given its chromium content, 410 is officially a stainless steel. However, higher carbon levels are added for improved wear resistance. 410 stainless steel is ideal for use in the manufacture of highly stressed parts found in a variety of industries including petrochemical, automotive and power generation.

(UNS S41600) 416 stainless steel is a martensitic steel alloy with added sulphur, which gives it excellent machining properties that are the best of any stainless steel. The added sulphur improves non-galling characteristics, but there is a tradeoff as the corrosion resistance is limited and formability and weldability is poor. For economy and high machinability, 416 stainless steel is used in the highly tempered hardened or unhardened condition. Maximum corrosion resistance for this grade is achieved in the hardened condition with a smooth surface finish. Valve parts, pump shafts, auto screw machine parts, motor shafts, washing machine parts, and fasteners are some of the applications for 416 stainless steel.

(UNS S42000) 420 stainless steel is a hardenable martensitic stainless steel that provides corrosion resistance similar to 410 stainless steel, along with increased strength and hardness. Its higher carbon content over 410 enhances these characteristics and makes it the hardest of any stainless steel alloy. Due to its hardness properties, 420 is not often welded. It is magnetic in both the annealed and hardened condition. Maximum corrosion resistance is attained only in the fully hardened or fully hardened and stress relieved condition. The alloy is not typically used at temperatures exceeding 800 F (427C). Applications requiring good resistance to corrosion and high hardness are ideal for 420. Typical uses include cutlery, surgical and dental instruments, knife blades, needle valves, tapes, and scissors.