Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Product Guide

As with other varieties of steel, stainless steel is made up of two or more different metals that have been alloyed together or “melted” into one. The metal iron, to which a marginal quantity of carbon has been added, is the primary “component” (the term used for the alloying element) that constitutes steel. This is something that is shared by all types of steel. Metal chromium (typically at least 11% by weight) was added to conventional steel in the early 20th century, which resulted in a bright, shining surface that was very resistant to corrosion. This was the beginning of stainless steel, which has been used ever since. However, stainless steel is unique among steels because of its corrosion resistance, a term we use to describe its ability to resist rust.

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301, 303, 304, and 316 Stainless Steels Comparison

Each type offers unique properties suited for specific environments and uses. Type 301 is known for its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for dynamic environments. Type 303, with added sulfur, offers enhanced machinability. Type 304, the most common stainless steel, provides a good balance of corrosion resistance and strength, while Type 316, with added molybdenum, stands out in environments with high chloride exposure. This comparison aims to elucidate the distinct characteristics of each type to help in making informed decisions.

Property	301 Stainless Steel	303 Stainless Steel	304 Stainless Steel	316 Stainless Steel
Composition	17% Chromium, 7% Nickel, 0.15% Carbon	17% Chromium, 8% Nickel, 0.15% Carbon, added Sulfur	18% Chromium, 8% Nickel, 0.08% Carbon	16% Chromium, 10% Nickel, 2% Molybdenum, 0.08% Carbon
Corrosion Resistance	High, particularly against environmental exposure	Good, especially in mildly corrosive environments	Excellent, versatile in various environments	Superior, especially in chloride environments
Strength	High, with notable ductility	Moderate, with enhanced machinability	Balanced strength and ductility	High, especially in harsh environments
Weldability	Good, but may require post-weld annealing	Fair, not typically chosen for welding	Excellent, versatile in welding applications	Excellent, with superior resistance to corrosion post-weld
Machinability	Good, suitable for forming and drawing	Excellent, best among the four	Good, widely used for various applications	Good, similar to 304 but with better corrosion resistance
Common Applications	Aerospace, automotive parts, kitchen utensils	Fasteners, fittings, gears, where smooth machining is needed	Food processing equipment, kitchenware, general applications	Marine environments, chemical processing, medical implants
Cost	Moderate, varies with nickel content	Similar to 304, slightly higher due to added sulfur	Most cost-effective among the four	Higher, due to added molybdenum

304 Stainless Steel

The T-304 stainless steel is commonly used in the world. It may be found in everything from automobiles and daggers to the Space Station. Another name for it is “food grade.” It can be welded and machined with strong corrosion resistance to various chemical corrodents and industrial atmospheres. Forms easily and may be easily welded using any of the most typical methods.

Finally, 304 high fatigue resistance makes it an excellent option for applications that will be subjected to stress or strain for an incredibly long time. So, it is extensively utilized in aircraft applications as a lightweight, strong, and durable material.

304 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	73,200
	Yield Strength, psi	31,200
	Elongation	70%
	Rockwell Hardness	B70
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	66.5 – 74
	Carbon (C)	0.08% max
	Chromium (Cr)	18 – 20%
	Manganese (Mn)	2% max
	Nickel (Ni)	8 – 10.5%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.045% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% max
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel boasts an enhanced resistance against corrosion and pitting, offering a more robust protection than its counterpart, T304 stainless steel. Beyond just its resistance, it also has a commendable thermal strength that outperforms the T304 type.

It’s extensively used in the pulp and paper industry, and it plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of pumps. The maritime sector, given the need for corrosion-resistant materials, also utilizes this steel in producing essential equipment. Additionally, valves that require strength and resistance often employ 316 stainless steel. T-316 is machinable and weldable like T-304, but it is more resistant to corrosion.

316 stainless steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	89,900
	Yield Strength, psi	60,200
	Elongation	45%
	Rockwell Hardness	B91
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	65%
	Carbon (C)	0.08% max
	Chromium (Cr)	17%
	Manganese (Mn)	2%
	Molybdenum (Mo)	2.5%
	Nickel (Ni)	12%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.045%
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% min
	Silicon (Si)	1%

303 Stainless Steel

Tensile strength of 303 stainless steel typically ranges from 500 to 750 MPa, depending on various factors including heat treatment and processing methods. It’s crucial to note that while 303 stainless steel has good machinability properties, its tensile strength is slightly lower than that of other stainless steel grades.

T-303 is a version of T-302/304 that allows for free machining and may be used in automated machining processes. It is one of the three primary alloys of stainless steel that are commercially accessible. The key rationale for using 303 is when you want stainless steel with superior machining capabilities than 304 and 316. Although it has a similar level of corrosion resistance as 304, its performance falls short of 316. However, the real downside of the alloy is that it is not widely accepted as being weldable.

303 stainless steel rockwell hardness typically ranges between 95-110 HRB (Rockwell B Hardness Scale). This grade is known for its machinability and non-magnetic properties.

For optimal machining of 303 stainless steel speeds and feeds, recommended spindle speeds are between 60-80 RPM for drilling and 60-90 RPM for milling, with feed rates from 0.002 to 0.006 inches per revolution in drilling.

303 stainless steel (cold drawn annealed, room temperature)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	89,900
	Yield Strength, psi	34,800
	Elongation	50%
	Rockwell Hardness	B83
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	69%
	Carbon (C)	0.15% max
	Chromium (Cr)	18%
	Manganese (Mn)	2% max
	Molybdenum (Mo)	0.6% max
	Nickel (Ni)	9%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.2% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.15% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

301 Stainless Steel

301 stainless steel 1/4 hard properties are known for their unique balance of ductility and strength. This specific temper exhibits good corrosion resistance, excellent formability. It’s often chosen for components that require moderate wear resistance and robust performance, bridging the gap between softer tempers and full hardness variations. In essence, the 1/4 hard condition is a versatile choice in the 301 stainless steel range.

It is possible to provide Grade 301 in ribbon and wire shapes with a tensile strength of up to 1800 MPa, allowing tempers ranging from 1/16 hard to full hardness. It is possible to roll or break Grade 301 into an airplane, structural, and notably train car components because of its regulated analysis. On the other hand, 3/4 to complete hard tempers must be used if parts of basic form designs call for exceptional wear resistance and spring characteristics.

However, there are two grades of 301L, one with low carbon content and the other 301LN with greater nitrogen content. The latter has a more incredible work-hardening pace than the former.

301 stainless steel
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	74,700 min
	Yield Strength, psi	29,700 min
	Elongation	40% min
	Rockwell Hardness	B85
Minimum Properties (1/4 hard condition)	Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi	125,000 m
	Yield Strength, psi	75,000 mi
	Elongation	25% min
	Rockwell Hardness	C25
Minimum Properties (1/2 hard condition)	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	150,000 min
	Yield Strength, psi	110,000
	Elongation	18% min
	Rockwell Hardness	C32
Minimum Properties (3/4 hard condition)	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	185,000 min
	Yield Strength, psi	140,000 min
	Elongation	9% min
	Rockwell Hardness	C41
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	69%
	Carbon (C)	0.15% max
	Chromium (Cr)	18%
	Manganese (Mn)	2% max
	Molybdenum (Mo)	0.6% max
	Nickel (Ni)	9%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.2% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.15% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

302 Stainless Steel

Carbon content in type 302 is somewhat more significant than in type 304, which is why it is most often encountered in strip and wire form. However, 304 and 304L are increasingly employed in many sectors because of advancements in melting techniques, availability, and affordability. It is applicable for spinning, wire formation, and stamping. This, of course, makes the alloy formed into all sorts of cables, washers, screens, and springs.

302 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	89,900
	Yield Strength, psi	39,900
	Elongation	55%
	Rockwell Hardness	B85
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	70%
	Carbon (C)	0.15% max
	Chromium (Cr)	18%
	Manganese (Mn)	2% max
	Nickel (Ni)	9%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.045% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% max
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

310 Stainless Steel

This alloy’s strength contains a mixture of its excellent strength and good corrosion resistance at temperatures in excess of 2100 degrees Fahrenheit (1149 C). And because of its higher chromium and nickel content, 316L stainless steel is preferred over 304 or 309 stainless in most applications.

It is widely used in boiler baffles, fireboxes, lead pots, kilns, radiant tubes, and oven linings.

310 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	89,900
	Yield Strength, psi	45,000
	Elongation	45%
	Rockwell Hardness	B85
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	48 – 53%
	Carbon (C)	0.25%
	Chromium (Cr)	26%
	Manganese (Mn)	2%
	Nickel (Ni)	19 – 22%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.045% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03%
	Silicon (Si)	1.5%

321 Stainless Steel

321 stainless steel is another unique steel. However, titanium is used to stabilize this material for use in weldments that are likely to experience severe corrosion. Although the absence of carbide precipitation is a significant issue here, an outstanding level of corrosion resistance is in many mediums. Hence, it is nontoxic to many organic and inorganic substances. Alloy 304 has comparable characteristics, but titanium presence reduces carbide precipitation, making machining simpler.

321 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	89,900
	Yield Strength, psi	34,800
	Elongation	45%
	Rockwell Hardness	B80
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	68%
	Carbon (C)	0.08%
	Chromium (Cr)	18%
	Manganese (Mn)	2%
	Nickel (Ni)	11%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.045% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03%
	Silicon (Si)	1%
	Titanium (Ti)	0.15%

347 Stainless Steel

Similar to that of stainless steel type 321, type 347 employs columbium as a regulating element to make the most of its primary property, which is resilience to intergranular corrosion. It may be used in various applications that need frequent heating between 800 and 1650 F. (427-899 C). It performs admirably as high-temperature gaskets, chemical manufacturing apparatus, exhaust manifolds, expansion joints, rocket engine components, and aircraft collection rings.

347 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	95,000
	Yield Strength, psi	39,900
	Elongation	45%
	Rockwell Hardness	B85
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	68%
	Carbon (C)	0.08% max
	Chromium (Cr)	17%
	Manganese (Mn)	2%
	Nickel (Ni)	11%
	Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta)	0.8%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.045% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03
	Silicon (Si)	1%

410 Stainless Steel

This kind of stainless steel may be heat treated, and it finds widespread use in environments where corrosion is not extreme. Examples of applications include food acids, air, certain chemicals, and clean water. Many different things may be made from this material. The most common ones are turbine parts, bushings, flatware, and fasteners.

410 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	65,000
	Yield Strength, psi	30,000
	Elongation	20 – 34
	Rockwell Hardness	B82
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	86%
	Carbon (C)	0.15% max
	Chromium (Cr)	12.5%
	Manganese (Mn)	1% max
	Phosphorus (P)	0.04% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03%

416 Stainless Steel

This is for use in natural food acids, basic salts, and water, as well as in most atmospheres.

416 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	74,700
	Yield Strength, psi	39,900
	Elongation	30%
	Rockwell Hardness	B82
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	84%
	Carbon (C)	0.15% max
	Chromium (Cr)	13%
	Manganese (Mn)	1.25% max
	Molybdenum (Mo)	0.6% max
	Phosphorus (P)	0.06% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.15% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

430 Stainless Steel

Grade 430 stainless steel may also be referred to as the type 1.4016 designation. Corrosion-resistant Type 430 stainless steel has excellent formability and flexibility.

The quality of the finish on this ferritic, non-hardenable, plain chromium stainless steel is exceptional.

Grade 430 is resistant to nitric assault, making it a suitable choice for various chemical processes. For the most part, 430 is used in household appliances and ornamental moldings.

430 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	75,000
	Yield Strength, psi	50,000
	Elongation	25%
	Rockwell Hardness	B85
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	87%
	Carbon (C)	0.12% max
	Chromium (Cr)	11%
	Manganese (Mn)	1% max
	Phosphorus (P)	0.04% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

15-5 Stainless Steel

PH, or precipitation-hardening, stainless steel is a vacuum arc remelted grade. Aircraft manufacturers rely on this alloy partly for its high tensile strength and the variety of heat treatments available to tailor its hardness or other attributes to a specific need.

15-5 PH Stainless Steel Condition A (annealed)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	161,000
	Yield Strength, psi	140,000
	Elongation	7.6%
	Rockwell Hardness	C35
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	71.91 – 79.85%
	Carbon (C)	0.07% max
	Chromium (Cr)	14 – 15.5%
	Manganese (Mn)	1% max
	Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta)	0.15 – 0.45% ma
	Nickel (Ni)	3.5 – 5.5%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.04% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

17-4 Stainless Steel

This kind of stainless steel is also known as a PH grade, which stands for precipitation-hardening. Much as with 304, this alloy is often used in airplanes because of its tensile purity and the variety of heat treatments available to achieve desired hardness or other qualities. Like 15-5, 17-4 has a similar composition but is somewhat more magnetic due to its higher ferrite concentration.

17-4 PH Stainless Steel Condition A (annealed)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	160,000
	Yield Strength, psi	145,000
	Elongation	5%
	Rockwell Hardness	C35
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	69.91 – 78.85%
	Carbon (C)	0.07% max
	Chromium (Cr)	15 – 17.5%
	Manganese (Mn)	1% max
	Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta)	0.15 – 0.45% max
	Nickel (Ni)	3 – 5%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.04% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

17-7 Stainless Steel

This is chrome-nickel stainless steel with high strength, moderate corrosion resistance, and qualities suitable for flat springs. It applies to temperatures up to and including 800 degrees Fahrenheit in service, where high strength, corrosion resistance, and mechanical qualities are needed. As a result of its low level of distortion when subjected to heat treatment, it is often used to produce exceedingly complex and complicated components. It is very steady. Many different types of springs and washers include this substance.

17-7 PH Stainless Steel Condition A (annealed)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	130,000
	Yield Strength, psi	40,000
	Elongation	35%
	Rockwell Hardness	B85
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	70.59 – 76.75%
	Carbon (C)	0.09% max
	Chromium (Cr)	16 – 18%
	Aluminum (Al)	0.75 – 1.5% max
	Manganese (Mn)	1% max
	Nickel (Ni)	6.5 – 7.75%
	Phosphorus (P)	0.04% max
	Sulphur (S)	0.03% min
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

Nitronic 50 Stainless

This nitrate-enhanced austenitic stainless steel delivers corrosion resistance and strength in one material. It has an enhanced corrosion resistance compared to T316 and T316L, in addition to almost double the yield strength of those two alloys. This, of course, makes it an excellent mechanical quality at both high and very freezing temperatures.

Nitronic 50 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	116,000
	Yield Strength, psi	57,000
	Elongation	47%
	Rockwell Hardness	B91
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	58%
	Chromium (Cr)	22%
	Manganese (Mn)	5%
	Molybdenum (Mo)	2.25%
	Nitrogen (N)	0.3%
	Nickel (Ni)	12.5%
	Silicon (Si)	1% max

Nitronic 60 Stainless

It has outstanding resistance to galling as well as corrosion. Additionally, it has double the yield stress as T304. There also has excellent resistance to metal-on-metal abrasive wear.

Nitronic 60 Stainless Steel (annealed condition)
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps	103,000
	Yield Strength, psi	60,000
	Elongation	64%
	Rockwell Hardness	B95
Chemistry	Iron (Fe)	62%
	Chromium (Cr)	17%
	Manganese (Mn)	8%
	Nitrogen (N)	0.14%
	Nickel (Ni)	8.5%
	Silicon (Si)	4% max

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