| Grade |
Description |
| 303 |
303 grade represents the optimum in machining among the austenitic stainless steels. It is primarily used when production involves extensive machining. 303 is available in Improved Machining grade with machining characteristics significantly higher than that of the standard 303. |
| 304 |
304 grade is dual certified as grade 304 and 304L. Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. Grade 304L, the low carbon version of 304, does not require post-weld annealing and so is extensively used in heavy gauge components. 304 is available in Improved Machining grade with machinability significantly higher than that of the standard 304. |
| 316 |
316 grade is dual certified as grade 316 and 316L. 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing stainless steel, second in importance to 304 amongst the austenitic stainless steels. The molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties than Grade 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. 316 is available in Improved Machining grade with machinability significantly higher than that of the standard 316. |
| 420 |
420 grade can be hardened by quench-and-temper heat treatment. It contains a minimum of 12 per cent chromium, just sufficient to give corrosion resistance properties. It has good ductility in the annealed condition but is capable of being hardened up to Rockwell Hardness 50HRC, the highest hardness of the 12 per cent chromium grades. Its best corrosion resistance is achieved when the metal is hardened and surface ground or polished. 420 is available in Improved Machining grade with machinability significantly higher than that of the standard 420. |
| 431 |
431 grade is a heat treatable martensitic, nickel-bearing grade has the best corrosion resistance properties of all the martensitic grades. It has excellent tensile and torque strength, and good toughness, making it ideally suited to shafting and bolt applications. It can be hardened to approximately 40HRC. Because of its high yield strength, this grade is not readily cold worked and is therefore not recommended for use in operations such as cold heading, bending, deep drawing or spinning. 431 is available as in Improved Machining grade with machinability significantly higher than that of the standard 431. |
| 2205 |
2205 grade is the most widely used duplex (ferritic/austenitic) stainless steel grade. It finds applications due to both excellent corrosion resistance and high strength. |
| UR52N+ |
UR52N+ grade is one of a group of "super duplex" grades, combining high strength with exceptional corrosion resistance. The addition of copper to this grade gives it greatly improved resistance to strong reducing acids, particularly sulphuric acid. UR52N+ is also very highly resistant to pitting/crevice corrosion in high chloride, hot environments. Its duplex structure also results in excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking. |
