Stainless steel is a popular material in various industries due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming with so many grades available. This guide simplifies the different types of stainless steel, highlighting their unique properties and applications to help you make informed decisions for your projects.

Now, let’s explore the various grades of stainless steel and their unique characteristics.

스테인리스 스틸의 종류

스테인레스 스틸이란 무엇입니까?

스테인리스 스틸은 최소 10.5%의 크롬과 니켈, 몰리브덴, 탄소 등 다양한 양의 다른 원소를 포함하는 철 기반 합금입니다. 특정 성분은 여러 등급의 스테인리스강에 따라 크게 달라질 수 있으며, 각 스테인리스강은 특정 특성과 용도에 맞게 맞춤 제작됩니다. 

The Role of Chromium in Stainless Steel

Chromium plays a vital role in stainless steel’s properties. It enhances corrosion resistance by promoting the formation of a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer acts as a barrier against environmental factors that cause corrosion.

Additionally, chromium improves stainless steel’s mechanical properties, increasing its strength and hardness while also contributing to its aesthetic appeal. 

Classification of Stainless Steel Types

Stainless steel is primarily classified into five major categories:

  • 오스테나이트
  • 페라이트
  • Martensitic
  • Duplex (Ferritic-Austenitic)
  • Precipitation Hardening

The MECE Framework for Understanding Stainless Steel Types

When applied to stainless steel classification:

  • Each category of stainless steel is distinct, with no shared characteristics that would confuse.
  • These categories encompass all types of stainless steel available, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the material’s classifications.

types of stainless steel material

오스테나이트계 스테인리스강

Austenitic stainless steel is a widely used category known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and good weldability. It primarily contains nickel and chromium, contributing to its unique properties and making it suitable for various applications.

Common Grades of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Austenitic stainless steels are divided into the 200 series and the 300 series.

300 Series Stainless Steels

This series includes the most commonly used grades, such as:

  • 304: Known for its excellent corrosion resistance and versatility, it is widely used in kitchen equipment, storage tanks, and food processing.
  • 316: Offers superior corrosion resistance due to adding molybdenum, making it ideal for marine environments and medical devices.
  • 316L: A low-carbon version of 316 that minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, enhancing corrosion resistance.

200 Series Stainless Steels

This series is characterized by lower nickel content and higher manganese. Common grades include:

  • 201: Often used in applications requiring moderate corrosion resistance and good formability, such as in appliances and automotive components.
  • 202: Similar to 201 but with improved strength and toughness due to higher nitrogen content.

페라이트계 스테인레스강

Ferritic stainless steels have a low carbon content, typically less than 0.2%, which makes them non-hardenable by heat treatment and only moderately hardenable through cold working. They generally contain 10.5-27% chromium and no nickel, resulting in lower corrosion resistance than austenitic steels. 

Popular Ferritic Stainless Steel Grades

The most common ferritic stainless steel grades fall under the 400 series:

  • Type 430: This grade is widely used for its good formability and moderate corrosion resistance, often found in household appliances and automotive trim.
  • Type 409: Known for its cost-effectiveness, this grade is commonly used in automotive exhaust systems due to its decent corrosion resistance and strength.

마르텐사이트계 스테인레스강

Martensitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel known for its high strength, hardness, and wear resistance. It typically contains 10.5% to 18% chromium and can have carbon content ranging from 0.1% to 1.2%. This composition allows martensitic steels to be hardened through 열처리, enhancing their mechanical properties significantly.

Common Martensitic Stainless Steel Grades

Martensitic stainless steels are primarily found in the 400 series, with notable grades including:

  • Grade 410: This general-purpose stainless steel contains approximately 11.5% chromium and is commonly used in applications such as cutlery, kitchen tools, and fasteners due to its good strength and corrosion resistance balance.
  • Grade 420: Known for its superior hardness and wear resistance, grade 420 is often used in surgical instruments and industrial cutting tools. Its higher carbon content allows it to be heat-treated for enhanced hardness.
  • Grade 440A: This grade offers even greater hardness than 420 and is frequently used in high-quality knives and precision tools.

듀플렉스 스테인레스 스틸

Duplex stainless steel is a unique alloy combining the beneficial properties of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. This results in a dual-phase microstructure consisting of approximately equal parts of austenite and ferrite. This configuration provides duplex stainless steels with superior strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance compared to conventional stainless steels.

Grades and Varieties of Duplex Stainless Steel

Duplex stainless steels are categorized into several grades based on their composition and properties:

  • Standard Duplex: Commonly exemplified by grade 2205 (UNS S32205), standard duplex steels have a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) typically ranging from 28 to 38. They offer a good balance of strength and corrosion resistance that is suitable for various applications.
  • Super Duplex: These grades, such as F53 (UNS S32750) and F55 (UNS S32760), contain higher levels of chromium (up to 25%) and molybdenum, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Super duplex steels have a PREN ranging from 38 to 45.
  • Lean Duplex: Lean duplex grades, like LDX2101, contain lower alloying elements while still providing good corrosion resistance. They are often used in less aggressive environments where cost-effectiveness is essential.

Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel

Precipitation hardening stainless steel (PH stainless steel) is a specialized class of stainless steel that combines the advantageous properties of martensitic and austenitic grades. This type of stainless steel undergoes a unique heat treatment process that significantly enhances its strength and hardness while maintaining good corrosion resistance.

Common Grades of Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel

Several grades of precipitation-hardening stainless steel are widely used, including:

  • 17-4 PH: This is one of the most popular grades, containing approximately 17% chromium and 4% nickel. It is known for its excellent strength and corrosion resistance balance, which is commonly used in aerospace and industrial applications.
  • 15-5 PH: Similar to 17-4 but with slightly different properties, this grade offers good toughness and is often used in applications requiring high strength and corrosion resistance.
  • 13-8 PH: This grade provides high strength and excellent toughness at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for demanding environments like aerospace components.

Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Parts

Key Factors Affecting Stainless Steel Selection

When selecting stainless steel, several key factors must be considered:

부식 저항

Corrosion resistance is crucial, as different grades offer varying levels of protection against specific types of corrosion. Understanding the environment and potential corrosive agents is essential for choosing the right grade.

기계적 성질

Mechanical properties like strength, hardness, and ductility are vital for performance. The application’s demands dictate whether to use austenitic grades for toughness or martensitic grades for hardness.

비용 고려 사항

Cost plays a significant role in material selection. While high-performance grades may have higher upfront costs, their long-term benefits can justify the investment. A thorough cost analysis should include material and lifecycle expenses.

Fabrication Ease

Ease of fabrication affects production efficiency. Different grades respond differently to machining, 용접, 그리고 성형 공정. Choosing a grade compatible with the intended fabrication methods can streamline production and enhance product quality.

The Melting Points for Different Grades of Stainless Steel

The melting point of each specific grade is a crucial factor to consider when selecting the appropriate type of stainless steel for your application.

Stainless steel is often preferred over materials like plastic polymers because it can withstand high temperatures while maintaining strength and durability.

Melting points for stainless steel grades typically fall within a range, reflecting the variations in alloy compositions. These melting points are not just indicative of temperature resistance; they also relate to the material’s overall performance attributes, including resistance to stress, corrosion, and cracking.

Here are the melting points for some common grades of stainless steel:

  • Grade 304: 1400-1450°C (2552-2642°F)
  • Grade 316: 1375-1400°C (2507-2552°F)
  • Grade 430: 1425-1510°C (2597-2750°F)
  • Grade 434: 1426-1510°C (2600-2750°F)
  • Grade 410: 1480-1530°C (2696-2786°F)
  • Grade 420: 1450-1510°C (2642-2750°F)

결론

Choosing the right type of stainless steel involves considering factors such as corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, fabrication ease, and melting points. Understanding these aspects ensures that the selected material will perform effectively in its intended application.

Feel free to reach out if you have specific requirements or need assistance in selecting the appropriate stainless steel for your project. Our team is here to help you find the best solution for your needs!

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