Austenitic stainless steel

    Austenitic stainless steel is the most commonly used type of stainless steel. The higher chromium and nickel content in this group of products provides excellent corrosion resistance and very good performance. They cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but can be hardened greatly by cold working. None of all grades in this category are magnetic

    Standards and grades

The standard grade of austenitic stainless steel has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%; there is no minimum carbon requirement.

·Low carbon grade (L grade)

    Grade L is used to provide additional corrosion resistance after welding. The letter "L" after the stainless steel grade indicates low carbon. The carbon content should be kept at or lower to avoid carbide precipitation, which can lead to corrosion. Due to the temperature generated during the welding process (which may cause carbon precipitation), usually L” grade. Generally, stainless steel rolling mills can provide dual-certified stainless steel grades, such as 304/304L or 316/316L

    High carbon grade (H grade)

    Stainless steel "H grade has a minimum carbon content of 0.04% and a maximum carbon content of .10%. Higher carbon helps maintain strength at extreme temperatures. The letter "H" after the grade indicates these grades. When the end use involves extremes In temperature environments, this name will be used.

 Type 304: One of the most commonly used (austenitic) stainless steel grades. Its high content of chromium and nickel makes it the first choice for manufacturing processing equipment used in the chemical (mild chemicals), food/dairy and beverage industries. This grade has an excellent combination of strength, corrosion resistance and fabric properties:

Type 316: This stainless steel grade contains 18% chromium, 14% nickel and added molybdenum. These combine to improve its corrosion resistance. In particular, molybdenum is used to help control corrosive pit corrosion. This grade can resist fouling at temperatures up to 1600F. Type 316 is used in chemical processing, pulp and paper industry, food and beverage processing and distribution, and corrosive environments. Because of its corrosion resistance, it is also used in the marine industry.

Type 317 : molybdenum content is higher than 316%, used in highly corrosive environments. The molybdenum content of this grade must be greater than 3%. Commonly used in the scrubber system of air pollution control devices, the system is used to remove particulate matter and/or gas from industrial waste gas streams.

Type 321: The titanium content is at least five times the carbon content. This is done to reduce or eliminate chromium carbide precipitation due to welding or exposure to high temperatures. Used in the aerospace industry.

Type 347: In a strong oxidizing environment, the corrosion resistance is slightly higher than that of Type 321 stainless steel. For applications requiring intermittent heating between 800°F (427°C) and 1650°F (899°C), or welding under conditions that prevent post-weld annealing, type 347 should be considered.