Stainless Steel Information

Common Types used in Fabrication

Type 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is commonly referred to as 18-8.  This type serves a wide range of applications including architectural, machinery, kitchen, hospital and most food processing environments, with the exception of high temperature conditions, because it is resistant to corrosion and organic chemicals. Type 304L contains less carbon and resists nitric acid and sulphuric acids.

Type 316 stainless steel contains slightly more nickel than type 304 plus 2-3% molybdenum which gives it an increased resistance to corrosion making it especially suitable for use in environments where chemical exposure is greater.

Type 430 stainless steel contains 18% chromium but does not contain nickel or molybdenum making it less expensive that the 300 series stainless.  It is suitable for use in mildly corrosive environments but becomes brittle in sub zero temperatures.

Do you want to learn more about stainless steel? Follow the link to The Stainless Steel Industry of North America website: http://www.ssina.com/index2.html