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There are more than 250 different stainless steels. These various
grades of stainless are divided into five major families or classes.
The general classes have been developed to consolidate the
chemistries and mechanical properties required to meet specific cus-
tomer application needs.
Welcome to AK Steel’s Family These steels of the 400 series usually contain a minimum of 11.5%
up to 18% chromium and have higher levels of carbon than ferritics.
of Stainless Steels They are capable of being heat treated to a wide range of useful hard-
ness and strength levels, and are used extensively in cutlery, sports
knives and multipurpose tools.
This product comparator reviews the fundamentals of stainless
steels. It compares the types, grades, chemistries, finishes and applica-
tions of stainless produced by AK Steel. The basic product information Ferritic Stainless Steels
contained in the following pages will help you match the application
needs with a specific grade of stainless steel. This group of steels in the 400 series contains 10.5% to 20% chro-
mium for corrosion resistance and resistance to scaling at elevated
temperatures. They are nonhardenable by heat treating and are
What is Stainless Steel? always magnetic. Ferritic stainless is used in applications where resis-
tance to corrosion is important, such as automotive emission control
In the early nineteen hundreds, metallurgists noticed that chromium exhaust systems.
had a greater attraction to oxygen than iron did so they added the
element chromium to steel. Studies prove that when at least 10%
Austenitic Stainless Steels
chromium was added, the chrome united with oxygen to form a very
tight transparent layer over the steel surface that prevented rusting by
Austenitic stainless steels are the most specified grades produced
precluding further oxidation. This transparent layer is self-healing
because of their excellent formability and corrosion resistance.
when damaged by scratches, wear or denting.
All 200 and 300 series steels are austenitic and con-
tain 15% to 30% chromium and 2% to 20%
Stainless steels are materials of enduring beauty. These steels
nickel for enhanced surface quality, forma-
also withstand the corrosive attack of many acids. They possess
bility and increased corrosion and wear
strength and toughness at both extremes of the temperature scale,
resistance. They are non-magnetic in
yet can be fabricated into intricate shapes for many uses. Because of
the annealed condition and depend-
this outstanding versatility, stainless deserves careful consideration
ing on the composition, primarily
for any product where one or more of the following requirements
the nickel content, they become
are involved:
slightly magnetic when cold
worked. These steels are used for
Corrosion Resistance automotive trim, cookware, pro-
Strength at Elevated Temperatures cessing equipment and a variety
of industrial applications.
Strength and Ductility at Cryogenic Temperatures
Oxidation Resistance at High Temperatures
Appearance
Abrasion Resistance
Alloys Make the Grade
Precipitation-Hardening The manufacture of quality stainless steel, from heat to heat and
Stainless Steels year to year, demands precise control of raw material ingredients and
melting practices. Exact quantities of presorted scrap and alloying
There are two general areas of PH grade stainless elements are delivered to the melting furnaces so that the heats or
steels; martensitic and semi-austenitic. The martensi- lots will be within specified composition ranges. Those composition
tic group includes 17-4 PH® and 15-5 PH® chromium- ranges typically include a group of chemical elements for each grade
nickel, with columbium and copper additions. They of stainless steel.
develop their high strength and hardness through heat
treatment, which precipitates the copper. The marten-
Alloying Elements
sitic PH steels are used in aerospace, chemical and
petrochemical, and food processing applications.
Following is a brief look at the alloying elements found in stainless
steels and their functions.
The semi-austenitic grades are 17-7 PH® and
PH 15-7 Mo®. They are austenitic in the annealed Chromium forms a Molybdenum increases
state, but martensitic in the hardened condition. surface film of chromium corrosion resistance, strength
17-7 PH stainless has excellent high strength and oxide to make the stainless at elevated temperatures, and
steel corrosion resistant. creep resistance. It expands the
fatigue properties, and is used in aerospace compo-
It also increases the scaling range of passivity and counter-
nents. PH 15-7 Mo stainless is used in applications resistance at elevated acts tendency to pit especially
requiring high strength and hardness, such as retain- temperatures. in chloride environments.
ing rings, springs and aircraft bulkheads.
Nickel stabilizes the Aluminum is a very
austenitic structure and strong ferrite former and lowers
Duplex Stainless Steels increases ductility, making the hardenability of stainless
stainless steel easier to form. steel. It improves scaling
These alloys have a mixture of austenite and ferrite It increases high temperature resistance.
strength and corrosion
in their structure. They exhibit characteristics of both
resistance, particularly in Carbon strengthens
phases with higher strength and ductility. Nitrogen is
industrial and marine atmos- stainless steel but promotes
added to second generation duplex alloys and pheres, chemical, food and the formation of precipitates
provides strength and increased weldability. textile processing industries. harmful to corrosion resistance.
AK Steel’s NITRONIC® 19D has good
cyclic oxidation, high strength Silicon increases scaling Columbium combines
resistance by forming a tight with carbon to reduce suscepti-
and excellent stress corro-
initial scale, which will bility to intergranular corrosion.
sion resistance, and the
withstand cyclic temperature It acts as a grain refiner and
2205 alloy provides changes. It resists carburizing promotes the formation of ferrite.
very good pitting at high temperatures and
and uniform corro- slightly increases tensile Copper is added to
sion resistance, strength and hardness. Small stainless steels to increase
amounts of silicon are added their resistance to certain
high strength and
to all grades of stainless for corrosive environments. It also
high resistance to
deoxidizing. decreases susceptibility to
stress corrosion stress corrosion cracking and
cracking. Manganese promotes provides age-hardening effects.
the stability of austenite,
at or near room temperature Titanium combines with
and improves hot working carbon to reduce susceptibility
properties. Addition of up to to intergranular corrosion. It
2% manganese has no effect acts as a grain refiner and pro-
on strength, ductility and motes the formation of ferrite.
toughness. Manganese is
important as a partial replace-
ment of nickel in 200 series
stainless grades.
AK Steel
Typical Chemical Composition %
Aluminized 409 11 – .01 Ti – .20 Economical corrosion, oxidation, Heat exchangers, furnace liners,
Aluminum coating salt and cosmetic corrosion resistance automotive exhaust systems
409 Ni 11 0.85 .02 Ti – .20, Mn – .75 Corrosion resistance superior to Coal handling equipment, exhaust
mild and low-carbon steels flanges, transportation equipment
400 Cb 11.5 – .01 Cb – .15, Al – .15 Corrosion resistance comparable Electrical cabinetry
to 409, better surface finish
11 Cr-Cb 11 – .01 Si – 1.30, Cb – .35 More oxidation and creep resistant High-temperature use, furnaces,
than 409 and 439 auto exhaust components
41003 11 .40 .02 Si – .40, Mn – .80 Excellent weldability, toughness and Tubing for bus frames, hopper cars,
fabricating characteristics chutes, storage tanks and
shipping containers
439 17 – .012 Ti – .30 Wet corrosion and oxidation Heating units, welded tubing and
resistance auto exhaust components
Aluminized 439 17 – .012 Ti – .30 Economical corrosion oxidation, Heating units, welded tubing and
salt and cosmetic corrosion resistance auto exhaust components
435 Mod. 19.5 – .02 Cb – .70, Cu – .50 Improved formability Automotive trim
and weldability
18 Cr-Cb 17.5 – .02 Ti – .25, Cb – .55 Oxidation resistant, creep resistant Heat exchangers, furnace com-
ponents, auto exhaust systems
444 17.5 – .015 Ti – .25, Cb – .15 Oxidation, corrosion and stress Water heaters, solar panels,
Mo – 2.0 cracking resistance engine components
NITRONIC® 30 16 2.5 .02 Mn – 8.5, N – .17 High strength, abrasion resistance, Hose clamps, truck and bus
good formability frames, bulk solids handling
equipment, coal buckets and
hopper cars
301 17 7 .10 High strength, high work hardening Wheel covers, springs, hose
clamps, food processing
equipment
304L 18 9 .02 Low carbon minimizes carbide Welded parts and other 304
precipitation during welding applications
316 16.5 10.5 .05 Mo – 2 Pitting corrosion resistance Heat exchangers, chemical
equipment, marine applications
316L 16.5 10.8 .02 Mo – 2 Low carbon minimizes carbide Welded Type 316 applications
precipitation during welding
321 17 9.5 .02 Ti – 5XC min. Titanium stabilized Heat exchangers to intermediate
temperatures, aircraft
15-5 PH® 14.5 4.5 .05 Cu – 3.5, Cb – .25 High strength and hardness, Aerospace, chemical and
ferrite free petrochemical, food processing
17-7 PH® 17 7 .085 Al – 1.0 High strength, excellent fatigue Aerospace components, flat
properties springs
PH 15-7 Mo® 14.5 7.5 .085 Mo – 2.0, Al – 1.0 High strength and hardness Retaining rings, springs, aircraft
bulkheads
2205 22 5.5 .02 Mo – 3.0 High strength, low thermal expansion, Heat exchangers, pipe, pressure
high resistance to stress corrosion vessels, tanks, fans, shafts and
cracking and corrosion fatigue press rolls
AK Steel Reflections on Finish
Coated Stainless Steels Surface finish is an important element in any specification or pur-
chase order for stainless steel regardless of the intended end use.
And, for those applications in which appearance is important, finish
Aluminized Steel Type 1 Stainless Steels is a design element and must be specified.
Aluminum coated 409 and 439 stainless steels were developed I n architecture or other highly visible applications, the appear-
to provide the automotive industry with longer life exhaust ance of stainless steel is a critical design element and specification
system materials. The Type 1 hot-dipped aluminum coating of the wrong finish can alter the desired effect. In consumer prod-
provides excellent resistance to muffler condensate corrosion ucts, the gleam of well-polished stainless steel has strong sales
and pitting from road salt which allows the exhaust system to appeal. In institutional kitchen, restaurant, and hospital applica-
remain virtually rust free, thus retaining its good appearance. tions, properly finished stainless helps to emphasize the feeling of
cleanliness.
Black Coat™ Stainless Steels I n addition to visual appeal of polished stainless, there are a
number of functions served by properly prepared stainless surfaces. In
AK Steel Black Coat stainless steels a re available as Type 409, sanitary applications, polished stainless steel not only looks clean,
Aluminized 409, Type 439, and AK Steel 18 Cr-Cb. The Black but also is easy to clean and keep clean.
Coat system is a multi-layer surface coating continuously
applied to stainless steel coils. It is especially useful for There are also economic considerations in specifying finish. For
applications requiring an attractive cosmetic appearance at example, a cold rolled bright annealed finish might be specified instead
high temperatures. Black Coat stainless steel products provide of a more expensive No. 8 polished finish; or some proprietary rolled
enhanced formability compared to bare stainless alloys. These finishes might serve the same purpose as a No. 4 polished finish. A
products are particularly useful in applications involving the knowledge of finishes can sometimes result in significant savings.
cold end of exhaust systems such as mufflers and tail pipes.
AK Steel, the AK Steel logo, 17-4 PH, 15-5 PH, 17-7 PH, PH 15-7 Mo, NITRONIC and Unibrite
are registered trademarks of AK Steel Corporation. G reystone, Black Coat and Color Lock are
trademarks of AK Steel Corporation. Duranar is a registered trademark of PPG Industries.
Bright Annealed — A highly Unigrain — A rolled-on grit done using highly polished rolls. embossed stainless steel is
reflective cold-rolled finish finish produced in the same No. 2 for strip is a general-pur- suitable for a wide variety of
produced by cold rolling to manner as a 2B Sheet Finish, pose finish widely used for decorative applications.
gauge, then bright annealing except that grit rolls are substi- household appliances, automo-
in a protective inert atmosphere. tuted for polished rolls on the tive trim, tableware and utensils. Leinen — A rolled-on,
This process results in no light temper pass. This product No. 2 finish for strip approxi- reflective, linen-like finish
scaling of the product, leaving results in a uniform finish that mates No. 2D finish for sheet. produced in the manner similar
a bright reflective finish. A can be substituted for polish to a bright annealed and tem-
light temper pass on polished finish in many applications. Bright Annealed — A bright, per rolled product. The
rolls is performed on the bright- cold rolled, highly non-directional glossy gray
annealed product. This finish is TM — A rolled-on dull finish reflective finish retained by surface finish is an embossed
also available without the final produced in the same man- final annealing in a controlled- pattern applied in the temper
temper pass, in which case the ner as a 2B Sheet Finish, except atmosphere furnace. The rolling operation, and either
finish is not quite as bright. that shot-blasted rolls are substi- purpose of atmosphere annealed or bright annealed.
tuted for polished rolls on the control is to prevent scaling Steel’s Leinen Finish is suitable
Unibrite® — AK Steel’s high light temper pass. This product or oxidation during annealing. for elevator doors, trim, ceiling
luster finish, produced in results in a dull, nondirectional The atmosphere usually consists panels and column covers.
the same manner as a Bright finish that is suitable for many of dry hydrogen.
Annealed Finish, except that painting and coating applications. Greystone™ Bright — A rolled-
the product is conditioned on Mill-Buffed — Is a highly on, reflective, pebble-like
a mill buffing unit. This process reflective finish obtained finish produced in a manner
results in a finish with uniform Stainless Steel Strip Finishes by sending either No. 2 or similar to a bright annealed
color and reflectivity. It is bright annealed strip through and temper rolled product.
comparable to a No. 7 Sheet No. 1 — A dull gray matte to a continuous buffing pass. With its random pattern, which
Finish, per ASTM A 480. a fairly reflective finish, The buffing provides a finish allows for seamless connection
depending on the stainless steel that is uniform in color and of pieces, Greystone Bright
No. 3 — A polished finish grade, produced by cold rolling, reflectivity. This finish is used is ideal for moldings and trim,
produced in the same annealing and pickling. This for automotive trim, household elevator door panels, and
manner as a 2B Sheet Finish, finish is used for severely drawn trim, tableware, utensils and exterior building panels.
except that the product is belt or formed parts, as well as plumbing fixtures.
polished using 120 grit emery applications where the brighter Greystone Dull — A rolled-on,
cloth belts. No. 2D finish is not required. dull, pebble-like finish
No. 1 finish for strip approxi- AK Steel Custom Finishes produced on an annealed
No. 4 — A polished finish mates No. 2D finish for sheet. and pickled substrate in a
similar to No. 3 Polish, Embossed — An imprinted manner similar to a 2B Sheet
except that the product is belt No. 2 — A smooth reflective overall design on the surface Finish. Initially designed for
polished using 150 grit emery surface produced by the of cold rolled stainless steel roofing applications to minimize
cloth belts, giving it a somewhat same processing used for No. 1 produced by passing the steel the glare of sunlight, Greystone
smoother appearance than No. 3. finish followed by a final light cold between rolls etched with the Dull Finish is ideal for a variety
rolling pass, which is generally design pattern. AK Steel’s of architectural applications.
Precipitation Hardening — Har- Roping — A fibrous surface pat- Sensitization — A term used to Sigma Phase — A brittle and hard
dening that is caused by the precipitation tern that can occur in 400 series sheet describe the condition of the austenitic intermetallic compound of the general
of a metallic compound from a supersatu- and strip when stretched or drawn. This stainless steels resulting from heating formula FeCr, but having a composition
rated solid solution. pattern is always in the rolling direction them in the temperature range of approx- range of broad extension, tending to form
and may require metal removal by polish- imately 800˚ to 1500˚F and cooling to particularly in the ferrite of high chro-
Retained Austenite — A tendency ing if a smooth surface is desired. room temperature. When the metal is held mium stainless steels when heated for a
in martensitic alloys that increases with in the sensitization range, the carbon in period of time in the general range of
the alloy and carbon content and with Semi-hardening — A hardening the steel combines with some of the 925˚ to 1750˚F.
rate of cooling, to retain at room temper- treatment for martensitic steels in which chromium and precipitates as chromium
ature a fraction of the austenite phase the metal is quenched from such a low carbide at the grain boundaries. This Subzero Treatment — Part of a
that is stable at the high temperature and austenitizing temperature that only a depletes chromium in the area of the hardening treatment in which the marten-
which fails to transform to martensite on portion of the metal transforms, yielding grain boundaries and makes the metal sitic steel is quenched from the austeniz-
cooling. a semimartensitic alloy particularly susceptible in those areas to attack in ing temperature and brought immediately
adaptable to machining operations. some corrosive media. to a very low temperature to promote the
development of martensite — particularly
useful for steels tending to have
“retained austenite”.
AK Steel Corporation
9227 Centre Pointe Drive
West Chester, OH 45069
www.aksteel.com
Customer Service
800-331-5050