Stainless steels are in general grouped into

martensitic stainless steels

ferritic stainless steels

austenitic stainless steels

duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels

precipitation-hardening stainless steels

Alloying metallic elements added during the making of the steel increase corrosion resistance, hardness, or
strength. The metals used most commonly as alloying elements in stainless steel include chromium, nickel,
and molybdenum.
Stainless steels are available in the form of

plate

sheet

strip

foil

bar

wire

pipes

tubes

Stainless steels are a iron-based alloy containing at between 10.5% to 30% Cr. Stainless steel achieve its
stainless characteristic through the formation of an invisible and adherent chromium-rich oxide surface film.
Other alloying elements added to improve the characteristics of the stainless steel include nickel, molybdenum,
copper, titanium, aluminum, silicon, niobium, nitrogen, sulphur, and selenium.
Carbon is normally in amounts from 0.03% to more than 1.0% in some martensitic grades.
Selection of stainless steels are in general based on

corrosion resistance

fabrication characteristics

availability

mechanical properties for specific temperature ranges

product cost

Since stainless steel resists corrosion, maintains its strength at high temperatures, and is easily maintained, it
is widely used in items such as automotive and food processing products, as well as medical and health
equipment. The most common US grades of stainless steel are:

TYPE 304
The most commonly specified austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless steel, accounting for more
than half of the stainless steel produced in the world. This grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture,
is durable in typical food processing environments, and resists most chemicals. Type 304 is available in
virtually all product forms and finishes.

TYPE 316
Austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless steel containing 2%-3% molybdenum (whereas 304 has
none). The inclusion of molybdenum gives 316 greater resistance to various forms of deterioration.

TYPE 409
Ferritic (plain chromium stainless category) stainless steel suitable for high temperatures. This grade has the
lowest chromium content of all stainless steels and thus is the least expensive.

TYPE 410
The most widely used martensitic (plain chromium stainless class with exceptional strength) stainless steel,
featuring the high level of strength conferred by the martensitics. It is a low-cost, heat-treatable grade suitable
for non-severe corrosion applications.

TYPE 430
The most widely used ferritic (plain chromium stainless category) stainless steel, offering general-purpose
corrosion resistance, often in decorative applications.