How to choose the right grade of stainless steel?

Key Steps for Selecting Stainless Steel Grades

1. Assess the Application Environment (Corrosion is the Primary Factor)

The first step is to determine the environment in which the stainless steel will be exposed, which forms the basis for selecting the corrosion resistance grade.

2. Determine the required mechanical properties

Strength and Hardness: Applications requiring high strength or wear resistance may require martensitic (e.g., 420, 440C) or duplex stainless steel (e.g., 2205).

Toughness and Ductility: Applications requiring deep drawing, bending, or use at low temperatures should choose austenitic (e.g., 304, 316).

Weldability: Applications requiring extensive welding should choose low carbon grades (e.g., 304L, 316L) to reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion in the weld area.

3. Consider Processing and Manufacturing Costs

Processability: Austenitic stainless steel generally has good formability, but may be more difficult to machine (cut) than ferritic stainless steel.

Cost: Generally, the higher the nickel content (e.g., 316 > 304) or the higher the content of special elements (e.g., molybdenum, nitrogen), the higher the price. A balance needs to be struck between performance requirements and budget.

Main stainless steel series introduction, classified into four categories according to their microstructure:

1. Austenitic Stainless Steel (200 series & 300 series)

Characteristics: Most common and widely used, non-magnetic (annealed state), excellent corrosion resistance, good toughness, ductility, and weldability.

Common Grades:

304 (06Cr19Ni10): The most commonly used grade, suitable for general environments and the food industry.

316 (06Cr17Ni12Mo2): Contains molybdenum, significantly improving corrosion resistance to chlorides (such as brine and seawater), suitable for chemical, marine, and medical environments.

201/202 (High Manganese, Low Nickel): "Nickel-saving steel," lower cost, corrosion resistance lower than 304, suitable for indoor or mild environments.

2. Ferritic Stainless Steel (400 series)

Characteristics: Magnetic, primarily contains chromium, with little or no nickel. Corrosion resistance is slightly lower than austenitic stainless steel, but it has better resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking. Lower cost.

Common Grades:

430 (10Cr17): Suitable for interior decoration, tableware, and appliance housings.

3. Martensitic Stainless Steel (400 series)

Characteristics: Magnetic, high strength and hardness can be achieved through heat treatment. Lowest corrosion resistance.

Common Grades:

420/440C: Suitable for knives, bearings, and surgical instruments.

4. Duplex Stainless Steel (2205, 2507)

Characteristics: Combines the advantages of austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, with significantly higher strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking than the 300 series, and excellent resistance to chloride corrosion.

Applications: High-requirement environments such as chemical storage tanks, pipelines, and marine engineering.

Summary and Recommendations：