Stainless Product Guide
Like all types of steel, stainless steel is not a single metal but an alloy made from two or more separate elements alloyed or “melted” together. What all steels have in common is that their major “ingredient” (alloying element) is the metal iron, to which a small amount of carbon has been added. Stainless steel was invented early in the 20th century when it was discovered that a certain amount of the metal chromium (usually a minimum of 11 per cent) added to ordinary steel gave it a bright shiny gloss and made it highly resistant to tarnishing and rusting. This rust-resisting property which we call “corrosion resistance” is what sets stainless steel apart from most other forms of steel.
303 Stainless Steel
T-303 is a free machining variation of T-302/304 for use in automatic machining operations. Corrosion resistant to atmospheric exposures, sterilizing solutions, most organic and many inorganic chemicals; most dyes, nitric acid and foods. One of the 3 main alloys of commercially available stainless steel. The primary reason to use 303 is when you need a stainless steel with machining capabilities better than that of 304 and 316. It has roughly the same corrosion resistance as 304, but not as good as 316. The main drawback with the alloy is that it is not generally considered to be as weldable.
| 303 stainless steel (cold drawn annealed, room temperature) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 89,900 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 34,800 | |
| Elongation | 50% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B83 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 69% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% max | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.6% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.2% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.15% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
304 Stainless Steel
T-304 is the most widely used stainless steel in the world. You can find it in everything from cars and knives to the space shuttle. Also known as a food grade. It is weldable, machinable and has good corrosion resistance to many chemical corrodents as well as industrial atmospheres. Has very good formability and can be readily welded by all common methods.
| 304 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 73,200 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 31,200 | |
| Elongation | 70% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B70 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 66.5 - 74 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18 - 20% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8 - 10.5% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% max | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
316 Stainless Steel
Better corrosion and pitting resistance as well as higher strength at elevated temperatures than T304. Used for pumps, valves, textile, chemical equipment, pulp & paper and marine applications. Also known as marine-grade or food grade stainless steel, T-316 is similar in machinability and weldability to T-304.
| 316 stainless steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 89,900 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 60,200 | |
| Elongation | 45% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B91 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 65% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.5% | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 12% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% |
301 Stainless Steel
Grade 301 can be supplied with a tensile strength of up to 1800 MPa in strip and wire forms, to produce tempers in the range of 1/16 Hard to Full Hard. The controlled analysis of Grade 301 enables it to retain sufficient ductility in conditions up to 1/2 hard conditions to be roll or brake formed into aircraft, architectural and particularly rail car structural components. However, 3/4 to full hard tempers should be used whenever high wear resistance and spring features are required in components of simple form designs.
Grade 301L with low carbon is preferred for improved ductility, and another variant 301LN with higher nitrogen content has a higher work hardening rate than standard 301.
| 301 stainless steel | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 74,700 min |
| Yield Strength, psi | 29,700 min | |
| Elongation | 40% min | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B85 | |
| Minimum Properties (1/4 hard condition) | Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi | 125,000 m |
| Yield Strength, psi | 75,000 mi | |
| Elongation | 25% min | |
| Rockwell Hardness | C25 | |
| Minimum Properties (1/2 hard condition) | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 150,000 min |
| Yield Strength, psi | 110,000 | |
| Elongation | 18% min | |
| Rockwell Hardness | C32 | |
| Minimum Properties (3/4 hard condition) | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 185,000 min |
| Yield Strength, psi | 140,000 min | |
| Elongation | 9% min | |
| Rockwell Hardness | C41 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 69% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% max | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.6% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.2% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.15% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
302 Stainless Steel
Type 302 is a slightly higher carbon version of type 304, most commonly found in strip and wire forms. While still used in a variety of industries, many applications have shifted to 304 and 304L due to advances in melting technology, availability and cost. Primarily used in the stamping, spinning and wire forming industry. This alloy is formed into all types of washers, springs, screens and cables.
| 302 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 89,900 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 39,900 | |
| Elongation | 55% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B85 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 70% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% max | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
310 Stainless Steel
The strength of this alloy is a combination of good strength and corrosion resistance in temperatures up to 2100 F (1149 C). Due to its relatively high chromium and nickel content it is superior in most environments to 304 or 309 stainless.
Applications can be found in oven linings, boiler baffles, kilns, lead pots, radiant tubes and fireboxes.
| 310 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 89,900 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 45,000 | |
| Elongation | 45% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B85 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 48 - 53% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.25% | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 26% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 19 - 22% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.5% |
321 Stainless Steel
This material is stabilized with titanium for weldments subject to severe corrosion. No carbide precipitation. Excellent resistance to a variety of corrosive media. Immune to most organic chemicals, dyestuffs and many inorganic chemicals. Has similar properties to alloy 304, but its titanium content limits carbide precipitation, making it somewhat easier to machine.
| 321 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 89,900 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 34,800 | |
| Elongation | 45% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B80 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 68% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08% | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 11% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% | |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.15% |
347 Stainless Steel
Similar to 321 stainless, 347 uses columbium as a stabilizing element to maximize its principal feature: resistance to intergranular corrosion. It can be used in applications requiring repeated heating in the range of 800 and 1650 F (427-899 C). It works well as high temperature gaskets, expansion joints, rocket engine parts, and aircraft collector rings, exhaust manifolds and chemical production equipment.
| 347 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 95,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 39,900 | |
| Elongation | 45% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B85 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 68% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2% | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 11% | |
| Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta) | 0.8% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03 | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% |
410 Stainless Steel
This is a heat treatable stainless used widely where corrosion is not severe. Applications include air, fresh water, some chemicals and food acids. Typical uses include valve & pump parts, fasteners, cutlery, turbine parts, and bushings.
| 410 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 65,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 30,000 | |
| Elongation | 20 - 34 | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B82 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 86% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.5% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1% max | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% |
416 Stainless Steel
Free machining variation of T 410 with useful corrosion resistance to natural food acids, basic salts, water and most atmospheres.
| 416 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 74,700 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 39,900 | |
| Elongation | 30% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B82 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 84% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 13% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.25% max | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.6% max | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.06% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.15% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
430 Stainless Steel
Stainless steel type 1.4016 is also commonly known as grade 430. Type 430 stainless steel combines good corrosion resistance with good formability and ductility.
It is a ferritic, non-hardenable plain chromium stainless steel with excellent finish quality.
Grade 430 also has excellent resistance to nitric attack, which makes it well suited to use in chemical applications. The most popular applications for 430 are in domestic appliances and decorative trim.
| 430 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 75,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 50,000 | |
| Elongation | 25% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B85 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 87% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.12% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1% max | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
15-5 Stainless Steel
A vacuum arc remelted grade also known as a PH, or precipitation-hardening, grade of stainless steel. This alloy is used a great deal in the aircraft industry in part due to its high strength, and also because there are a wide range of heat treatments to choose from to reach a specified hardness or other properties.
| 15-5 PH Stainless Steel Condition A (annealed) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 161,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 140,000 | |
| Elongation | 7.6% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | C35 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 71.91 - 79.85% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.07% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 - 15.5% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1% max | |
| Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta) | 0.15 - 0.45% ma | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.5 - 5.5% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
17-4 Stainless Steel
Also known as a PH, or precipitation-hardening, grade of stainless. Similar to 304 in most media this alloy is used a great deal in the aircraft industry in part due to its high strength, and also because there are a wide range of heat treatments to choose from to reach a specified hardness or other properties. This alloy is very similar to 15-5 except that 17-4 tends to have more ferrite, and is slightly more magnetic.
| 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Condition A (annealed) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 160,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 145,000 | |
| Elongation | 5% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | C35 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 69.91 - 78.85% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.07% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15 - 17.5% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1% max | |
| Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta) | 0.15 - 0.45% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3 - 5% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
17-7 Stainless Steel
A precipitation hardenable chromium-nickel stainless steel combining high strength, moderate corrosion resistance and properties well suited for flat springs. Used for applications requiring good strength, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties up to 800 F in service. It is often used for very detailed, intricate parts due to its low distortion in heat treatment. Very stable. Commonly found in a variety of springs and washers.
| 17-7 PH Stainless Steel Condition A (annealed) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 130,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 40,000 | |
| Elongation | 35% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B85 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 70.59 - 76.75% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.09% max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16 - 18% | |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.75 - 1.5% max | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 6.5 - 7.75% | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04% max | |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.03% min | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
Nitronic 50 Stainless
A nitrogen strengthened austenitic stainless that provides a combination of corrosion resistance and strength. Corrosion resistance greater than that of T316 and T316L plus approximately twice the yield strength. Very good mechanical properties at both elevated and subzero temperatures.
| Nitronic 50 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 116,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 57,000 | |
| Elongation | 47% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B91 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 58% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 22% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5% | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.25% | |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.3% | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 12.5% | |
| Silicon (Si) | 1% max |
Nitronic 60 Stainless
Excellent galling resistance and corrosion resistance. Comparable to T304 plus approximately twice the yield strength. Metal to metal abrasive wear resistance is also good.
| Nitronic 60 Stainless Steel (annealed condition) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 103,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 60,000 | |
| Elongation | 64% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B95 | |
| Chemistry | Iron (Fe) | 62% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17% | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 8% | |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.14% | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.5% | |
| Silicon (Si) | 4% max |
Alcobra Metals states that all technical data is for comparison purposes only and is NOT FOR DESIGN. It has been compiled from sources we believe to be accurate but cannot guarantee. Please consult an Engineer.