Steel Properties

Sheet

There are many different kinds of stainless steel alloy available on the market, from the commonly-known grade 304 to the less well-
known grade 420. There are thousands of unique alloys available to manufacturers, each with a unique combination of characteristics.

Austenitic Stainless Steels.

The most common variety of stainless steel on the market. This includes alloys
such as 304, 316, and 317. Of the stainless steels, these have the highest corrosion
resistance because of their chromium content. Also, they are non-magnetic and may
only be hardened by cold work (but may become magnetic after cold working).

Ferritic Stainless Steels

These alloys are the second-most common form of stainless steel and include
alloys such as grade 430 and 434 SS. These alloys are magnetic and can be
hardened by cold work. Also, these alloys are less expensive because of their
reduced nickel content.

Martensitic Stainless Steels

Alloys in this category are among the least common formulations of stainless steel.
While their corrosion resistance is lower than the Austenitic or Ferritic alloys, they
have the highest hardness. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high
tensile strength and impact resistance.
To better understand stainless steel, here is a small chart comparing the most common
alloys from each of the different categories of stainless steel:

Alloy  Tensile Maximum Use Melting Point Resistances/Uses  Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Manganese
Strength  Temp.   Content  Content  Content  Content 

Austenitic
621 MPa (90 ksi) 870°C (1679°F) 1399°C -1454°C Good overall corrosion 8 - 10.5% 18 - 20% Not Specified 2%
304  (2550°F - resistance. Used in many Maximum
2650°F) different applications.

579 MPa (84 ksi) ~800°C 1371°C - 1399°C High resistance to 10 - 14% 16 - 18% 2 - 3% 2%
(1472°F) (2500°F - chlorides (such as salt). Maximum
316 
2550°F) Used in cookware, naval,
and other applications.

517 MPa (75 ksi) ~800°C 1371°C - 1421°C As a modified version of 11 - 15% 18 - 20% 3.5% max 2%
(1472°F) (2500°F - 316 stainless steel, 317 Maximum
317 
2590°F) is often used in many of
the same applications.

Ferritic
450 MPa (65 ksi) 815°C (1499°F) 1425°C - 1510°C Resists nitric acid. Useful 0.75% max 16 - 18% Not Specified 1%
(2597°F - for automotive trim Maximum
430
2750°F) and specific chemical
applications

540 MPa (78 ksi) 815°C (1499°F) 1426°C - 1510°C Superior pitting None 16 - 18% 0.75 - 1.3% 1%
(2600°F - resistance compared Maximum
434  2750°F) to 430. Used in
automotive and exterior
applications.

Martensitic
450 MPa (65 ksi) 650°C (1202°F 1482°C - 1532°C Resistant to hot gases, 0.75% max 11.5 - 13.5% Not Specified 1%
- scaling (2700°F - mild acids & alkalis, and Maximum
410  resistance 2790°F) water. Less resistant
declines past than austenitic or ferritic
this temp). alloys.

586 MPa (85 ksi) 650°C (1202°F 1454°C - 1510°C When hardened, 420 None 12 - 14% Not Specified 1%
Annealed - scaling (2649°F - resists mild acids, water, Maximum
resistance 2750°F) alkalis, and some food
1586 MPa (230
420  declines past compounds. Often used
ksi) Hardened
this temp). in cutlery.
and Stress
Relieved

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