Stainless steel 201
Composition characteristics:
It belongs to chromium-nickel-manganese austenitic stainless steel. The main alloying elements are chromium (Cr) content of about 16-18%, nickel (Ni) content of 3.5-5.5%, and manganese (Mn) content is relatively high, generally 5.5-7.5%. The addition of manganese replaces part of nickel to a certain extent, reducing costs.
Performance characteristics:
It has a certain corrosion resistance and can maintain good performance in general dry environment and weak corrosive environment. It has high strength, and after proper processing, such as cold processing, its strength can be improved. For example, in the field of architectural decoration, it is used to make some structural parts that require strength, such as indoor stainless steel stair handrails.
However, its corrosion resistance is not as good as 304 and 316 stainless steel, and it is prone to corrosion in highly corrosive environments such as chloride ions.
Application areas:
It is widely used in the interior decoration industry, such as making doors and windows, decorative strips, etc. It is also used in the production of some furniture that does not require high corrosion resistance, such as the frames of some stainless steel tables and chairs. It is also used in some low-end kitchenware products, such as ordinary stainless steel bowls.
Stainless steel 304
Composition characteristics:
304 stainless steel is one of the most common austenitic stainless steels, with a chromium content of about 18-20% and a nickel content of 8-10.5%. This composition ratio gives it good stability.
Performance characteristics:
Good corrosion resistance, able to resist corrosion from a variety of media such as atmosphere, water, and general chemicals. This is because the chromium element forms a dense passivation film on its surface to prevent further erosion by external substances. It also has good toughness and plasticity, and can be made into different shapes through various processing methods, such as stretching, stamping, etc. For example, it can be made into very thin stainless steel plates for kitchen range hood shells.
It has excellent processing performance and good welding performance, and can still maintain good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties after welding.
Application areas:
It is widely used in kitchen equipment, such as stainless steel sinks, pots, etc.; in the food processing industry, it is used to make food processing equipment, storage containers, etc.; in the construction field, it is used for exterior wall decoration, railings, etc.; in the chemical industry, it is also used for some pipes and containers that have certain requirements for corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel 430
Composition characteristics:
430 stainless steel belongs to ferritic stainless steel. The main alloying element is chromium, with a content of 16-18%, and basically no nickel or very low nickel content.
Performance characteristics:
It has good thermal conductivity, which is higher than the thermal conductivity of austenitic stainless steel (such as 304). Its corrosion resistance is worse than 304, especially in salty, acidic environments, it is easy to rust. However, it has good oxidation resistance and can maintain good oxidation resistance at high temperatures. For example, in high-temperature dry air, the surface of 430 stainless steel can remain relatively stable.
It has strong magnetism, which is a significant difference from austenitic stainless steel. It has advantages in some application scenarios that require magnetism.
Application areas:
It is often used in electrical products, such as the inner pot of microwave ovens, etc., taking advantage of its good thermal conductivity and certain oxidation resistance. In some decorative occasions, such as automotive decorative strips, 430 stainless steel is also used, mainly for processing using its magnetic characteristics.
Stainless steel 316
Composition characteristics:
316 stainless steel is also an austenitic stainless steel. In addition to containing 16-18% chromium and 10-14% nickel, it also contains 2-3% molybdenum (Mo). The addition of molybdenum is an important feature that distinguishes it from 304 stainless steel.
Performance characteristics:
Its corrosion resistance is superior to 304 stainless steel in many aspects, especially in environments containing chloride ions, such as seaside facilities, seawater treatment equipment, etc., and has strong resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Its high temperature strength is also relatively good, and it can still maintain good mechanical properties at higher temperatures.
It has good biocompatibility and is also used in the medical field, such as making some medical devices.
Application areas:
Mainly used in industries with extremely high requirements for corrosion resistance, such as chemical industry, marine engineering, pharmaceuticals, and food. For example, in chemical companies, corrosion-resistant reactors and pipelines are made; in marine ships, desalination equipment and marine hardware are made; in medical equipment, some small devices implanted in the human body or surgical instruments are made.
