Basic knowledge of stainless steel

With high strength and corrosion resistance, it is widely used in aerospace, machinery manufacturing and other fields.

2.Chemical composition of various types of stainless steel?

304 stainless steel
- Carbon (C) : ≤0.08%
- Silicon (Si) : ≤1.00%
- Manganese (Mn) : ≤2.00%
- Sulfur (S) : ≤0.030%
- Phosphorus (P) : ≤0.045%
- Chromium (Cr) : 18.0-20.0%
Nickel (Ni) : 8.0-10.5%

316 stainless steel
- Carbon (C) : ≤0.08%
- Silicon (Si) : ≤1.00%
- Manganese (Mn) : ≤2.00%
- Sulfur (S) : ≤0.030%
- Phosphorus (P) : ≤0.045%
- Chromium (Cr) : 16.0-18.0%
Nickel (Ni) : 10.0-14.0%
Molybdenum (Mo) : 2.0-3.0%

201 stainless steel
- Carbon (C) : ≤0.15%
- Silicon (Si) : ≤1.00%
- Manganese (Mn) : 5.5-7.5%
- Sulfur (S) : ≤0.030%
- Phosphorus (P) : ≤0.060%
- Chromium (Cr) : 16.0-18.0%
Nickel (Ni) : 3.5-5.5%

430 stainless steel
- Carbon (C) : ≤0.12%
- Silicon (Si) : ≤1.00%
- Manganese (Mn) : ≤1.00%
- Sulfur (S) : ≤0.030%
- Phosphorus (P) : ≤0.040%
- Chromium (Cr) : 16.0-18.0%
Different types of stainless steel have their own characteristics and uses due to different proportions of added elements. When selecting, determine the appropriate model according to the specific requirements.

3.What are the performance characteristics of various types of stainless steel?

Stainless steel 304
304 stainless steel is one of the most common types of stainless steel and belongs to austenitic stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, so it is also known as "18-8 stainless steel". 304 has excellent corrosion resistance, good processability and welding performance, and is widely used in food processing equipment, kitchen utensils, chemical equipment and other fields. Its high temperature resistance is also good, can be used in the environment below 800℃.

Stainless steel 316
316 stainless steel is added 2%-3% molybdenum element on the basis of 304, making it more excellent in corrosion resistance, especially pitting resistance. 316 is particularly suitable for use in Marine or chloride-containing environments, such as seawater equipment, chemical storage tanks and medical devices. In addition, 316 also has a high temperature strength, is the ideal choice against harsh environmental requirements.

Stainless steel 201
201 stainless steel is a more economical stainless steel, mainly by reducing the nickel content and increasing the manganese content to reduce costs. Although its corrosion resistance is not as good as 304, it still has certain oxidation resistance and high strength. 201 is commonly used to make decorative materials, kitchen utensils, and light industrial products. However, due to its weak corrosion resistance, it is not suitable for use in humid or corrosive environments.

Stainless steel 430
430 stainless steel is a ferritic stainless steel, the main component is 16%-18% chromium, no nickel, so the cost is low. 430 has good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance, but poor weldability and toughness, and is usually used in scenes with low requirements for strength and corrosion resistance, such as household appliance panels, automotive trim pieces and kitchen utensils.

4.Stainless steel application scenarios of various models?

Application scenario of stainless steel 304
Stainless Steel 304 is one of the most common types of stainless steel, belongs to the austenitic stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel, so it is also known as "18-8" stainless steel. It has good corrosion resistance, toughness and machinability, and is widely used in the following fields:
- Food processing and kitchen equipment
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and non-toxicity, stainless steel 304 is commonly used in the manufacture of food processing equipment, storage tanks, kitchen sinks, tableware and cookware. These products require frequent contact with moisture and acidic substances, and 304 stainless steel can meet these needs well.
- Architectural decoration
304 stainless steel because of its beautiful surface and good oxidation resistance, often used in building curtain walls, railings, door and window frames and other decorative materials.
- Medical equipment.
In the medical industry, stainless steel 304 is widely used in the manufacture of surgical instruments, disinfection equipment, and hospital furniture because it is easy to clean and resistant to a variety of chemical disinfectants.

Application scenarios of stainless steel 316
Stainless steel 316 is an upgraded version of 304, containing a higher proportion of nickel and adding 2%-3% molybdenum, which significantly improves its corrosion resistance, especially in environments containing chloride or salts. 316 stainless steel is mainly used in the following scenarios:
- Marine environment
Due to its excellent resistance to salt spray corrosion, stainless steel 316 is often used in Marine parts, desalination equipment, breakwaters and offshore platforms.
- Chemical Industry
316 stainless steel can resist the erosion of a variety of chemical media, so it is widely used in the manufacture of chemical storage tanks, pipelines, heat exchangers and reactors and other equipment.
- Medical implants
Because of its biocompatibility, 316L (a carbon-free version of 316) is used to make medical implants such as bone pins, artificial joints, and heart stents.

Application scenario of stainless steel 201
Stainless Steel 201 is a low-nickel austenitic stainless steel that replaces part of the nickel with manganese, thereby reducing costs. Although its corrosion resistance is not as good as 304 and 316, it is still widely used in some cost-sensitive and non-harsh corrosion environments:
- Household appliances
201 stainless steel is often used to make home appliance components such as refrigerator shells, washing machine rollers and microwave ovens.
- Decoration field
In interior decoration, 201 stainless steel is used to make stair railings, guardrails and other decorative components, which cost relatively low, but the appearance is still beautiful.
- Light industrial products
201 stainless steel is also used in the production of tableware, storage containers and other daily products, its durability and economy make it an ideal choice.

Application scenario of stainless steel 430
Stainless Steel 430 is a ferritic stainless steel, does not contain nickel, the main component is chromium (about 16%-18%). Although its corrosion resistance is relatively low, due to its low price and good thermal conductivity, it performs well in some specific scenarios:
- Home Appliance industry
Stainless steel 430 is often used in the manufacture of rice cookers, oven walls and other kitchen electrical components, and its thermal conductivity is better than austenitic stainless steel.
- Automotive industry
In automobile manufacturing, 430 stainless steel is used as exhaust pipe decoration as well as body parts, and its high temperature resistance and cost advantages make it favored.
- Decorative materials
Due to its bright surface and low cost, 430 stainless steel is also commonly used in interior decoration, elevator panels and furniture decoration.

Different types of stainless steel due to their composition and performance differences, in practical applications have their own focus. 304 is the most versatile stainless steel for its comprehensive properties; 316 is suitable for harsh environments with excellent corrosion resistance; 201 Because of its economy in the field of light industry and decoration shine; The 430 takes its place in home appliances and decorative materials with its low cost and good thermal conductivity. When selecting stainless steel materials, performance and cost should be considered according to the specific use environment and needs to ensure the best results.