Stainless Steel Grades

• Austenitic Stainless Steel: 200 Series (201, 202), 300 Series (301, 304, 316, 316L)
• Ferritic Stainless Steel: 400 Series (409, 430, 441, 444)
• Martensitic Stainless Steel: 400 Series (410, 420, 440A, 440C)
• Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel: 17-4PH, 15-5PH, 13-8Mo
• Specialty Stainless Steels: Nitronic 50, Nitronic 60, 904L, Alloy 20

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Description of Stainless Steel

• Composition: Contains at least 10.5% chromium, enhancing its resistance to rust and corrosion. Other elements like nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen improve its strength and oxidation resistance.
• Properties: Known for its corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel is widely used in industries such as food processing, medical, and construction.

Main Grades of Stainless Steel

• Austenitic Stainless Steel: Known for excellent corrosion resistance and formability, not hardened by heat treatment but strengthened by cold working. Common grades include 304 and 316.
• Ferritic Stainless Steel: Magnetic, with high chromium and low carbon content. Commonly used in automotive applications and industrial equipment. Example grades: 409 and 430.
• Martensitic Stainless Steel: Can be heat-treated for high strength and moderate corrosion resistance. Used in cutlery and surgical instruments. Example grades: 410 and 420.
• Precipitation-Hardening (PH) Stainless Steel: Can be hardened by heat treatment, enhancing strength and hardness. Commonly used in aerospace and medical applications. Example grade: 17-4 PH.

Applications of Stainless Steel

• Food and Beverage Industry: Used in processing equipment, storage tanks, and kitchen utensils.
• Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry: Applied in surgical instruments, medical devices, and pharmaceutical equipment.
• Construction and Architecture: Utilized for structural components, cladding, and architectural finishes.
• Automotive Industry: Employed in exhaust systems, trim, and structural components.
• Marine Industry: Used in shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and marine hardware.

Nickel-Copper Alloys

• Monel 400: A highly corrosion-resistant alloy used in marine and chemical environments.
• Monel K-500: An alloy with enhanced strength and resistance to corrosion and erosion, commonly used in marine and aerospace applications.

Nickel-Iron Alloys

• Invar 36: Known for its low thermal expansion, used in precision instruments and aerospace applications.
• Incoloy 800: A nickel-iron-chromium alloy that offers excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures.
• Incoloy 825: A highly resistant alloy to corrosion and acids, used in chemical processing and marine environments.

Nickel-Chromium Alloys

• Inconel 600: A versatile high-temperature alloy that offers oxidation and corrosion resistance in extreme conditions.
• Inconel 601: Known for its resistance to oxidation and carburization at high temperatures, used in gas turbines.
• Inconel 625: Provides excellent fatigue and thermal-fatigue strength, used in aerospace and marine environments.
• Inconel 718: A high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy used in jet engines and other aerospace applications.
• Inconel X-750: Known for its high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance, often used in gas turbines and nuclear reactors.

Nickel-Molybdenum Alloys

• Hastelloy B-2: Highly resistant to hydrochloric acid and other corrosive environments, used in chemical processing.
• Hastelloy B-3: Offers superior resistance to hydrochloric acid and is ideal for harsh chemical environments.

Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys

• Incoloy 800: A nickel-iron-chromium alloy that provides excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures.
• Incoloy 825: A highly corrosion-resistant alloy used in chemical and petrochemical industries.

Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloys

• Hastelloy C-276: Offers outstanding resistance to a wide range of aggressive chemicals and is used in chemical processing.
• Hastelloy C-4: Known for its high resistance to strong acids, used in harsh chemical environments.
• Hastelloy C-22: Known for its superior resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.

Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt Alloys

• Haynes 188: A high-strength alloy used in gas turbines and aerospace components due to its resistance to oxidation at high temperatures.
• Haynes 25: Offers excellent high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation, commonly used in aerospace and industrial applications.

Specialty Nickel Alloys

• Alloy 20: Known for its resistance to sulfuric acid, widely used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
• Nickel 200: Pure nickel alloy used in food processing, chemical applications, and electronics.
• Nickel 201: A low-carbon version of Nickel 200, offering improved resistance to high-temperature environments.
• Alloy 600: A nickel-chromium alloy known for its high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation.
• Alloy 625: Offers exceptional fatigue, thermal-fatigue, and welding characteristics, used in aerospace and marine environments.
• Alloy 718: A high-strength alloy widely used in jet engines, gas turbines, and other high-stress applications.
• Alloy X: Known for its high temperature and oxidation resistance, ideal for applications in gas turbines and jet engines.

Properties of Nickel Alloys

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, ideal for harsh environments like chemical processing and marine applications.
• High-Temperature Strength: Maintains strength at elevated temperatures, suitable for gas turbines, aerospace components, and nuclear reactors.
• Magnetic Properties: Possess magnetic properties, essential for electronic devices and equipment.
• Ductility: Highly ductile, allowing for easy shaping without breaking, beneficial for manufacturing processes.
• Low Thermal Expansion: Low coefficient of thermal expansion, providing stability under temperature changes for precision applications.
• Weldability: Can be welded using various methods, though care is required to avoid hot cracking and porosity.

Types of Nickel Alloys

• Nickel-Copper Alloys: Excellent corrosion resistance in seawater and chloride environments.
• Nickel-Iron Alloys: Used in applications requiring high strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
• Nickel-Chromium Alloys: Highly resistant to oxidation, ideal for high-temperature applications.
• Nickel-Molybdenum Alloys: Resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion, suitable for chemical processing.
• Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys: Versatile alloys used in various industrial applications.
• Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloys: Known for high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.
• Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt Alloys: Used in applications requiring high strength and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures.

Applications of Nickel Alloys

• Aerospace Industry: Used in jet engines and aerospace components for high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.
• Chemical Processing: Ideal for equipment exposed to corrosive chemicals and high temperatures.
• Marine Engineering: Used in shipbuilding and offshore platforms for excellent seawater corrosion resistance.
• Power Generation: Employed in gas turbines and nuclear reactors for high-temperature and corrosive environment resistance.
• Medical Devices: Utilized in implants and medical equipment for biocompatibility and resistance to body fluids.

Grades of Duplex and Super Duplex Stainless Steel

Duplex Stainless Steel Grades

• 2205 (UNS S31803/S32205): The most widely used duplex stainless steel, known for its good balance of strength and corrosion resistance.
• 2304 (UNS S32304): Offers good resistance to general corrosion and stress corrosion cracking with moderate strength.
• 2101 (UNS S32101): Known for its high mechanical strength and good corrosion resistance with a lower nickel content.
• 2507 (UNS S32750): Provides excellent resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chloride stress corrosion cracking.
• 2202 (UNS S32202): Offers a good combination of strength and corrosion resistance with economical nickel content.

Super Duplex Stainless Steel Grades

• 2507 (UNS S32750): Known for its high resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, as well as excellent mechanical strength.
• Zeron 100 (UNS S32760): Offers outstanding corrosion resistance and high strength, making it suitable for harsh environments.
• 32760 (UNS S32760): Similar to Zeron 100, it provides excellent resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking with high mechanical strength.
• 32750 (UNS S32750): This super duplex grade provides excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking and high strength.

Duplex Stainless Steel

Duplex stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that combines two different metallurgical phases: austenite and ferrite. This combination results in a microstructure that provides enhanced mechanical properties and superior corrosion resistance compared to standard austenitic or ferritic stainless steels.

• High Strength: Duplex stainless steels are roughly twice as strong as standard austenitic stainless steels.
• Corrosion Resistance: They offer excellent resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
• Cost-Effective: Due to their high strength, thinner sections can be used, reducing material costs.
• Applications: Commonly used in chemical processing, marine environments, oil and gas industries, and desalination plants.

Super Duplex Stainless Steel

Super duplex stainless steel is a high-performance variant of duplex stainless steel, with an even higher alloy content to further enhance its properties.

• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Super duplex steels have a higher chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen content, providing superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
• Increased Strength: They are even stronger than standard duplex steels, with a minimum proof strength of around 550 MPa.
• Applications: Ideal for subsea environments, marine applications, chemical processing, and oil and gas industries due to their exceptional performance in harsh conditions.

Grades of Titanium

• Grade 1: Pure titanium with excellent ductility and corrosion resistance, used in applications requiring good formability.
• Grade 2: The most commonly used grade, offering a good balance of strength, ductility, and weldability.
• Grade 3: Higher strength than Grades 1 and 2, but with lower ductility. Suitable for applications requiring higher strength.
• Grade 4: The strongest of the pure titanium grades, with excellent corrosion resistance and moderate formability.
• Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V): An alloy with aluminum and vanadium, known for its high strength, light weight, and heat resistance. Widely used in aerospace, marine, and medical applications.
• Grade 7: Similar to Grade 2 but with added palladium, offering enhanced corrosion resistance in reducing and acidic environments.
• Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V): An alloy with moderate strength and excellent formability, often used in aerospace and sports equipment.
• Grade 12: Improved strength and corrosion resistance with the addition of molybdenum and nickel, suitable for chemical processing applications.
• Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI): A high-purity version of Grade 5, used in medical implants for superior biocompatibility and fatigue strength.

Properties of Titanium

• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: As strong as steel but significantly lighter, ideal for weight-sensitive applications.
• Corrosion Resistance: Forms a passive oxide layer that protects it from corrosion, even in harsh environments like seawater and acidic conditions.
• Biocompatibility: Non-toxic and well-tolerated by the human body, suitable for medical implants and prosthetics.
• Low Density: Less dense than steel, contributing to its lightweight nature.
• Heat Resistance: Retains strength at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
• Non-Magnetic: Beneficial for use in sensitive electronic and electromagnetic environments.

Applications of Titanium

• Aerospace: Aircraft frames, jet engines, and spacecraft for high strength and lightweight properties.
• Medical: Surgical implants, prosthetics, and dental implants due to its biocompatibility.
• Marine: Shipbuilding and offshore structures for resistance to seawater corrosion.
• Automotive: High-performance vehicle parts for reduced weight and increased strength.
• Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers and reactors exposed to corrosive environments.
• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, golf clubs, and other high-performance sporting goods for their lightweight and durable properties.

Properties of Alloy Steels

• Enhanced Strength: Alloy steels have higher tensile strength compared to carbon steels, making them suitable for high-stress applications.
• Improved Hardness: Alloying elements enhance the hardness of the steel, improving its wear resistance.
• Better Toughness: Designed to withstand impact and stress without breaking.
• Corrosion Resistance: Elements like chromium and nickel improve corrosion resistance significantly.
• Heat Resistance: Maintains strength and hardness at high temperatures, suitable for high-temperature applications.
• Machinability: Depending on composition, alloy steels can be easier to machine, form, and weld.

Types of Alloy Steels

• Low-Alloy Steel: Contains less than 5% alloying elements and offers a good balance of strength, toughness, and ductility. Examples include:
  • 4130: A chromium-molybdenum alloy used in aircraft structures and automotive parts.
  • 4140: A chromium-molybdenum alloy with high fatigue strength, used in gears, shafts, and high-stress applications.
• High-Alloy Steel: Contains more than 5% alloying elements, offering superior corrosion resistance and high strength. Examples include:
  • H13: A chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy used in hot working tools and dies.
  • D2: A high-carbon, high-chromium alloy known for its excellent wear resistance, used in cutting tools.

Applications of Alloy Steels

• Automotive Industry: Used in engine components, gears, shafts, and structural parts due to their strength and durability.
• Aerospace Industry: Utilized in aircraft frames, landing gear, and engine components for their high strength-to-weight ratio and heat resistance.
• Construction: Employed in bridges, buildings, and infrastructure projects for their strength and toughness.
• Tool and Die Making: Used in cutting tools, dies, and molds for their hardness and wear resistance.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Utilized in pipelines, drill bits, and equipment exposed to harsh environments for their corrosion resistance.

Grades of Carbon Steel

Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)

• A36: Widely used in construction and structural applications for its good strength and formability.
• 1018: Known for its good weldability, machinability, and uniform surface hardness.
• 1020: Similar to 1018 but with slightly higher strength and hardness, used in light structural applications.

Medium Carbon Steel

• 1040: Offers a good balance of strength and toughness, used in machinery and automotive parts.
• 1045: Higher carbon content than 1040, providing improved strength and wear resistance, often used in gears, axles, and shafts.
• 1538: Contains additional alloying elements to enhance its properties, used in various engineering applications.

High Carbon Steel

• 1060: Known for its high strength and hardness, used in cutting tools and springs.
• 1095: Very high carbon content, providing excellent hardness and edge retention, commonly used in knives and blades.
• 1566: Contains additional manganese, improving its wear resistance, used in heavy-duty springs and high-strength parts.

Ultra-High Carbon Steel

• D2 Tool Steel: Contains high carbon and chromium, known for its extreme hardness and wear resistance, used in cutting tools and dies.
• O1 Tool Steel: Oil-hardening steel with high carbon content, offering good machinability and wear resistance, used in general-purpose tools and dies.

Types of Carbon Steel

• Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel): Contains approximately 0.05% to 0.25% carbon. Highly malleable, ductile, and easily welded. Commonly used in construction, automotive parts, and general metalworking.
  • Examples: A36, 1018
• Medium Carbon Steel: Contains approximately 0.26% to 0.60% carbon. Offers a good balance of strength and ductility but is harder to weld compared to low carbon steel. Used in machinery parts, automotive components, and structural applications.
  • Examples: 1045, 1538
• High Carbon Steel: Contains approximately 0.61% to 1.50% carbon. Known for high strength and hardness but less ductile and more challenging to weld. Typically used for high-strength wires, springs, and cutting tools.
  • Examples: 1095, 1566
• Ultra-High Carbon Steel: Contains more than 1.50% carbon. Extremely hard and brittle, suitable for specialized applications such as cutting tools, knives, and bearings.
  • Examples: D2 tool steel

Properties of Carbon Steel

• Strength: Increases with higher carbon content.
• Hardness: Higher carbon content results in increased hardness.
• Ductility: Lower carbon content provides greater ductility and malleability.
• Weldability: Low carbon steel is easier to weld, while higher carbon content can make welding more difficult due to increased hardness.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Relatively inexpensive compared to other types of steel, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.

Applications of Carbon Steel

• Construction: Used in building frames, bridges, and other structural components due to its strength and affordability.
• Automotive: Employed in the manufacturing of car bodies, chassis, and other components for its durability and malleability.
• Machinery: Used in the production of gears, shafts, and machinery parts for its toughness and wear resistance.
• Tools: High carbon steel is used for cutting tools, blades, and drill bits due to its hardness and ability to retain a sharp edge.
• Pipes and Tubes: Carbon steel pipes and tubes are used in various industries, including oil and gas, due to their strength and ability to withstand high pressures.