304
This austenitic alloy contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is one of the most widely used alloys because it offers good corrosion resistance and has excellent forming characteristics. 304L is the low carbon version of this alloy and offers better welding and corrosion resistance without the need for post-welding annealing.
304 Stainless steel has many general uses, including elevators, appliances, sculptures, general sheet metal fabrication, furniture, signage, storefronts, entrances, interiors, automotive, solar, refrigeration cases, display cases, truck parts & accessories.
316
This austenitic alloy contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% Molybdenum. The combination of higher nickel content and the addition of Molybdenum make this allow much more corrosion resistant than 304. It is commonly used where contact with seawater or brine solutions will be encountered. 316L is the low carbon version of this alloy and offers better welding and corrosion resistance without the need for post-welding annealing.
Popular uses for 316 stainless steel include the same as above and is often used where greater corrosion resistance is needed, including exteriors (particularly in marine environments), marine hardware, and within the pharmaceutical industry.
430
This ferritic alloy contains 16% chromium and no nickel. It is highly magnetic and offers only very basic corrosion resistance, nowhere near as good as the 300 series alloys. It has limited forming and welding characteristics and it can not be hardened by heat treating.
Popular uses for 430 stainless steel are similar to 304 stainless steel, but is available at a lower cost and provides less corrosion resistance.
441
This ferritic alloy contains 18% chromium and has corrosion resistance similar to that of 304 Stainless Steel. It has good weldability due to titanium and niobium stabilization and has extreme resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
Popular users for 441 stainless steel include appliances, food and kitchen equipment, heat exchangers, and architectural projects.
Duplex
Duplex Stainless Steel alloys have a structure that contains both ferrite and austenite. Duplex alloys have higher strength and better stress corrosion cracking resistance than most austenitic alloys and greater toughness than ferritic alloys, especially at low temperatures. The corrosion resistance of duplex alloys depends primarily on their composition, especially the amount of chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen they contain. Duplex alloys are often divided into three sub-classes: Lean Duplex, Standard Duplex, and Superduplex.
