What are the grades of stainless steel?

Corrosion resistance of stainless steel varies by grade

• 304 and 316 are the two most common grades of stainless steel.
• 316 stainless steel is better at resisting corrosion where salt is present—near the ocean or winter de-icing chemicals.
• Iron oxide, also known as rust, is red and flakey.

What is Grade 2 stainless steel?

A2 grade stainless steel is also often referred to as type 304 or 18/8 – this latter label denotes the fact that A2 grade stainless steel containing approximately 8% nickel and 18% chromium. With a high hardness level and consistent dimensional stability, A2 stainless steel shows good resistance to wear & tear.

Which is the best grade of stainless steel?

Same corrosion resistance as 304, with slightly higher strength due to additional carbon. Easier machining version of 304 via addition of sulfur and phosphorus. Also referred to as “A1” in accordance with International Organization for Standardization ISO 3506 The most common grade; the classic 18/8 stainless steel.

Are there any magnetic grades of stainless steel?

None of the grades in this class are magnetic. The standard grades of austenitic stainless steel contain a maximum of .08% carbon; there is no minimum carbon requirement. The “L” grades are used to provide extra corrosion resistance after welding.

Which is the third class of stainless steel?

The third class of stainless steel is known as martensitic. This family also falls into the 400 series of alloys and possesses several similarities to ferritic stainless steels. The best way to tell them apart is actually at the molecular level, as the martensitic steels can be recognized by their increased carbon content and reduced chromium.

Is there a minimum carbon level for stainless steel?

The standard grades of austenitic stainless steel contain a maximum of .08% carbon; there is no minimum carbon requirement. Low Carbon Grades (L Grades) The “L” grades are used to provide extra corrosion resistance after welding. The letter “L” after a stainless steel grade number indicates low carbon.