Stainless steels are in general grouped into

• martensitic stainless steels

• ferritic stainless steels
• austenitic stainless steels
• duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels
• precipitation-hardening stainless steels
Alloying metallic elements added during the making of the steel increase corrosion
resistance, hardness, or strength. The metals used most commonly as alloying elements
in stainless steel include chromium, nickel, and molybdenum.
Stainless steels are available in the form of
• plate
• sheet
• strip
• foil
• bar
• wire
• pipes
• tubes
Stainless steels are a iron-based alloy containing at between 10.5% to 30% Cr.
Stainless steel achieve its stainless characteristic through the formation of an invisible
and adherent chromium-rich oxide surface film.
Other alloying elements added to improve the characteristics of the stainless steel
include nickel, molybdenum, copper, titanium, aluminum, silicon, niobium, nitrogen,
sulphur, and selenium.
Carbon is normally in amounts from 0.03% to more than 1.0% in some martensitic
grades.
Selection of stainless steels are in general based on
• corrosion resistance
• fabrication characteristics
• availability
• mechanical properties for specific temperature ranges
• product cost
Since stainless steel resists corrosion, maintains its strength at high temperatures, and
is easily maintained, it is widely used in items such as automotive and food processing
products, as well as medical and health equipment. The most common US grades of
stainless steel are:

TYPE 304
The most commonly specified austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless
steel, accounting for more than half of the stainless steel produced in the world. This
grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture, is durable in typical food processing
environments, and resists most chemicals. Type 304 is available in virtually all product
forms and finishes.

TYPE 316
Austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless steel containing 2%-3%
molybdenum (whereas 304 has none). The inclusion of molybdenum gives 316 greater
resistance to various forms of deterioration.
TYPE 409
Ferritic (plain chromium stainless category) stainless steel suitable for high
temperatures. This grade has the lowest chromium content of all stainless steels and
thus is the least expensive.

TYPE 410
The most widely used martensitic (plain chromium stainless class with exceptional
strength) stainless steel, featuring the high level of strength conferred by the
martensitics. It is a low-cost, heat-treatable grade suitable for non-severe corrosion
applications.

TYPE 430
The most widely used ferritic (plain chromium stainless category) stainless steel, offering
general-purpose corrosion resistance, often in decorative applications.