What are the differences between various types of steel?
Date:2025-10-10Number:755316 stainless steel is a molybdenum-bearing grade with low carbon content. The addition of molybdenum significantly enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments, making its performance in marine and chemical industrial settings vastly superior to 304 stainless steel. Several variants exist to meet specific needs: 316L is the low-carbon version, which provides excellent resistance to sensitization (carbide precipitation) and is ideal for welding and applications in aggressive environments; 316N contains added nitrogen, which increases its yield strength and overall mechanical properties without significantly compromising ductility; and standard 316 grades with higher sulfur content are designated as "free-machining" types (e.g., 316F), facilitating easier cutting and improved machinability at the expense of some corrosion resistance. The base 316 alloy exhibits good overall corrosion resistance, excellent heat resistance, and maintains good low-temperature strength and mechanical properties. It is suitable for hot working processes like stamping and bending and does not harden appreciably through heat treatment. Common applications include kitchenware, cabinets, boilers, automotive parts, medical instruments, construction materials, and equipment for the food industry (serviceable from -196°C to 700°C).
304L Stainless Steel Round Bar:
As a low-carbon version of 304 stainless steel, 304L generally exhibits corrosion resistance similar to 316L under many conditions. Its primary advantage lies in its exceptional resistance to intergranular corrosion following welding or stress relief operations. The low carbon content prevents the formation of excessive chromium carbides at grain boundaries during these thermal processes, thereby maintaining the material's inherent corrosion resistance even without post-weld heat treatment. This makes it a preferred choice for heavy-gauge welded components and assemblies that cannot be practically heat-treated afterward.
310 & 310S Stainless Steel Round Bars:
The primary characteristic of 310 stainless steel is its high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for applications such as boiler internals and automotive exhaust systems. Its other properties are generally standard for austenitic stainless steels. 310S is a low-carbon variation of 310, offering superior performance. As an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel, it possesses excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. The high percentage of chromium and nickel endows 310S with much-improved creep strength, allowing it to operate continuously at high temperatures while maintaining structural integrity and excellent high-temperature resistance.
303 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
303 is a free-machining variant of 304. By adding small amounts of sulfur and phosphorus, its machinability is significantly enhanced, making it ideal for automatic screw machines and high-volume production of parts requiring extensive machining. Its other mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties are largely similar to those of 304 stainless steel, though the sulfur additions slightly reduce corrosion resistance in certain environments.
302 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
302 stainless steel round bar is widely used in automotive parts, aerospace, hardware tools, and the chemical industry. Its applications extend to crafts, bearings, decorative etching (engraving), medical instruments, and electrical appliances. 302 Stainless Steel Balls, classified under austenitic steel, are very similar in composition to 304. However, 302 typically has a slightly higher carbon content, resulting in higher hardness (HRC ≤28) after cold working, while still maintaining good rust and corrosion resistance.
301 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
301 stainless steel is known for its high ductility, making it excellent for formed products. It hardens rapidly when cold worked, allowing its strength to be significantly increased through mechanical processes like rolling or drawing. It also possesses good weldability. Its wear resistance and fatigue strength are superior to those of 304 stainless steel.
201 & 202 Stainless Steel Round Bars:
Both 201 and 202 belong to the chromium-nickel-manganese austenitic stainless steel family. They are economical alternatives to the standard 300 series, using manganese and nitrogen to partially replace nickel. 201 has lower magnetic permeability compared to ferritic steels. 202 contains higher levels of chromium and nickel than 201, resulting in overall better performance, including improved corrosion resistance and strength.
410 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
410 is a martensitic (high-strength chromium) stainless steel. It offers good wear resistance and can be heat-treated to achieve high strength and hardness. However, its corrosion resistance is relatively poor compared to austenitic grades and is generally limited to mild environments or applications requiring specific mechanical properties.
420 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
420 is a "cutlery-grade" martensitic steel, reminiscent of some of the earliest high-chromium stainless steels. It is capable of being heat-treated to achieve high hardness and is commonly used for surgical instruments, cutlery, and blades. It can be polished to a very bright, reflective finish.
317 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
317 stainless steel offers superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance compared to 316, due to its higher content of molybdenum, chromium, and nickel. This makes it particularly suitable for harsh chemical processing environments, such as those found in dyeing equipment and pulp and paper mills.
430 Stainless Steel Round Bar:
430 is a ferritic stainless steel. It is primarily used for decorative applications, such as automotive trim, due to its good formability and aesthetic appeal. However, its elevated temperature resistance and corrosion resistance are inferior to the austenitic grades like 304 and 316. It is also magnetic.
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