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STAINLESS STEEL
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STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is normally referred as non-rusting steel. In metallurgy, it is a type of steel which has at least 10.5 % of chromium content in it. It does not normally corrode, rust or stain with water as ordinary steel does but it does not mean that it is fully stain proof. It is vulnerable to environments having low oxygen and high salinity. Most commonly, stainless steel is used in application in which both properties of steel and resistance to corrosion are required.
It contains sufficient amount of chromium to make an effective layer of chromium oxide which prevents further corrosion by blocking diffusion of oxygen to the steel surface.The available grades we have in stock are as follows:-
Note:- Click on each grade to get description
420 Stainless Steel
420 Stainless Steel, a modification of 410, has a higher carbon content to increase hardness, improve strength and give better wear resistance. This type of steel maintains its best corrosion resistance in the heat treated condition.
Chemical Contents | Carbon | Chromium | Manganese | Molybdenum | Silicon | Nickel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | 0.20-0.28 | 12-14 | 1.00 max | 0.30 max | 1.00 max | 1.00 max |
Applications
420 stainless is widely used in medical and cutlery industries. It is suitable for applications such as surgical instruments, knives, hand tools, pump shafts and plastic moulds. 420 is not recommended for use in temperatures above the relevant tempering temperature, because of the reduction in mechanical properties.
Hardening and Tempering
Best corrosion resistance of 420 stainless is achieved when 420 is hardened and surface ground or polished. 420 is suitable for heat treatment up to 52 HRc or higher depending on the carbon content and size of the component.
431 Stainless Steel
This grade is a medium range stainless steel but still quite enduring in many applications. It offers good corrosion resistance in mild marine and industrial atmospheres where high tensile and yield strength with excellent toughness are required.
Chemical Contents | Carbon | Chromium | Nickel | Manganese | Silicon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | 0.12-0.20 | 15.0-18.0 | 2.00-3.00 | 1.00 max | 1.00 max |
Applications
It is used widely in aircraft and marine industries, for components such as shafts, axles, pumps, valves, bolts and nuts. Suitable for applications requiring good strength, toughness combined with reasonable resistance to corrosion.
Hardening and Tempering
Heat the component slowly to 950-1020°C and hold until the temperature is uniform throughout the steel. After adequate soaking time, quench in oil or air cool. Temper as soon as tools are hand warm. Heat carefully to a suitable tempering temperature. Soak as required and then allow to cool in air. Double tempering is recommended. 431 stainless can be tempered at lower temperatures to achieve higher tensile strengths but with lower impact properties.
1.2316 Stainless Steel
This grade is normally named as molybdenum-chrome steel with excellent corrosion and good polishing properties, even better than chrome steel (1.2083).It has good ductility and toughness due to improved micro-purity and structural homogeneity. Furthermore, it has good stress pressure resistance both in the center and on the surface.
Chemical Contents | Carbon | Chromium | Nickel | Molybdenum | Silicon | Manganese |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | 0.33-0.45 | 15.5-17.5 | 1.00 max | 0.9-1.30 | 1.00 max | 1.00 max |
Applications
It is used in making molds for corrosive materials (PVC and recycled polymers), automotive industry, medical instruments, rubber pressing, dies and gauges, mechanical parts for extrusion presses like extrusion heads.
Hardening and Tempering
Pre-heat the component to 600-700°C and then take the temperature up to 1000-1040°C. Let it cool down in air.