Arc Metals

Stainless steel is not a single specific material, its is a the classification used to describe a range of metals  all containing sufficient chromium usually around 9% to impart a acceptable level of corrosion resistance. By using varying amounts of Nickel, Molybdenum, titanium , niobium and other elements produce different grades of stainless steel. The mechanical properties and behaviour when in use depend upon its chemical composition and this is why careful consideration is required when selecting the grade to be used.

Cold rolled stainless steel sheet has a variety of end uses. These include corrosion resistant solutions for the process industry. Stainless steel cold rolled sheet has excellent dimensional tolerances and good surface quality making it the best sheet material to be polished.   

 Stainless Steel Cold Rolled Sheet is used in a wide variety of end uses, ranging from providing corrosion resistant solutions for the process industry, to polished strip for consumer durables, to patterned sheet for prestigious buildings or other architectural applications. Due to their excellent dimensional tolerances and high surface quality, cold rolled products are the predominant category of stainless steels currently used on the market.

Stainless Steel 304 is the most common of all of the 18/8 austenitic stainless steel, widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, breweries and chemical industries. Stainless steel  304 is also popular in the manufacture of domestic appliance sectors and stainless steel 304 is also used in commercial kitchen manufacture. Stainless steel  304L grade has a reduced carbon content. The lower carbon content in stainless steel 304L  helps to improve corrosion resistance after welding, and minimise carbide precipitation during the welding operation. Stainless steel 304 has very good welding characteristics. Though continuous use of 304 stainless at high temperature is not recommended.

Stainless steel 316 is a chromium-nickel-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel. Stainless steel 316 is has better corrosion resistance than stainless steel 304 and is more suitable for use in severe corrosive conditions due to the increase in molydenum. .The 316L grade has a reduced carbon content to improve corrosion resistance after welding.

Stainless steel 321 is a titanium stabilised austenitic stainless steel. The addition of titanium helps improve its welding properties. Stainless steel 321 is a stainless grade suitable for operating at temperatures above 300°C.

Stainless steel grade 1.4016 is more widely known as grade stainless steel 430. stainless steel

This information is meant as a guide, If you require further information please contact the stainless steel advisory centre or please consult the European Standard itself .