304 is the most versatile and widely used of all stainless steels. Its chemical composition, mechanical properties, weldability and corrosion/oxidation resistance provide the best all-round performance stainless steel at relatively low cost. It also has excellent low-temperature properties and responds well to hardening by cold working. If the potential for intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone exists, 304L is recommended.
316 is an improved version of 304 due to the addition of molybdenum and a slightly higher nickel content. The resultant composition of 316 gives the steel improved corrosion resistance in many aggressive environments. The molybdenum makes the steel more resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-contaminated media, seawater and to acetic acid vapours. The lower rate of general corrosion in mildly corrosive environments gives the steel good atmospheric corrosion resistance in polluted marine atmospheres.
310 is a highly alloyed austenitic stainless steel used for high temperature applications. The high chromium and nickel contents give the steel excellent oxidation resistance and excellent strength at high temperatures. This grade is also very ductile and has good weldability enabling its widespread usage in many applications.
310S is, due to its lower carbon content, is recommended for applications where sensitisation and subsequent corrosion by high temperature gases or condensates may pose a problem.
310 is manufactured in accordance with ASTM A167 and 310S to ASTM A240.
Duplex stainless steels have a microstructure of nearly equal portions of austenite and ferrite. This microstructure ensures that they are much more resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) than conventional austenitic stainless steels. 2304 is suitable in marine environments.
Duplex stainless steels have a microstructure of nearly equal portions of austenite and ferrite. This microstructure ensures that they are much more resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) than conventional austenitic stainless steels. LDX 2101 is normally sufficient in urban and industrial environments.
Duplex stainless steels have a microstructure of nearly equal portions of austenite and ferrite. This microstructure ensures that they are much more resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) than conventional austenitic stainless steels.
2205 will be used in applications requiring better corrosion resistance, such as environments containing chlorides and polluted marine environments, desalination plants, etc.
The higher chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen contents give 2205 significantly improved pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in the presence of chlorides.
2205 also has better general corrosion resistance than the 316L types in most environments. 2205 is a highly suitable material for service in environments containing chlorides and hydrogen sulphide such as marine environments and the oil and gas extraction and processing industries.
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All rights reserved.
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