The qualities and classification of stainless steels

The different qualities of stainless steel are used in all kinds of components, objects, and surfaces of our usual environment, such as tools and tooling, machinery, but also the use of this metal is increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional .

The production of stainless steel grade 12.9 bolts always has a higher cost than carbon steel, and other metals, however, its properties compensate and justify the investment.

Although the generic name of stainless steel flange refers to its resistance to oxidation degradation, the same qualities of stainless steel are not used in the construction sector.

Within this, the functionality of the type of 304 stainless steel flanges for which it will be used must also be taken into account, such as the case of the subway roofs.

Do you want to know what makes the difference between the different qualities of stainless steel? Then continue reading to know how they are classified and what types of stainless steel exist, along with their most indicated uses.

Classification of stainless steels

All stainless steels incorporate a minimum percentage of chromium in their manufacture, whose function is to generate a uniform natural layer of chromium oxide known as a passive layer, which protects and waterproofs this type of metal against corrosion.

The different proportions in the duplex flanges, with a minimum chromium content of 10.5% and a maximum of 1.2% carbon, to which other elements are added, result in different qualities of stainless steel, with properties specific for each specific use.

By incorporating different elements in , greater resistance and hardness can be achieved against wear, high temperatures, deformation, corrosion, or impacts.

Depending on the different elements incorporated into each alloy, the following classification is established:

Austenitic stainless steels

It includes Stainless Steel Hex Bar of the 200 and 300 series, in which Nickel alloys are used to achieve greater flexibility.

Its most common use is for covering facades and designing modular structures.

Martensitic stainless steels

The group 304 stainless steel round bar grades that have less resistance to corrosion, although they do achieve characteristics of adequate hardness.

Ferritic stainless steels

They are characterized by their hardness and low malleability, as a consequence of the type of alloy that includes a minimum amount of chromium of 12%, but without traces of Nickel.

These 316 stainless steel round bar grades are commonly used in construction decks.

Duplex stainless steels

These types of steels have the best corrosion resistance characteristics along with the best mechanical performance, which is why it is commonly used in the construction of walkways and bridges.

Depending on the different qualities of Stainless steel square bar, different types are known by a specific name that we will see below:

Denomination according to the qualities of stainless steel

Even though the different types of steel may appear to be the same, it is necessary to know the differences that exist between them, with the advantages and disadvantages that make them more suitable for different functionalities.

Among the most used types of stainless steel are 304, of a high quality due to its high resistance to corrosion, or its easy welding. But at a much higher cost than 202 steel, whose main advantage is its low price, but which does not meet the qualities necessary for certain uses in which resistance and durability are necessary.