Austenitic stainless steels are a special type of steel that includes iron, chromium, and nickel as main components, along with carbon and other alloying elements. Austenitic stainless steels exhibit high corrosion resistance, durability, and mechanical properties. There are several different grades of this type of steel. Here are some examples:
AISI 300 Series Stainless Steels: Steel in this series is often referred to as 18/8 steel and contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Examples include AISI 304 and AISI 316. These steels are commonly used in kitchenware, medical devices, automotive parts, and many other applications.
AISI 200 Series Stainless Steels: Steel in this series has lower nickel content and is typically used as a more economical option. Examples include AISI 201 and AISI 202.
AISI 400 Series Stainless Steels: Steel in this series has higher carbon content and can be magnetized. Examples include AISI 410 and AISI 430. These steels are often used in cutting tools, kitchen knives, and some medical instruments.
Super Austenitic Stainless Steels: These steels are used in specialized applications that require high corrosion resistance, such as marine environments or the chemical industry. An example is UNS S31254 (6Mo).
Austenitic stainless steels offer a wide range of applications and are preferred, especially in industrial, medical, and food processing applications where corrosion resistance is essential. However, determining which type is most suitable for a specific application requires considering engineering requirements and environmental factors.