AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEELS
Austenitic stainless steels are the chromium and nickel based family of stainless steels with a face-centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure. This group accounts for the greater part of world stainless steel production, and stands out for its corrosion resistance, formability and weldability.
The distinguishing feature of the group is that it cannot be hardened by heat treatment: strength is raised only by cold working. In return, these grades retain their toughness across a very wide temperature range and do not become brittle even at cryogenic temperatures. They are also non-magnetic, which is likewise a result of that crystal structure.
As the nickel content rises, corrosion resistance and formability increase. A molybdenum addition (316 and its derivatives) markedly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-bearing environments, while titanium stabilisation (321, 316Ti) prevents intergranular corrosion after welding at high temperature.
Choosing a grade. Where chlorides are present, AISI 316 or higher is required; where only atmospheric corrosion is involved, AISI 304 is sufficient. AISI 303 is the choice where machining is extensive, AISI 310 and AISI 314 for high temperature applications, and AISI 904L for aggressive acid environments. Where post-weld heat treatment is not possible, a low carbon grade (304L, 316L) or a stabilised grade (321, 316Ti) should be selected.
OUR AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL GRADES
- AISI 303 (1.4305)
- AISI 304 (1.4301)
- AISI 304L (1.4307)
- AISI 316 (1.4401)
- AISI 316L (1.4404)
- AISI 316Ti (1.4571)
- AISI 310 (1.4845)
- AISI 314 (1.4841)
- AISI 321 (1.4541)
- AISI 904L (1.4539)
- Nitronic 50 / (1.3964)
If you cannot find the grade you need in the list, or would like to share your size, standard and certification requirements, contact us.