Stainless steel alloys resist corrosion, maintain their strength at high temperatures and are easy to maintain. They most commonly include chromium, nickel and molybdenum. Stainless steel alloys are used predominantly in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries.
302 Stainless Steel: Austenitic, non-magnetic, extremely tough and ductile, 302 Stainless Steel is one of the more common chrome-nickel stainless and heat-resisting steels. Cold working will dramatically increase its hardness, and applications range from the stamping, spinning and wire forming industry to food and beverage, sanitary, cryogenic and pressure-containing. 302 Stainless Steel is also formed into all types of washers, springs, screens and cables.
304 Stainless Steel: This non-magnetic alloy is the most versatile and the most widely used of all stainless steels. 304 Stainless Steel has lower carbon to minimize carbide precipitation and is used in high-temperature applications. It’s commonly used to process equipment in the mining, chemical, cryogenic, food, dairy and pharmaceutical industries. Its resistance to corrosive acids also makes 304 Stainless Steel ideal for cookware, appliances, sinks and tabletops.
316 Stainless Steel: This alloy is recommended for welding because it has a carbon content lower than 302 to avoid carbide precipitation in welding applications. The addition of molybdenum and a slightly higher nickel content make 316 Stainless Steel suitable for architectural applications in severe settings, from polluted marine environments to areas with sub-zero temperatures. Equipment in the chemical, food, paper, mining, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries often includes 316 Stainless Steel.