Here are some of the tried and tested applications so you know which stainless steel grade to use for your industry.

Ferritic Stainless Steels:

• Grade 409: Automotive exhaust systems and heat exchangers
• Grade 416: Axles, shafts, and fasteners
• Grade 430: Food industry and appliances
• Grade 439: Automotive exhaust systems components

Austenitic Stainless Steels:

• Grade 303: Fasteners, fittings, gears
• Grade 304: General purpose austenitic stainless steel
• Grade 304L: Grade 304 applications that require welding
• Grade 309: Applications involving elevated temperatures
• Grade 316: Chemical applications
• Grade 316L: Grade 316 applications that require welding

Martensitic Stainless Steels:

• Grade 410: Generable purpose martensitic stainless steel
• Grade 440C: Bearings, knives, and other wear-resistant applications

Precipitation Hardened Stainless Steels:

• 17-4 PH: Aerospace, nuclear, defense and chemical applications
• 15-5 PH: Valves, fittings, and fasteners

Duplex stainless steels:

• 2205: Heat exchangers and pressure vessels
• 2507: Pressure vessels and desalination plants