What is Stainless Steel Used For

Stainless steel is used in case of oxidation or corrosion. It was found that about 12 percent of chromium has the resistance to oxidation and corrosion. So, stainless steel is that ferrous alloy which contains about 12 percent chromium for rust resistance. The development of chromium has given rise to the alloys and further to the stainless steels. Stainless steels are classified into various categories such as martensitic, duplex, austenitic, ferritic, super alloys and precipitation hardening.

The austenitic stainless steel is used for cooking utensils and knives. It is made hardened and toughened with a process of heating and cooling. Both austenitics and ferritics are used in household and kitchenware appliances. Austenitics stainless steel is used in the beverage equipment and food industry because it is very easy to clean and has higher corrosion resistance.

Austenitic Grades

Type 304

This type of austenitic grade is used for chemical processing utensils for dairy, food and beverage industries.

Type 316

This grade includes 11-14 percent of nickel and 16-18 percent of chromium along with molybdenum. Pit type attack is controlled by the molybdenum. Type 316 is used in paper and pulp industry and chemical processing for the processing of beverage and food.

Type 317

Type 317 is used in loads which involves scrubbers.

Type 347

This type of grade is used in the aircraft industry.

Martensitic Grades

Type 410

It is widely used in food acids, chemicals and where rust is not stern.

Type 414

Type 414 is used in applications like cutlery and springs.

Type 416

This grade of stainless steel is used in screw machine parts.

Type 420

It is used in surgical instruments.

Type 431

This type of stainless steel grade is used in pumps and valves.

Ferritic Grades

Type 409

It is useful for external parts in non-critical rust environments.

Type 434

This grade is useful in applications like fasteners and automotive trim.

Type 442

This grade is used in heater and furnace parts which are made up from stainless steel.

The most commonly used grades of stainless steel are Type 304 and Type 316. Other uses of Type 304 are:-

• It is used for coffee urns, sinks, cream and milk dispensers, tabletops, refrigerators, steam tables and stoves.
• It is also used in various other types of utensils like pots, flatware, cooking appliances and pans.
• Other uses include pipelines buckets, dye tanks and dippers.

Uses of Type 316

• It is used for bolts, nuts, fasteners and screws.
• It is also used for cogs, springs and other mechanisms.