Learn What is Stainless steel, types or grades like SS304 and SS316 (aka A2 and A4), how Stainless steel improves corrosion resistance. Buy stainless steel 304 and 316 fasteners online in india on www.fastdep.in
Rust is biggest enemy of steel products. Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs on metal surfaces when the iron atoms in the metal react with the oxygen molecules in the air to form iron oxide, also known as rust. The lifespan of an iron products are significantly reduced due to rust. Stainless steel reduces this problem of rusting.
Stainless steel #
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy, typically composed of iron, nickel and chromium. Stainless steel derives its corrosion-resistant properties from the chromium content. Chromium, when exposed to oxygen (air), forms a thin film of chromium oxide that covers the stainless steel surface and protects the underlying iron from rusting.
Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by the amount of chromium present. This chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide, which prevents surface from corrosion.
Different Stainless steel alloys are formed by adding elements to enhance the structure and properties such as formability, strength and cryogenic toughness. These include metals (Nickel, Molybdenum, Titanium, Copper) and non-metals (Carbon, Nitrogen).
A2 or SS304 #
Type A2 aka 304 or 18/8 Stainless is an austenitic steel and is non-magnetic.
18/8 actually refers the alloy composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel with low carbon content. The high chromium provides a corrosion and oxidation resistance.
SS304 is used extensively for sinks, tabletops, stoves, refrigerators , pots, pans dairy equipment, brewing industry, fruit industry, food processing plants, dye tanks, pipelines, and more.
A4 or SS316 #
Type A4 aka 316 or 18/10 Stainless is an austenitic steel and is non-magnetic.
18/10 refer to the chromium and nickel content- 18% chromium and 10% nickel with molybdenum . SS316 is heat-resisting steel with superior corrosion resistance as compared to SS304.
SS316 is also called as Marine Grade stainless steel. SS316 withstands attack from many industrial chemicals and solvents and chlorides. SS316 as drop in replacement of SS304, superior corrosion resistance as compared. Used in the production of inks, photographic chemicals, surgical implants, and the marine environment.
SS316 is more resistant to solutions of sulfuric acid, chlorides, bromides, iodides and fatty acids at high temperature.
Special Properties of SS304 and SS316 #
- Austenitic stainless steel
- Non-magnetic
- High chemical resistance
- Cannot be hardened by heat treatment
- Can be hardened by cold working.
