Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steels

These days, almost every civil engineer and architect prefers using steel, which is an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, and few other metals to build a structure. Such steels are highly sought-after for corrosion and heat-resistant properties. These also notably enhance the stability and durability of a framework. The name of this particular class of iron-based alloys is stainless steel.

In comparison to other steels, chromium content (10.5%) is higher in this particular kind of steel. Therefore, it is significantly less vulnerable to corrosion. The prudent step is to choose a company renowned for manufacturing welded pipes and tubes made of steel, which is stainless. 

More Utilisation of Stainless Steels over Other Steels

Aside from various mechanical properties owing to the presence of an extensive range of metals, stainless steels are also entirely recyclable. These steels play an instrumental role in a wide variety of industries that include construction, transportation, logistics, food, and medicine. 

The recovery rate of such a steel type in the actual construction industry is nearly 100%. Inarguably, it is because of the exceptional mechanical properties of stainless steel; its usage over other steels has increased over the last decade in various sectors. 

This specific steel type helps fulfil sustainable construction requirements due to the longevity aspect and environmentally inert nature. Apart from being eco-friendly, durable, heat and corrosion-resistant, shiny stainless type steel is aesthetically pleasing and requires low maintenance. 

Key Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 

Despite being a steel type, in comparison to other materials, the steel, which is stainless, boasts robust mechanical properties. Within the construction sector, the preference and utilisation of such steels are more because of the unique mechanical behaving pattern when the temperature is low and high. Some of the mechanical properties of stainless steel are highly pertinent to engineering and architecture. 

Here are stainless steels’ key mechanical properties:

• Ultimate Tensile Strength

• Yield Strength

• Young’s Modulus

• Elongation

• Ductility

• Toughness

• Hardness

• Impact Resistance

• Fatigue Resistance

• Creep Resistance

• Fire Resistance

Primarily because of elasticity, ductility, and hardness, many industries use such a steel type in varying metal forming modes such as flat bending, deep stamping, extrusion, etc. It also renders superior resistance to significant wear, including abrasion, friction, impact, etc. There is a reason why stainless steel does not rust. 

Compelling Reasons that Enable Stainless Steel to Stand Out

Corrosion Resistance 

Compared to steels without or with low chromium content, stainless steels with significant chromium presence are nearly 200 times more corrosion-resistant. Chromium oxide formation occurs due to chromium’s reaction with oxygen, which safeguards the highly sought-after steel type by acting as a secondary layer. It is capable of regenerating itself if the surface sustains a minor or notable scratch. 

Easy to Clean

Getting rid of dirt, dust, and stubborn marks from such steels’ surface is super easy. One can use soaps and detergents to effectively clean materials made of stainless type steel. Due to the outstanding mechanical properties of stainless steel, even if one uses washing liquids frequently, the surface has no risk of sustaining any damages.

Aesthetically Appealing

To get your hands on seamless pipes and threaded tubes with an eclectic variety of surface finishes, it is of utmost importance to contact a reputed manufacturer. To make stainless steel-based materials unique and aesthetically appealing, professional manufacturing companies ensure that finishes should vary from a mirror-like shine to a satin glaze. Many manufacturers tint or emboss such steels to make them look more pleasing. 

Top Stainless Steel Categories

Based on the crystal structure, the classification of steel, which is stainless, is done into four prime categories. Read on to know about the different categories and typical applications.

Ferritic Stainless Steels

Ferritic steels are known as 400 Grade stainless steel, mainly for high ranging chromium content (10.5% to 27%). Besides possessing magnetic properties, these steels also offer exceptional elasticity and resistance to corrosion and heat. These steels provide immense tensile-property stability, stress-corrosion cracking, and thermal fatigue.

Businesses involved in manufacturing different automotive parts and components use ferritic steels. The petrochemical industry uses these steels, and several enterprises that manufacture furnaces, heat exchangers, highly durable appliances, and other equipment make use of these steels.

Martensitic Stainless Steels

Steels in the 400 Grade series are called martensitic. Besides having chromium content anywhere between 12% and 15%, this specific steel category consists of molybdenum (1%) and varying carbon content. These steels are easier to form compared to other steels because of the toughness and high ductility aspects. 

Companies that manufacture turbine parts, compressor blades, screws, nuts, bolts, valve parts, surgical equipment, cutlery, and many other materials use martensitic steels.

Austenitic Stainless Steels

Besides having a higher chromium content, austenitic grade stainless steels consist of a decent percentage of carbon, nickel, manganese, and nitrogen. Depending on the types of alloys, a sub-categorisation of these steels takes place. One of the most common steel types is the 304 Grade. Know all about 304 steel including its properties, strength, and uses.

Both the aerospace and automobile industries use these steels. This particular steel category consists of 18% chromium and is used primarily in cutting utensils and a wide range of food processing and kitchen equipment. Businesses that manufacture chemical processing machines, surgical equipment, laboratory benches, boat fitting, etc., use the austenitic 316 Grade steel.

Duplex Stainless Steels

These steels consist of an assorted microstructure of austenite and ferrite. This particular steel category has high molybdenum and chromium percentage and a notably low nickel percentage. Compared to austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, duplex steels offer more strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion.

A wide range of industries, including oil and gas, chemical, pulp, and paper, etc. that have intensely demanding environments use duplex steels. Even in biofuel plants, desalination plants, and food processing plants, you will find the 2000 Grade series steel application.

The aforementioned information pertinent to stainless type steel and its mechanical and other significant properties and top categories can help you make the right decision. Keep in mind that it is paramount to contact a reliable manufacturer that has years of experience designing and manufacturing an array of materials made of stainless and corrosion-resistant steel.