Stainless Steel Composition

The stainless steel composition is very important to its overall properties. The main alloying elements in stainless steel are chromium and nickel, which give the steel its corrosion resistance. Other elements such as molybdenum, manganese and silicon can be added to improve the performance of steel in certain applications. The specific composition of a stainless steel grade affects its mechanical properties, weldability, formability and corrosion resistance. For example, austenitic stainless steel grades (such as 304 or 316) are more corrosion resistant than ferritic grades (such as 430), but are less weldable and less mechanically strong.

It is important to select the right stainless steel grade for your application.