Types of Stainless Steel Grades
Stainless steel is a versatile material renowned for its corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Within the stainless steel family, there exists a diverse range of grades, each engineered with specific compositions and properties to suit various applications. Understanding the different types of stainless steel grades is crucial for selecting the optimal material for your project or application.
Austenitic Stainless Steel: Known for its excellent corrosion resistance and formability, austenitic stainless steel grades like 304 and 316 are widely used in industries ranging from food processing to chemical manufacturing.
Ferritic Stainless Steel: Offering good corrosion resistance and magnetic properties, ferritic stainless steel grades such as 430 and 409 find applications in automotive trim, appliances, and architectural features.
Martensitic Stainless Steel: Characterized by high strength and hardness, martensitic stainless steel grades like 410 and 420 are commonly used in cutlery, surgical instruments, and industrial equipment.
Duplex Stainless Steel: Combining the benefits of austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, duplex grades like 2205 and 2507 offer superior corrosion resistance and strength, making them ideal for demanding environments such as marine and chemical processing.
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel: With the ability to be strengthened through precipitation hardening, grades like 17-4 PH are utilized in aerospace components, nuclear reactors, and high-performance applications requiring exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
Understanding the characteristics and applications of each type of stainless steel grade is essential for making informed decisions in engineering, construction, and manufacturing projects. Explore our comprehensive guide below to learn more about the chemical compositions, properties, and applications of various stainless steel alloys.
| GRADE | DESCRIPTION | APLICATION | ISO GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 302 | highly versatile austenitic stainless steel grade that offers a combination of excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and strength. Here are some key properties of stainless steel 302: | Springs Wire forms Fasteners Surgical instruments | ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X5CrNi18-10 |
| 303 | free-machining austenitic stainless steel grade known for its excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance | Machined components Fittings Shafts Valve components | ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X8CrNiS18-9 |
| 304-304L-304H | one of the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grades, prized for its excellent corrosion resistance, versatility, and ease of fabrication. | 304: Kitchen equipment Architectural trim Chemical processing equipment Food processing equipment 304L: Food processing equipment Chemical processing equipment Pharmaceutical equipment Architectural applications 304H: High-temperature equipment Pressure vessels Heat exchangers Boiler tubes | 304 Stainless Steel: ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X5CrNi18-10 304L Stainless Steel: ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X2CrNi18-9 304H Stainless Steel: ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X6CrNi18-10 |
| 316-316L-316H | austenitic stainless steel alloy characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments, and its superior strength and durability. | 316: Marine hardware Chemical processing equipment Medical devices Aerospace components 316L: Pharmaceutical equipment Food processing equipment Surgical instruments Heat exchangers 316H: High-temperature equipment Heat exchangers Furnace components Power generation equipment | 316 Stainless Steel: ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X5CrNiMo17-12-2 316L Stainless Steel: ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X2CrNiMo17-12-2 316H Stainless Steel: ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X6CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| 430 | a ferritic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance in mild environments and its ease of fabrication. | Automotive trim Kitchen appliances Architectural features Fasteners | ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X6Cr17 |
| 439 | a ferritic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and durability. | Automotive exhaust systems Heat exchangers Furnace components Kitchen equipment | ISO grade - ISO 15510:2014 - X3CrTi17 |
| 440(A,B,C) | high-carbon martensitic stainless steel known for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. | Cutting Tools Surgical Instruments Bearings Valve Components Tooling and Dies Industrial Blades Aerospace Components | NA/ |
Stainless steel 302 is a highly versatile austenitic stainless steel grade that offers a combination of excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and strength. Here are some key properties of stainless steel 302:
1. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 302 exhibits good resistance to corrosion in mild environments and atmospheric conditions. It is particularly resistant to oxidation, making it suitable for applications where exposure to moisture or chemicals is common.
2. **Strength**: While not as high in strength as some other stainless steel grades like 304 or 316, stainless steel 302 still offers moderate strength levels. It is suitable for applications requiring moderate mechanical properties.
3. **Formability**: One of the notable characteristics of stainless steel 302 is its excellent formability. It can be easily formed into various shapes through processes such as bending, drawing, and stamping. This makes it ideal for applications that require complex shapes or intricate designs.
4. **Ductility**: Stainless steel 302 exhibits good ductility, allowing it to undergo deformation without fracturing. This property is advantageous in applications where the material needs to withstand bending or stretching without failure.
5. **Heat Resistance**: Stainless steel 302 offers decent heat resistance, maintaining its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. It is suitable for use in environments with moderate heat exposure.
6. **Magnetic Properties**: Like most austenitic stainless steels, stainless steel 302 is non-magnetic in its annealed condition. However, it may become slightly magnetic after cold working or during fabrication processes.
7. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 302 can be welded using common welding methods such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, and resistance welding. Proper welding techniques should be employed to avoid degradation of corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
8. **Applications**: Due to its combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and strength, stainless steel 302 finds applications in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer goods. Common applications include springs, washers, fasteners, wire forms, and surgical instruments.
Overall, stainless steel 302 is a versatile material suitable for a wide range of applications where corrosion resistance, formability, and moderate strength are required. Its properties make it a popular choice in industries requiring reliable and durable components.
Stainless steel 303 is a free-machining austenitic stainless steel grade known for its excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance. Here are the key properties of stainless steel 303:
1. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 303 offers good resistance to corrosion in mild environments, similar to stainless steel 302. It provides adequate protection against oxidation and corrosion in atmospheric conditions and mildly corrosive environments.
2. **Machinability**: One of the standout characteristics of stainless steel 303 is its exceptional machinability. This grade is designed specifically for ease of machining, featuring improved chip-breaking properties and reduced tool wear compared to other stainless steel grades. It is easily machined into complex shapes and intricate parts, making it a preferred choice for applications requiring high machining speeds and tight tolerances.
3. **Strength**: Stainless steel 303 possesses moderate strength levels, suitable for applications where mechanical properties are not the primary concern. While it may not exhibit the same strength as some other stainless steel grades, it offers sufficient strength for many common applications.
4. **Formability**: Although stainless steel 303 is less formable compared to some other austenitic grades, it still offers reasonable formability. It can be cold worked to achieve desired shapes and dimensions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive strain hardening, which can affect machinability.
5. **Ductility**: Stainless steel 303 exhibits good ductility, allowing it to be formed and fabricated into various components without risk of fracture. This property contributes to its versatility and suitability for a wide range of applications.
6. **Heat Resistance**: Similar to other austenitic stainless steels, stainless steel 303 maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. It offers decent heat resistance, making it suitable for applications where moderate heat exposure is expected.
7. **Magnetic Properties**: Stainless steel 303 is non-magnetic in its annealed condition. However, it may become slightly magnetic after cold working or during machining processes.
8. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 303 can be welded using common welding methods such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, and resistance welding. However, it is less weldable compared to non-free-machining grades due to the presence of sulfur and phosphorus, which can lead to hot cracking during welding.
9. **Applications**: Due to its excellent machinability, stainless steel 303 is commonly used in applications requiring intricate components and high-speed machining, such as fittings, bushings, shafts, and valve components. It is also utilized in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical devices where precise machining and corrosion resistance are essential.
Overall, stainless steel 303 is a versatile material prized for its machinability and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for applications where ease of machining is critical.
Stainless steel 304 is one of the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grades, prized for its excellent corrosion resistance, versatility, and ease of fabrication. Here are the key properties of stainless steel 304:
1. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 304 offers outstanding corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments, including atmospheric, marine, and chemical environments. It resists corrosion from organic acids, inorganic chemicals, and acidic and alkaline solutions, making it suitable for various applications across industries.
2. **Strength**: While not as high in strength as some other stainless steel grades, stainless steel 304 still offers good mechanical properties, including moderate tensile and yield strength. It is suitable for a wide range of structural and mechanical applications where strength is a consideration.
3. **Formability**: Stainless steel 304 exhibits excellent formability, allowing it to be easily formed into various shapes and configurations through processes such as bending, drawing, and deep drawing. It retains its properties even after extensive forming, making it ideal for complex and intricate designs.
4. **Ductility**: Stainless steel 304 possesses good ductility, enabling it to undergo deformation without fracturing. This property is beneficial in applications where the material needs to withstand bending, stretching, or forming without failure.
5. **Heat Resistance**: Stainless steel 304 maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures and exhibits good resistance to oxidation and scaling in continuous service up to 870°C (1600°F) and intermittent service up to 925°C (1700°F). It is suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as heat exchangers, boilers, and exhaust systems.
6. **Magnetic Properties**: Stainless steel 304 is non-magnetic in its annealed condition, but it may become slightly magnetic after cold working or during fabrication processes.
7. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 304 is readily welded using common welding methods such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, and resistance welding. It exhibits good weldability with minimal risk of sensitization, which can lead to intergranular corrosion in certain environments.
8. **Sanitary Properties**: Stainless steel 304 is often chosen for sanitary applications in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries due to its smooth surface finish, easy cleaning, and resistance to bacterial growth.
9. **Applications**: Stainless steel 304 finds widespread use in various industries, including food processing, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, architecture, automotive, and appliances. Common applications include kitchen equipment, architectural trim, chemical processing equipment, and storage tanks.
Overall, stainless steel 304 is a versatile and widely used material renowned for its corrosion resistance, formability, and durability, making it an excellent choice for a broad range of applications across industries.
Stainless steel grades 304L and 304H are variations of the popular grade 304, each with specific modifications to their chemical compositions to enhance certain properties. Here are the key properties of stainless steel grades 304L and 304H:
### Stainless Steel Grade 304L:
1. **Low Carbon Content**: Grade 304L contains a lower carbon content compared to standard grade 304, typically around 0.03% or less. This reduced carbon content helps to minimize the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, making it suitable for applications where welding or high-temperature exposure is involved.
2. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 304L offers excellent corrosion resistance similar to grade 304, making it suitable for use in a wide range of environments, including atmospheric, marine, and chemical environments.
3. **Weldability**: The lower carbon content of grade 304L improves its weldability compared to standard grade 304. It exhibits good weldability with minimal risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures during welding.
4. **Formability and Ductility**: Grade 304L retains the excellent formability and ductility of grade 304, allowing it to be easily formed, fabricated, and machined into various shapes and configurations without compromising its properties.
5. **Applications**: Stainless steel 304L is commonly used in industries such as food processing, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and dairy equipment, where corrosion resistance and weldability are critical. It is also preferred for architectural and structural applications requiring welded components.
### Stainless Steel Grade 304H:
1. **High Carbon Content**: Grade 304H contains a higher carbon content compared to standard grade 304, typically in the range of 0.04-0.10%. This increased carbon content enhances the high-temperature strength and creep resistance of the material, making it suitable for elevated temperature applications.
2. **High-Temperature Strength**: Stainless steel 304H exhibits improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures compared to standard grade 304. It maintains its strength and integrity in applications where temperatures exceed 500°C (930°F), such as in furnace components and heat exchangers.
3. **Corrosion Resistance**: Similar to grade 304, stainless steel 304H offers excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures may affect its corrosion resistance, especially in certain corrosive environments.
4. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 304H retains good weldability characteristics, similar to grade 304. Proper welding techniques and post-weld heat treatment may be necessary to minimize the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion in welded components.
5. **Applications**: Stainless steel 304H is commonly used in applications requiring high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance, such as in chemical processing, refineries, power generation, and aerospace industries. It is also utilized in heat exchangers, boiler tubes, and other high-temperature equipment.
Overall, stainless steel grades 304L and 304H offer specific advantages tailored to different application requirements, providing flexibility and reliability in a wide range of industries and environments.
Stainless steel grade 316 is an austenitic stainless steel alloy characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments, and its superior strength and durability. Here are the key properties of stainless steel grade 316:
1. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 316 offers exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly in aggressive environments containing chlorides, such as seawater and chemical processing plants. It has a higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to other stainless steel grades, making it suitable for marine applications and exposure to corrosive chemicals.
2. **Strength and Durability**: Stainless steel 316 exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and good toughness, even at cryogenic temperatures. It maintains its strength and integrity in a wide range of temperatures, from cryogenic to elevated temperatures.
3. **Formability and Weldability**: Stainless steel 316 is readily formable and weldable, allowing for easy fabrication into various shapes and structures. It can be cold worked, hot worked, and machined using standard methods without sacrificing its corrosion resistance properties. Additionally, it exhibits good weldability with common welding techniques, such as TIG welding, MIG welding, and resistance welding.
4. **Creep and Stress Rupture Resistance**: Stainless steel 316 demonstrates excellent resistance to creep and stress rupture, even at high temperatures. This property makes it suitable for use in applications subjected to mechanical loading and thermal cycling, such as pressure vessels, piping systems, and heat exchangers.
5. **High Temperature Performance**: Stainless steel 316 maintains its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures, with continuous service temperatures up to 870°C (1600°F) and intermittent service temperatures up to 925°C (1700°F). It is commonly used in high-temperature applications such as exhaust systems, furnace components, and aerospace components.
6. **Low Carbon Content**: Grade 316L, a variant of stainless steel 316, contains a lower carbon content to minimize sensitization and reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion, especially after welding. This makes it suitable for applications where welding is involved or where corrosion resistance is critical.
7. **Sanitary Applications**: Stainless steel 316 is commonly used in industries requiring sanitary conditions, such as food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. Its smooth surface finish, easy cleaning properties, and resistance to bacterial growth make it ideal for such applications.
8. **Marine and Coastal Applications**: Stainless steel 316 is widely used in marine and coastal environments due to its superior corrosion resistance to seawater and salt spray. It is used for boat fittings, marine hardware, offshore structures, and coastal infrastructure.
Overall, stainless steel grade 316 is a versatile and highly reliable material suitable for a wide range of applications where corrosion resistance, strength, and durability are essential requirements. Its exceptional performance in aggressive environments makes it a preferred choice in various industries, from marine and chemical processing to aerospace and medical fields.
Stainless steel grades 316L and 316H are variations of grade 316, each designed to address specific application requirements. Here are the key properties of stainless steel grades 316L and 316H:
### Stainless Steel Grade 316L:
1. **Low Carbon Content**: Grade 316L contains a lower carbon content compared to standard grade 316, typically around 0.03% or less. This reduced carbon content minimizes the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, making it suitable for welding applications and environments where corrosion resistance is critical.
2. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 316L offers excellent corrosion resistance similar to standard grade 316, especially in chloride-rich environments such as marine and chemical processing applications. It resists pitting and crevice corrosion, making it suitable for aggressive environments.
3. **Weldability**: The low carbon content of grade 316L improves its weldability compared to standard grade 316. It exhibits good weldability with minimal risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures during welding.
4. **Formability and Ductility**: Grade 316L retains the excellent formability and ductility of grade 316, allowing it to be easily formed, fabricated, and machined into various shapes and configurations without compromising its properties.
5. **High-Temperature Performance**: Stainless steel 316L maintains its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures, with continuous service temperatures up to 870°C (1600°F) and intermittent service temperatures up to 925°C (1700°F). It is commonly used in high-temperature applications such as exhaust systems and heat exchangers.
6. **Applications**: Stainless steel 316L finds applications in a wide range of industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, and marine environments. It is used for equipment and components requiring corrosion resistance, such as tanks, piping, valves, and fittings.
### Stainless Steel Grade 316H:
1. **High Carbon Content**: Grade 316H contains a higher carbon content compared to standard grade 316, typically in the range of 0.04-0.10%. This increased carbon content enhances the high-temperature strength and creep resistance of the material, making it suitable for elevated temperature applications.
2. **High-Temperature Strength**: Stainless steel 316H exhibits improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures compared to standard grade 316. It maintains its strength and integrity in applications where temperatures exceed 500°C (930°F), such as in furnace components and heat exchangers.
3. **Corrosion Resistance**: Similar to standard grade 316, stainless steel 316H offers excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures may affect its corrosion resistance, especially in certain corrosive environments.
4. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 316H retains good weldability characteristics, similar to standard grade 316. Proper welding techniques and post-weld heat treatment may be necessary to minimize the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion in welded components.
5. **Applications**: Stainless steel 316H is commonly used in applications requiring high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance, such as in chemical processing, refineries, power generation, and aerospace industries. It is also utilized in heat exchangers, boiler tubes, and other high-temperature equipment.
Overall, stainless steel grades 316L and 316H offer specific advantages tailored to different application requirements, providing flexibility and reliability in a wide range of industries and environments.
Stainless steel grade 430 is a ferritic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance in mild environments and its ease of fabrication. Here are the key properties of stainless steel grade 430:
1. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 430 offers good corrosion resistance, particularly in mild environments such as indoor applications, atmospheric conditions, and mildly corrosive chemicals. However, it is less resistant to corrosion compared to austenitic stainless steel grades like 304 and 316.
2. **Heat Resistance**: Stainless steel 430 exhibits good heat resistance, retaining its mechanical properties at moderately elevated temperatures. It is suitable for applications where exposure to heat is common but not extreme.
3. **Strength**: While not as high in strength as some other stainless steel grades, grade 430 still offers decent mechanical properties, including moderate tensile strength and hardness. It is suitable for applications requiring structural integrity and durability.
4. **Formability**: Stainless steel 430 is readily formable, allowing it to be easily shaped and fabricated into various components and structures. It can be cold worked, hot worked, and machined using standard methods without significant difficulty.
5. **Magnetic Properties**: Grade 430 is magnetic in all conditions, making it suitable for applications where magnetic properties are desired, such as in electromagnetic devices and certain industrial applications.
6. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 430 is generally considered weldable using common welding methods such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, and resistance welding. However, care should be taken to avoid excessive heat input during welding, as it may lead to sensitization and reduced corrosion resistance.
7. **Applications**: Stainless steel 430 is commonly used in various applications across industries, including automotive trim, kitchen appliances, architectural features, fasteners, and household utensils. It is particularly favored for applications where cost-effectiveness, corrosion resistance in mild environments, and magnetic properties are important considerations.
Overall, stainless steel grade 430 is a versatile and economical material suitable for a wide range of applications where moderate corrosion resistance, formability, and magnetic properties are required. Its ease of fabrication and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods.
Stainless steel grade 439 is a ferritic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and durability. Here are the key properties of stainless steel grade 439:
1. **Corrosion Resistance**: Stainless steel 439 offers superior corrosion resistance, especially in mildly corrosive environments such as atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and mildly acidic or alkaline solutions. It resists corrosion from oxidation and chemical attack, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
2. **Heat Resistance**: Grade 439 exhibits excellent high-temperature strength and resistance to scaling at elevated temperatures. It maintains its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 815°C (1500°F), making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments such as automotive exhaust systems and industrial furnaces.
3. **Strength and Durability**: Stainless steel 439 possesses good mechanical properties, including moderate tensile strength and hardness. It offers excellent durability and resistance to mechanical wear and tear, ensuring long-term performance in demanding applications.
4. **Formability**: Grade 439 is readily formable, allowing it to be easily shaped and fabricated into various components and structures. It can be cold worked, hot worked, and machined using standard methods without significant difficulty, making it suitable for complex and intricate designs.
5. **Magnetic Properties**: Stainless steel 439 is magnetic in all conditions, making it suitable for applications where magnetic properties are desired, such as in electromagnetic devices and certain industrial applications.
6. **Weldability**: Stainless steel 439 is generally considered weldable using common welding methods such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, and resistance welding. Proper welding techniques should be employed to ensure the best results and to minimize the risk of sensitization and reduced corrosion resistance.
7. **Applications**: Stainless steel 439 finds applications in various industries, including automotive, construction, appliances, and industrial equipment. Common applications include automotive exhaust systems, heat exchangers, kitchen equipment, and architectural trim.
Overall, stainless steel grade 439 is a versatile and durable material suitable for a wide range of applications where corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and formability are essential requirements. Its excellent performance in harsh environments makes it a preferred choice in industries requiring reliable and long-lasting components.
Stainless steel grade 440 is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel known for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Here are the key properties of stainless steel grade 440:
1. **High Hardness**: Stainless steel 440 is renowned for its high hardness, achieved through its high carbon content. It can achieve hardness levels up to Rockwell C 60, making it one of the hardest stainless steel grades available.
2. **Wear Resistance**: Grade 440 offers excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for applications where components are subjected to abrasive wear, such as cutting tools, blades, and bearings. Its high hardness allows it to maintain sharp edges and withstand heavy loads without deformation.
3. **Corrosion Resistance**: While not as corrosion-resistant as austenitic stainless steel grades, grade 440 exhibits good corrosion resistance, particularly in environments with low to moderate exposure to moisture and chemicals. Proper maintenance and care are essential to prevent corrosion and maintain its appearance.
4. **Toughness**: Despite its high hardness, stainless steel 440 retains reasonable toughness, allowing it to withstand impact and shock loading without fracturing. However, it may not perform as well in applications requiring high ductility and impact resistance compared to lower carbon martensitic stainless steels.
5. **Magnetic Properties**: Stainless steel 440 is magnetic in all conditions, making it suitable for applications where magnetic properties are desired, such as in electromagnetic devices and certain industrial applications.
6. **Heat Treatment**: Grade 440 can be heat treated to achieve desired mechanical properties, including hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Common heat treatment processes include annealing, quenching, and tempering, which can tailor the material’s properties to specific application requirements.
7. **Applications**: Stainless steel 440 finds applications in various industries, particularly in cutting tools, surgical instruments, knives, bearings, and valve components. It is commonly used where high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance are critical requirements.
Overall, stainless steel grade 440 is a high-performance material suited for demanding applications where hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance are essential considerations. Its versatility and reliability make it a preferred choice in industries requiring durable and long-lasting components.