• 30.06.2022 11:25:53

Austenitic Stainless Steels

300 series or austenitic stainless steels account for approximately 60% of the world's total stainless steel production.

They contain a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium, and sufficient amounts of nickel and/or manganese in order to stabilize the austenitic structure from very low temperatures to the melting point. The most well-known type is 18/10 (304 grade) stainless steel, which contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The steels referred to as “super-austenitic” stainless steels, such as AL-6XN and 254SMO, present a very effective resistance to chloride nucleation and crevice corrosion due to the high molybdenum (>6%) and nitrogen additions they contain and the high stress corrosion resistance shown by high nickel. The high alloy content of "super-austenitic" causes their costs to be very high. Due to this reason, it should be noted that a similar performance, although not exactly the same, may be obtained from ferritic or duplex stainless steel groups at lower cost. The most widely known austenitic grades are 304 and 316.

The austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic and non-heat treatable, have high ductility, can be hardened by rolling, and have excellent corrosion resistance, machinability, and weldability. Their structure is FCC.