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Description
Stainless steel has strong mechanical properties including ductility, elasticity, hardness, and formability. It also works well under both high and low temperatures. There are several types of stainless steel: Austenitic, Martensitic, Ferritic, and Duplex.
- Austenitic is the most popular and includes the 300 series of stainless steel. Austenitic contains a high percentage of nickel and chromium.
- Martensitic stainless steel is less corrosion resistant and magnetic due to low chromium content.
- Ferritic stainless steel is generally without nickel.
- Duplex houses a combination of austenitic & ferritic steels.
So, what stainless steel alloy does Merit offer? 300-series (also known as austenitic) stainless steel is a corrosion resistant alloy made up of chromium, iron, nickel and other metals. It is not only an aesthetically appealing alloy; but it is also environmentally neutral in that it is recyclable.
Type 304
Type 304 has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel with a combined maximum of 0.08% carbon. Type 304 is versatile and is the most widely used. Some of its benefits include durability and resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
Type 316
Type 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. Molybdenum offers added corrosion resistance to chlorides. Type 316 is also durable and easy to fabricate, weld, and finish.
