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Stainless steel can be defined as an alloy of steel containing 10.5% chromium at least. A lot of other elements can be added to the steel to add in different characteristics or properties. This is the reason there are many different grades of stainless steel available in the market. Various stainless steel grades are used for multiple purposes, like the stainless steel grade that is used for making cutlery is not used for building structures, etcetera. Marine engineering Malaysia does stainless steel fabrication.
When the different types of stainless steel categories are organized, they are typically broken down depending on the microstructure. Therefore, there are five categories of stainless steel.
Stainless steel categories
Austenitic
Austenitic steel has the characteristics of a face-centred cubic structure. This structure has been derived from the addition of nitrogen, manganese, and nickel. This microstructure is responsible for providing Austenitic steel with good weldability and formability. Due to the weldability, format ability, and toughness of austenitic steel, it is the most popular version of stainless steel. It is responsible for around 70% of the production of stainless steel. This category of steel is classified as being non-magnetic. However, it has some magnetic response depending on the stainless steel’s specific composition.
Ferritic
The chromium content in the case of ferritic steels ranges from 10 to 18%. It has a low carbon content that is less than 0.1%. While austenitic stainless steel harbours a face-centred cubic structure, ferric stainless steel holds a body-centred cubic structure. This category of steel is not known to be as formidable, durable, or challenging as the austenitic steel varieties. However, these have shown increased resistance towards corrosion cracking and are available at cheaper rates than austenitic steels. If you are looking for steel fabrication options, check out stainless steel fabrication Malaysia.
Martensitic
When the carbon content is as high as 1%, along with high chromium content, the steel category is referred to as Martin thick stainless steel. These steels can be tempered and hardened the same manner as one would do with low and carbon alloy steels. The high levels of hardness and toughness present in martensitic stainless steel are the reason this steel category is commonly used for medical tool production. Martensitic steel was also the first stainless steel category that was developed for commercial purposes
Duplex
Duplex stainless steel contains equal amounts of ferric and austenitic crystalline structures. This category of steel is made by combining austenitic chromium levels with low levels of nickel. The aim is to maintain an austenitic structure. Duplex steel is known to have twice the level of strength compared to austenitic steel. It also maintains high resistance towards stress corrosion cracking and pitting. These are the perfect choice if you want durability, resistance to corrosion, and high levels of strength.
Precipitated hardened
Precipitated hardened steel is similar in its chemical makeup to the martensitic steel. Due to the precipitation hardening process, these alloys have corrosion resistance and improved strength levels.
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