Stainless Steel Sheet Types

Ryerson stocks many varieties of stainless steel sheet including 304 stainless steel the most popular of the stainless steels.

Stainless steel sheet types.

276 is a family of iron based alloys that contain a minimum of approximately 11 chromium. Many different types of stainless steel grades are used in foodservice establishments and each type has its own pros and cons. Picking the right grade of stainless steel requires knowing what your options are. 3 different types of stainless steel include the elements carbon from 0 03 to greater than 1 00 nitrogen aluminium silicon sulfur titanium nickel copper selenium niobium.

Another popular grade is 316 stainless steel which is used in. Stainless steels generally contain between 10 20 chromium as the main alloying element and are valued for high corrosion resistance. 3 a composition that prevents the iron from rusting as well as providing heat resistant properties. Also known as marine grade stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to type 304.

The carbon is kept to 03 or under to avoid carbide precipitation. For food and surgical stainless steel uses. 316 stainless sheet is widely used in marine and highly acidic environments underwater equipment surgical tools food and pharmaceutical applications the addition of molybdenum increases the corrosion resistance of 316 stainless over the more economical 304 grade. 316 316l stainless steel sheet is a popular grade of stainless where superior corrosion resistance is of primary importance.

This type of stainless sheet thickness provides excellent corrosion resistance for both industrial and marine applications. The letter l after a stainless steel type indicates low carbon as in 304l. Carbon in steel when heated to temperatures in what is called the critical range 800 degrees f to 1600 degrees f precipitates out combines with the chromium and gathers on the grain boundaries. There are countless variations of stainless steel that you could potentially use for a custom wire basket or tray.

These steels can be divided into three groups based on their crystalline structure. 304 stainless sheet offers good corrosion resistance to many chemical corrodents as well as industrial atmospheres and marine environments. The second most common grade after 304. Stainless steel sheet is available in type 304 and type 316.

Type 304 can be easily roll formed or bent and its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability make it one of the most popular grades. With over 11 chromium steel is about 200 times more resistant to corrosion than mild steel. Type 316 is a high corrosion resistance alloy providing greater resistance to pitting type corrosion. 304 stainless sheet may become slightly magnetic when worked and is not heat treatable.

304 stainless steel sheet is the most popular and economical of the stainless steels. Each formulation of stainless steel alloy has its own unique properties for tensile strength melting point oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance.