303 Stainless Steel
Characteristics: This free-machining variation of T302/304 is used in automatic machining operations. Corrosion-resistant to atmospheric exposures, sterilizing solutions, most organic and many inorganic chemicals, most dyes, nitric acids, and foods.
304 Stainless Steel
Applications: As the most widely used of all stainless steel grades, 304 is most notably present in industrial applications and kitchen equipment.
Characteristics: As a heat-resistant grade, 304 stainless bar offers good corrosion resistance to many chemical corrodents, as well as industrial atmospheres. And with good formability, 304 can be readily welded by all common methods. An extra low carbon variation, called 304L, avoids harmful carbide precipitation due to welding. This variation offers the same corrosion resistance as 304, but with slightly lower mechanical properties.
316 Stainless Steel
Applications: Pumps, valves, textile and chemical equipment, pulp & paper and marine applications.
Characteristics: This grade is more resistant to corrosion and pitting than 304 and offers higher strength at elevated temperatures. In addition, 316L is an extra low carbon variation that helps avoid carbide precipitation due to welding.
410 Stainless Steel
Applications: Valve and pump parts, fasteners, cutlery, turbine parts and bushings.
Characteristics: This heat-treatable grade of stainless steel bar is ideally suited for use in environments where corrosion is not severe. This includes air, fresh water and with some chemicals and food acids. A quenched and double tempered variation is used for parts in hydrogen sulfide service.
416 Stainless Steel
Applications: Pump shafts, valve components, and automatic screw machine parts.
Characteristics: This is considered a "free-machining variation" of 410 that features useful corrosion resistance to natural food acids, basic salts, water, and most atmospheres.
440 C Stainless Steel
Applications: Ball or roller bearings
Characteristics: This high carbon chromium steel can attain the highest hardness (Rockwell C60) of any standard stainless grade. In the hardened and stress relieved condition, 440 C has maximum hardness and its strength, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance are all considered high.
