ABOUT STEEL 101
Steel Is Everywhere
It’s the backbone of our modern world. From towering skyscrapers to precision tools, steel’s versatility lies in its material properties and unmatched strength. But what is steel, really? It’s an alloy of iron and carbon, with a few other metals in steel alloy improving its performance.
From adaptive carbon steel material for industrial strength to numerous types of stainless steel for corrosion resistance, the different kinds of steel serve countless diverse purposes. This guide explores the composition of steel, key steel grades, and why steel remains the leading choice across industries.
Stainless Steel
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What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a versatile, corrosion-resistant alloy widely used across industries. Made primarily of iron, carbon, and at least 10.5% chromium, this alloy forms a passive layer that resists rust, making it highly durable. While stainless steel is a metal, its superior strength and appearance make it stand out among the different kinds of steel and commercial steel and alloys in the market.
Stainless steel is a category known for its corrosion resistance, ease of maintenance, and recyclability. Leading stainless steel product manufacturers like Fortran Steel are renowned for their varied, premium offerings in this category. From construction to manufacturing to kitchenware, stainless material has a place in almost every sector.
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Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel
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The SS composition consists of:
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Iron (Fe): Base element
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Chromium (Cr): At least 10.5% to provide corrosion resistance
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Nickel (Ni): Provides strength and ductility
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Carbon (C): Increases hardness
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Molybdenum (Mo): Increases corrosion resistance
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Manganese, Silicon, Nitrogen: Trace elements to improve properties
This stainless steel material composition delivers the perfect durability and versatility compared to other carbon-heavy steel grades.
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Types of Stainless Steel
Austenitic SS
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The most common type, austenitic stainless steels contain high levels of chromium and nickel.
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Austenitic steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and flexibility.
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Applications: Food processing equipment, piping, and medical instruments.
Ferritic SS
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Ferritic stainless steels contain chromium but low nickel, which makes them more affordable.
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Ferritic stainless steel grades are known for their magnetic properties and good resistance to stress corrosion.
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Applications: Automotive parts, appliances, and architectural trim.
Martensitic SS
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Martensitic stainless steels contain moderate chromium with a higher carbon content.
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Martensitic steel provides strength and hardness, though it is less corrosion-resistant.
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Applications: Cutlery, surgical tools, and valves.
Duplex SS
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Duplex stainless steel has a balanced austenite-ferrite microstructure for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
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Duplex stainless steel grades resist stress corrosion cracking, pitting, and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-rich environments like seawater.
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Applications: Marine and chemical industries.
Precipitation Hardening SS
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Precipitation-hardening stainless steel is known for its high strength through heat treatment.
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Applications: Aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
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Use Stainless Steel When:
You Need a Durable Material
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Stainless material withstands wear, a quality that is perfect for heavy-duty applications.