What are the Most Common Types of Stainless Steel? -

Stainless steel is an essential material in a wide variety of industries, prized for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Thanks to its versatility, it’s used to manufacture everything from industrial machinery to household appliances. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. There are different types, each tailored to specific uses and industries. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of stainless steel and their applications, along with why Mangalam Worldwide is a trusted name among stainless steel manufacturers and suppliers.

Understanding Stainless Steel

At its core, stainless steel is an alloy primarily made of iron and carbon, with chromium added to give it its famous corrosion-resistant properties. The amount of chromium and other elements like nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen vary in different grades of stainless steel, leading to variations in strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and corrosion. Each type has unique properties and is used for specific applications across industries.

Common Types of Stainless Steel

Below are the most commonly used types of stainless steel, each designed to meet different industrial and commercial needs.

1. Austenitic Stainless Steel (300 Series)

Austenitic stainless steel is the most widely used type of stainless steel due to its excellent corrosion resistance and versatility. The most common grades within this family are 304L and 316L.

• Grade 304L Stainless Steel: Known as the “workhorse” of stainless steel, 304L is widely used in kitchen appliances, industrial machinery, and architectural structures. Its high chromium content (18%) and nickel (8%) give it superior resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for general-purpose applications.

• Grade 316L Stainless Steel: Similar to 304L but with added molybdenum, 316L stainless steel is highly resistant to chloride and saline environments. This makes it ideal for marine applications, chemical processing, and industries exposed to harsh conditions.

At Mangalam Worldwide, we supply top-quality austenitic stainless steel products that are designed to offer long-lasting performance in a variety of demanding environments.

2. Ferritic Stainless Steel (400 Series)

Ferritic stainless steel is magnetic and contains chromium but very little or no nickel. It is generally less expensive than austenitic stainless steel and is used in applications where moderate corrosion resistance is acceptable.

• Grade 430 Stainless Steel:

One of the most common ferritic grades, 430 is used for automotive trim, kitchen appliances, and decorative purposes. It is corrosion-resistant, particularly in mildly corrosive environments, and provides good thermal conductivity.

• Grade 409 Stainless Steel:

This grade is commonly used in automotive exhaust systems due to its ability to resist high temperatures. Though it has lower corrosion resistance compared to 430, it is still durable and cost-effective for automotive applications.

• Grade 431 Stainless Steel:

Known for its excellent strength and moderate corrosion resistance, 431 grade is ideal for high-stress applications such as bolts, screws, and shafts. It offers superior resistance to oxidation and is frequently used in marine, aerospace, and chemical industries due to its toughness and resistance to wear.

Ferritic stainless steels, like those offered by Mangalam Worldwide, are ideal for industries that require strength and moderate corrosion resistance.

3. Martensitic Stainless Steel (400 Series)

Martensitic stainless steel is known for its high strength and hardness, making it suitable for applications where durability is critical. These types of stainless steel are also magnetic and have a higher carbon content, giving higher hardness.

• Grade 410 Stainless Steel: This grade is used for making cutlery, surgical instruments, and industrial knives. It offers good wear resistance and is highly machinable.

• Grade 420 Stainless Steel: Commonly known as “cutlery-grade,” 420 stainless steel is often used in the production of knives and other cutting tools. Its high carbon content provides excellent hardness, making it ideal for tools that require sharp edges and strength.

Mangalam Worldwide supplies martensitic stainless steel for industries requiring high strength and precision in manufacturing tools and equipment.

4. Duplex Stainless Steel

Duplex stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, at a better price point for both worlds. It provides excellent corrosion resistance and superior strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.

At Mangalam Worldwide, we provide high-performance duplex stainless steel solutions to industries that demand materials that can withstand harsh conditions and offer extended durability.

5. Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel

Precipitation-hardening (PH) stainless steel is used in applications requiring high strength and resistance to wear. This type of stainless steel can be heat treated to develop mechanical properties such as high strength.

Grade 17–4 PH Stainless Steel: One of the most common grades, 17–4 PH offers a combination of strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in aerospace, chemical processing, and the oil and gas industry.

At Mangalam Worldwide, we supply precipitation-hardening stainless steel to industries that require high-performance materials capable of withstanding extreme mechanical stress.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel for Your Application

Above we have discussed the most basic grades of stainless steel, Mangalam Worldwide manufactures various high performing grades like 310,316L, 316 TI, 321, duplex & many others.

• Grade 310 Stainless Steel: Known for its excellent resistance to oxidation and high-temperature environments, 310 is ideal for furnace parts, heat exchangers, and other high-heat applications.

• Grade 316 Ti Stainless Steel: An alloyed version of 316, with added titanium for better corrosion resistance and improved strength, making it suitable for high-temperature applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

• Grade 321 Stainless Steel: Known for its resistance to high temperatures and intergranular corrosion, 321 is commonly used in applications such as aircraft, petrochemical plants, and high-temperature exhaust systems.

• Duplex Stainless Steel: Combining the best properties of both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels offer exceptional strength and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, making them ideal for marine, chemical, and offshore applications.

Why Choose Mangalam Worldwide?

As a leading stainless steel manufacturer and supplier, Mangalam Worldwide stands out for several reasons:

Expertise: With years of experience in the stainless steel industry, we understand the unique demands of different sectors and provide customized solutions.

Quality Assurance: We follow stringent quality control measures to ensure that all of our stainless steel products meet the highest international standards.