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What is stainless steel?

Steel is defined as an alloy of iron (Fe) and carbon (C) with C contents less than 1.7%.

Stainless steel is a term for a whole group of corrosion-resistant steels, containing at least 11% of chromium. Varying additions of nickel, molybdenum, titanium and other elements may be present. The balance in all steels is Fe.

By careful compositioning of the steels, their structure, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties are influenced. And by knowing how the various elements influence, it has been possible to develop steels, which meet the challenging requirements of the industries.

Facts
    • ELC = Extra Low Carbon, max. 0.030%.
    • Ferrite-forming elements: Cr, Mo, Si, Ti, Nb.
    • Austenite-forming elements: C, N, Mn, Ni, Cu.
    • Stabilisation with Ti or Nb in order to avoid formation of Cr carbides.
    • Sensitisation occurs when Cr carbides are formed in the region close to a weld (or by heat treatment). Results in Cr depletion and sensitivity to attacks by intergranular corrosion.
    • Types of stainless steel: Ferritic and martensitic chromium steels, austenitic-ferritic (duplex) steels, austenitic steels and alloys.

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