Type 301

Highly ductile, for formed products. Also hardens rapidly during mechanical working. Good weldability. Better wear resistance and fatigue strength than 304.

Type 302

Same corrosion resistance as 304, with slightly higher strength due to additional carbon.

Type 303

Easier machining version of 304 via addition of sulfur and phosphorus. Also referred to as “A1” in accordance with International Organization for Standardization ISO 3506

Type 304

The most common grade; the classic 18/8 stainless steel. Also referred to as “A2” in accordance with International Organization for Standardization ISO 3506.

Type 309

Better temperature resistance than 304. Type 309 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel known for its high corrosion resistance and strength. Type 309 has the same machining properties as Type 304, and can be roll formed, stamped, and drawn easily.

Type 309S

Type 309S stainless steel is a low carbon version of Type 309. Because of its lower carbon-content, Type 309S minimizes carbide precipitation, and improves weldability. Other key properties of Type 309S include:
● It can be easily roll formed, stamped and drawn
● Higher resistance to marine atmospheres than Type 304
● Good weldability and machinability
● Outstanding resistance to oxidation

Type 310S

Type 310S is a low carbon austenitic stainless steel. Known for its ability to withstand high temperature applications, Type 310S, which is a lower carbon version of Type 310, also offers users an array of benefits including:
● Outstanding corrosion resistance
● Good aqueous corrosion resistance
● Not prone to thermal fatigue and cyclic heating
● Superior to Type 304 and 309 in most environments
● Good strength in temperatures up to 2100°F

Type 316

The second most common grade (after 304); for food and surgical stainless steel uses; Alloy addition of molybdenum prevents specific forms of corrosion. Also known as “marine grade” stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to type 304. SS316 is often used for building nuclear reprocessing plants. Most watches that are made of stainless steel are made of this grade. Rolex is an exception in that they use Type 904L. 18/10 stainless often corresponds to this grade. Also referred to as “A4” in accordance with International Organization for Standardization ISO 3506.

Type 317L

Type 317L is a low carbon austenitic stainless steel version of Type 317 that offers improved corrosion resistance over Type 304/304L. Some of the other major benefits of Type 317L include.
● Better general and localized corrosion resistance compared to 316/316L stainless steel
● Good formability and weldability
● Increased resistance to chemical attack from acids
● Lower carbon content leads to resistance to sensitization when welded
● Non-magnetic

Type 904L

Type 904L is a high alloy austenitic stainless steel that is known for its corrosion properties. This low carbon version of Type 904 stainless steel also offers other benefits to users including

Type 408

Heat-resistant; poor corrosion resistance; 11% Chromium, 8% Nickel.

Type 409

Cheapest type; used for automobile exhausts; ferritic (iron/chromium only).

Type 410

Martensitic (high-strength iron/chromium). Wear resistant, but less corrosion resistant.

Type 416

Easy to machine due to additional sulfur

Type 420

“Cutlery Grade” martensitic; similar to the Brearley’s original “rustless steel”. Also known as “surgical steel”. Excellent polishability.

Type 430

Decorative, e.g., for automotive trim; ferritic. Good formability, but with reduced temperature and corrosion resistance.

Type 440

A higher grade of cutlery steel, with more carbon in it, which allows for much better edge retention when the steel is heat treated properly. It can be hardened to Rockwell 58 hardness, making it one of the hardest stainless steels. Also known as “razor blade steel”. Available in three grades 440A, 440B, 440C (more common) and 440F (free machinable).

Type 630

Most common PH stainless, better known as 17-4; 17% Chromium, 4% Nickel

Type 17-4 PH

17-4 PH, also known as UNS S17400, is a martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel. 17-4 PH is popular with our customers due to its excellent combination of good corrosion resistance and high strength. In order to be considered 17-4 PH, an alloy must be made of a unique set of chemical elements:
● Fe Balance
● Cr 15-17%
● Ni 3-5%
● Cu 3-5%
● Mn 1.5% max
● Si 0.7% max
● Nb 0.45% max

Type 15-5 PH

15-5 PH, also known as also known as UNS S15500 or XM-12,is a martensitic, precipitation hardening stainless steel. Popular due to its high strength and good corrosion resistance, 15-5 PH also offers user a host of other benefits:
● Good mechanical properties at temperatures up to 600°F (316°C)
● Excellent longitudinal and transverse toughness
● Good in corrosive and high-pressure environments
● Equivalent weldability to 17-4 PH with greater toughness
● Low temperature hardening