Most stainless steels have relatively high strength, good corrosion resistance and ductility. The differences are due to the structure and the different alloying elements used. Some general guidelines are:
A) 300 Series:
Excellent corrosion resistance
Typical strength (in the annealed condition) 85 ksi – tensile, 40 ksi – yield and 50% elongation
Cannot be heat treated but can be hardened by “cold working” (up to 185 ksi – tensile, 140 ksi – yield
Non-magnetic
Good high and low temperature mechanical properties
Can be polished to a bright mirror finish
B) “Non-Hardenable” 400 Series
Good corrosion resistance
Typical strength 65 - 75 ksi – tensile, 35 - 50 ksi – yield and elongation 20 - 35%
Magnetic
Limited temperature use
Can be polished
C) “Hardenable” 400 Series
Some adequate corrosion resistance
Hardenable by heat treatment
Magnetic
Somewhat limited temperature use
*The SSINA Designer Handbook “Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless Steel” has more data on all the common stainless steels
