! Material Properties

Density
7.75-8.05 g/cm3
Melting Point
1400-1530 C
Tensile Strength
515-1035 MPa
Yield Strength
205-860 MPa
Hardness
150-600 HB
Thermal Conductivity
14-25 W/mK
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent
Machinability
Moderate
Weldability
Good

@ Common Grades

Click to expand
304 Stainless
18/8 Stainless
18% Cr, 8% Ni
Applications
Kitchen equipment Medical devices Architectural trim
Advantages
Most versatile Good formability Non-magnetic
Limitations
Not suitable for marine Limited heat resistance
Click to expand
316 Stainless
Marine Grade
16% Cr, 10% Ni, 2% Mo
Applications
Marine hardware Chemical processing Pharmaceutical
Advantages
Superior corrosion Salt water resistant
Limitations
Higher cost Lower machinability
Click to expand
410 Stainless
Martensitic
11.5-13.5% Cr
Applications
Cutlery Fasteners Valve parts
Advantages
Heat treatable Good wear resistance Magnetic
Limitations
Lower corrosion resistance Limited weldability
Click to expand
17-4 PH
Precipitation Hardening
15-17.5% Cr, 3-5% Ni, 3-5% Cu
Applications
Aerospace parts Nuclear reactors Jet engines
Advantages
High strength Good corrosion resistance Heat treatable
Limitations
Expensive Specialized processing
Click to expand

% Industry Applications

^
Aerospace & Defense
  • Exhaust systems
  • Structural components
  • Fasteners
  • Landing gear parts
AS9100 NADCAP ITAR
+
Medical & Biomedical
  • Surgical instruments
  • Implants
  • Hospital equipment
  • Dental tools
ISO 13485 FDA 21 CFR
~
Marine & Offshore
  • Boat fittings
  • Propeller shafts
  • Deck hardware
  • Underwater equipment
ABS DNV GL Lloyd's
*
Food & Beverage
  • Processing equipment
  • Storage tanks
  • Conveyor systems
  • Kitchen appliances
NSF 3-A Sanitary

& Welding Specifications

View certifications
TIG Welding (GTAW) Excellent

Preferred for precision work. Use ER308L/ER316L filler. Argon shielding essential.

MIG Welding (GMAW) Good

Faster than TIG. Use tri-mix gas (Ar/CO2/He). Watch for carbide precipitation.

Stick Welding (SMAW) Fair

Field repairs only. Use E308/E316 electrodes. Clean thoroughly after.

Laser Welding Excellent

Minimal heat-affected zone. Ideal for thin sections and precision parts.

Pro Tips

  • * Use low carbon grades (304L, 316L) to prevent sensitization
  • * Minimize heat input to reduce distortion
  • * Use back-purge with argon to prevent oxidation
  • * Post-weld passivation restores corrosion resistance

Find Stainless Steel Suppliers

Browse verified suppliers with stainless steel capabilities

2,847+

suppliers in the BOMAtlas network