In addition to chromium – a basic element of all stainless steel – austenitic stainless steels also contain high levels of nickel, an element that significantly improves its resistance to corrosion, as well as the possible addition of other elements such as molybdenum, titanium, and niobium, present in some versions.
The austenitic structure of these steels does not allow the execution of quenching and tempering treatments, but cold drawing deformations allow very high mechanical characteristics to be obtained, especially on small diameters. At the solubilized state they are completely non-magnetic, while in the drawn state they acquire a slight ferromagnetism.
The versions with the addition of copper, instead, have a decidedly improved cold deformability, making them suitable for example for use in formed screws and in general for cold forming. The steels of the Plus series undergo special processing during casting and an analytical balancing that provides them with an excellent machinability in the tool in relation to this category of materials.
The addition of sulfur, finally, allows an easy machinability of the material and makes it suitable for the production of turned parts with challenging machining; in contrast, the resistance to corrosion is slightly decreased.
Chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel with the addition of sulfur, which improves machinability by chip removal with machine tools, reducing however the resistance to corrosion in aggressive environments. The special “Plus” processing allows performances to be further improved during machining in terms of surface finish, tool life and machine productivity
Steel with characteristics similar to 303Plus, but with the addition of copper which, in addition to improving machinability on machine tools, also makes it suitable for certain types of cold deformation.
Reference SheetSteel with characteristics similar to 304 but with a limited carbon content, which determines a higher resistance to intercrystalline corrosion and improved weldability. The 304Plus version, in addition to a controlled sulfur content, undergoes a special processing during the steelworks process that further improves machinability by chip removal.
Reference SheetThe addition of copper to the base characteristics of 304 significantly increases cold deformability. It is therefore used for fasteners and in general for cold moulded parts when they are complex and have extreme deformations.
Reference SheetChromium-nickel-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel: this combination allows it to resist the action of chlorides. It is the typical steel for use in marine environments or in the chemical and food industries.
Reference SheetThis steel is derived from 316L with an increase in the minimum molybdenum and nickel content: it is one of the most resistant steels in marine environments and in general in the presence of chlorides. It is used in critical situations in contact with salt and in the food industry.
Reference Sheet