Stainless steel is most widely used material for the fabrication of industrial products due to its excellent durability, versatility and cost effectiveness. Stainless steel pipe is available in diverse varieties such as seamless, welded, ERW, EFW, cold drawn etc. that are available in different standards and specifications. Due to the chromium and nickel content, stainless steel offers exceptional resistivity and strength even in hostile conditions. Stainless Steel Pipes are available in different grades that established by different standards such as SAE, ASTM, BS, EN, ASME and other standards. Stainless Steel Pipe is available in different families and their respective grades that are differentiated according to chemical composition:
Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe: Stainless steel pipe is available in different austenitic grades including 303, 304, 310, 316 and 321 that vary in chemical composition and properties. These grades are most common grades that has higher amount of nickel, molybdenum and chromium content. These versatile grades offer exceptional malleability, tensile strength and anti-corrosiveness features. These austenitic grades of Stainless steel pipe offer exceptional creep resistance and resistance to pitting, and crevice corrosion. These stainless steel grades, 304, 316, 321 are further classified according to the carbon content. Stainless Steel Pipe offer exceptional toughness at elevated as well as cryogenic temperatures.
Ferritic Stainless Steel Pipe: This grade pipe is one of the most economical due to its less nickel content. Ferritic grades contain molybdenum, chromium, titanium, niobium and other elements that offer excellent creep resistance and toughness even in aggressive environments. Most of these Stainless Steel Pipe grades are magnetic and offer excellent weldablity. Ferritic grades of Stainless steel pipe include 430 and 410 grades that offer remarkable resistance to corrosion, oxidation and stress corrosion cracking.
Duplex Stainless Steel Pipe: These pipes have combines properties of austenitic and ferritic grades that make it stronger and one of the most widely used grades. Duplex Stainless Steel Pipe is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Due to this feature, this pipe is suitable for marine applications. Stainless steel Pipe offer excellent tensile strength, and easy formability features. Duplex stainless steel grades include 2304, 255, 2205, and super duplex 2507 etc.
Martensitic & Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Pipe: This pipe is similar to ferritic but has elevated carbon content. Stainless steel pipe with martensitic grade are used in applications that require hardened edge. Due to excellent hardening and tempering features this grade is used in medical instruments. Stainless steel Pipe is available in grades like 410 and 420.
In determining what grade of stainless steel tubing to select many factors are taken into account. The main requirement for stainless steels is that they should be corrosion-resistant for a specified application or environment. Strength and fabrication characteristics are also taken into consideration. There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. However, the entire group can be divided into four metallurgic classes. In determining what grade to select, additional mechanical or physical properties may also need to be considered to achieve the overall service performance requirements.
Chromium (17-25%), Nickel (8-25%); non-magnetic, not heat treatable. It can develop high strength by cold working. Additions of molybdenum (up to 7%) can increase the corrosion resistance. 300 series resist corrosion and uphold their strength at high temperatures and are easy to maintain. Type 316 contains slightly more nickel than Type 304, and 2-3% molybdenum giving it better corrosion resistance.
Typical uses: surgical applications, food, and beverage equipment, wastewater equipment, chemical equipment, architectural applications.
Straight chromium (12-18%); magnetic and can be hardened by heat treatment. Type 410 resists corrosion in mild atmospheres, steam, and mild chemical environments.
Typical uses: fasteners, machinery parts, pump shafts.
Straight Chromium (12-18%); low carbon, magnetic, but not heat treatable.
Typical uses: highly polished trim applications, food processing.
Chromium (12-28%), Nickel (4-7%); martensitic or austenitic. The typical grade 17-4 name comes from the additions 17% Chromium and 4% Nickel, it is also known as grade 630. They have high strength, relatively good ductility, and good corrosion resistance at moderate temperatures.
Typical uses: valves, gears, pump parts, bolts, saws, shafting.
Austenitic stainless steel is the largest group, making up two-thirds of the stainless steel productions. Eagle Stainless stocks 300 series stainless steel in both seamless and welded tubing for a variety of applications. If you need help ordering your tubing see these top ten tips to help with the ordering process.
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