Stainless Steel Pipe grades comparison

Stainless Steel has become a very crucial part of our daily life, and one of the most used stainless steel products is stainless steel pipes. Also, there are various grades of Stainless Steel Pipes which have their own different features and characteristics.

Different types of stainless steel are available, each with unique qualities. For example, for instance, SS 304 pipe is the most affordable option. However, it doesn’t have the same resistance to chloride as 316 grade. While 316 is more expensive, it’s worth it in cases where the project needs superior corrosion resistance. There are many other types of stainless steel, but they are the two most commonly used by the general public.

Stainless steel is classified according to its alloy composition.

The first digit represents the primary element of the steel, while the second and third digits are the per cent of the carbon in the steel.

Grade 420 is the hardest of all stainless steels, with 12% chromium and 50 HRC. Its high corrosion resistance and flexibility make it an excellent choice for cutlery. However, its exposure to acids and foods can result in pitting. The tensile strength of 430 is also high, at 65 KSI.

There are about 150 types of stainless steel. Each grade has unique chemical and mechanical properties. Each one is defined according to specific standards. Generally, there are five main types of stainless steel. Each type contains specific alloying elements, which determine its properties. Austenitic stainless steel has a primary microstructure of austenite. These grades have a high chromium content and are famous for heat exchangers.

Here are some different Grades of Stainless Steel Grades and their Characteristics and Applications-

TYPE 304 / 304L STAINLESS PIPE

• An austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel
• General-purpose corrosion resistance
• Non-magnetic except when cold worked

TYPE 304H STAINLESS PIPE

• Higher carbon than Type 304 for better high temperature creep properties
• Corrosion resistance same as Type 304
• Used in high temperatures over 1000 degrees F

TYPE 309S STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Superior heat-resisting austenitic stainless steel
• Good for continuous exposure to 2000 degrees F
• Slightly better corrosion resistance than Type 304

TYPE 310S STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Superior heat-resisting austenitic stainless steel SS 310 Pipes
• Good for continuous exposure to 2100 degrees F
• General corrosion resistance is better than Type 304 and 309

TYPE 316 / 316L STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• An austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel
• Improved corrosion and heat resistance
• Improved corrosion resistance to chlorides

TYPE 317L STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• An austenitic chromium-nickel molybdenum stainless steel
• Improved chloride pitting resistance over Type 316
• Used in Chemical, petroleum, pulp, and paper industries

TYPE 321 / 321H STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Austenitic stainless steel that contains titanium stabilizing elements
• Improved intergranular corrosion resistance
• Excellent for high-temperature service in the carbide precipitation range

TYPE 347 / 347H STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• A stainless steel 347 Pipes that contains columbium stabilizing elements
• Improved intergranular corrosion resistance
• Excellent for high-temperature service in the carbide precipitation range

TYPE 410 STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Martensitic stainless steel with high mechanical properties
• Resist abrasion and wear better than most 300 series stainless steel
• Fair resistance to general corrosion and oxidation

TYPE 446 STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• A high chromium ferritic stainless steel
• Excellent high-temperature resistance to oxidation and corrosion
• Commonly used in high-temperature applications

904L STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Austenitic stainless steel with low carbon content
• Good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
• Resistance to general corrosion in reducing acids

DUPLEX 2205 STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Dual-phase, 45% ferritic, and 55% austenitic stainless steel
• Good strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance
• Resists chloride stress corrosion cracking

254 SMO STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Austenitic stainless steel with a high Molybdenum content
• High resistance to pitting and crevice and general corrosion
• Very high resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking

AL-6XN STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

• Austenitic stainless steel with a high Molybdenum content
• Exceptional resistance to chloride corrosion
• Highly resistant to saltwater corrosion

 

Conclusion

SS 304 is the most popular type of stainless steel in the world and is used in various applications. Its high corrosion resistance and machinability make it an ideal choice for various industries. Many individuals like the appearance and feel of this material. It is highly resistant to wear and tear and is widely available.

Grades 304 and 316 are used to manufacture sinks, pots, and troughs. Grade 301LN is used in industrial machinery and aircraft exhaust systems. The grade 316, on the other hand, is used extensively in Chemical storage tanks. It is also used in medical tools.

SS 301LN is almost like 301L, but with less carbon for increased ductility, and welding of large sections

While 304 and 316 stainless steel pipes are highly corrosion-resistant, they are not magnetic. These steels can be heated up to 815°C. Their high hardness makes them ideal for valve components. Grade 430 is a slightly less-pricey option. However, it is susceptible to galling.

We hope the above information helps you make a concrete decision when selecting the steel material or products for your need. If you still have any questions, you can reach us at +91 9819980997, and our expert team member will gladly help you with your queries, or you can email us at [email protected] for your queries or any product quotation.