Stainless Steels

Stainless Steels

Stainless steels are a type of steel designed to provide high corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and an aesthetic appearance. These steels are used for various industrial and commercial applications and contain different alloying elements. Here are some common types of stainless steel and their properties:

What are Stainless Steels?

Stainless steels are steel alloys that generally contain chromium and are known for their corrosion resistance, high-temperature durability, and aesthetic features. Stainless steels contain 11% or more chromium, which increases resistance to rust and corrosion.

Types and Properties of Stainless Steels

1. SC 1.4057

SC 1.4057 is a type of stainless steel with high hardness and wear resistance. It is generally used in high-performance applications.

Property SC 1.4057
Chemical Composition C: 0.38-0.45%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1%
Strength High
Corrosion Resistance Moderate
Temperature Resistance Moderate
Hardness High
Applications Tools, molds, automotive parts

Applications:

  • Mold Steels: Metal forming molds.
  • Automotive Parts: Components requiring high durability.
  • Machine Parts: Parts resistant to wear.

2. SC 1.4112

SC 1.4112 is a stainless steel known for its high hardness and wear resistance, commonly preferred in industrial applications.

Property SC 1.4112
Chemical Composition C: 0.45-0.55%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1%
Strength Very High
Corrosion Resistance Moderate
Temperature Resistance Moderate
Hardness High
Applications High wear resistance applications

Applications:

  • Abrasive Products: Cutting tools, blades.
  • Mechanical Parts: Components resistant to wear.
  • Industrial Applications: Metal processing equipment.

3. SC 1.4122

SC 1.4122 is a stainless steel type with high hardness and corrosion resistance, typically used in durable parts.

Property SC 1.4122
Chemical Composition C: 0.20-0.30%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1%
Strength Moderate
Corrosion Resistance Good
Temperature Resistance Moderate
Hardness Moderate
Applications Tools, small parts with high hardness

Applications:

  • Tools: Small tools and instruments.
  • Mechanical Parts: Durable components.
  • Chemical Industry: Chemical processing equipment.

4. SC 1.4125

SC 1.4125 is a type of stainless steel with high hardness and excellent wear resistance, generally used in applications requiring high strength.

Property SC 1.4125
Chemical Composition C: 0.45-0.55%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1%
Strength Very High
Corrosion Resistance Moderate
Temperature Resistance Moderate
Hardness High
Applications Tools, molds, industrial applications

Applications:

  • Molds: Metal processing molds.
  • Industrial Applications: Production of wear-resistant parts.
  • Automotive and Machine Parts: High-strength applications.

5. SC316-SC316L

SC316 and SC316L are types of stainless steel widely used in the maritime and chemical industries. SC316L is the low-carbon version of SC316.

Property SC316 SC316L
Chemical Composition C: 0.08%, Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 10-14%, Mo: 2-3% C: 0.03%, Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 10-14%, Mo: 2-3%
Strength Moderate Moderate
Corrosion Resistance High High
Temperature Resistance Good Good
Hardness Moderate Moderate
Applications Maritime, chemical industry, automotive Maritime, chemical industry, low-carbon applications

Applications:

SC316:

  • Maritime: Equipment for use in saltwater environments.
  • Chemical Industry: Chemical reactors, pipes.
  • Automotive: Parts requiring high corrosion resistance.

SC316L:

  • Maritime: Durable equipment for saltwater environments.
  • Chemical Industry: Chemical processing, low-carbon applications.
  • Medical Equipment: Medical applications with low-carbon structure.

Comparison of Stainless Steels

Type Corrosion Resistance Strength Hardness Temperature Resistance Applications
1.4057 Moderate High High Moderate Tools, automotive parts, molds
1.4112 Moderate Very High High Moderate Abrasive products, industrial applications
1.4122 Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Tools, small parts with high hardness
1.4125 Moderate Very High High Moderate Molds, industrial applications
SC316 High Moderate Moderate Good Maritime, chemical industry, automotive
SC316L High Moderate Moderate Good Maritime, chemical industry, medical equipment

General Characteristics and Applications of Stainless Steels

Type Chemical Composition Strength Corrosion Resistance Temperature Resistance Hardness Applications
1.4057 C: 0.38-0.45%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1% High Moderate Moderate High Tools, automotive, molds
1.4112 C: 0.45-0.55%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1% Very High Moderate Moderate High Abrasive products, industrial applications
1.4122 C: 0.20-0.30%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1% Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Tools, small parts with high hardness
1.4125 C: 0.45-0.55%, Cr: 12.5-14.5%, Mo: 0.5-1% Very High Moderate Moderate High Molds, industrial applications
SC316 C: 0.08%, Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 10-14%, Mo: 2-3% Moderate High Good Moderate Maritime, chemical industry, automotive
SC316L C: 0.03%, Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 10-14%, Mo: 2-3% Moderate High Good Moderate Maritime, chemical industry, medical equipment

Advantages of Stainless Steels

Advantages Description
High Corrosion Resistance Resistant to harsh conditions such as saltwater, acidic, and alkaline environments
High Strength Provides strong and durable structure
Good Wear Resistance Supports long-lasting part usage
Aesthetic Appearance Offers a shiny and modern look

Sources

  • Stainless Steels – MatWeb
  • Stainless Steels Technical Data – Outokumpu
  • Stainless Steels – Sandvik Materials Technology
  • Stainless Steels Technical Specifications – Thyssenkrupp

Stainless steels offer a wide range of products for industrial and commercial applications and provide solutions for different needs with their various physical and chemical properties.


Comparison of Stainless Steels

Type Corrosion Resistance Strength Hardness Temperature Resistance Applications
1.4057 Moderate High High Moderate Tools, automotive, molds
1.4112 Moderate Very High High Moderate