AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

When nickel (Ni) is added to stainless in sufficient quantities the crystal structure is changed to austenite, hence the term Austenitic Stainless Steel. The basic composition of the austentic stainless steel is 18% chromium and 8% nickel, termed as 18/8. If additional corrosion resistance is required 2-3% molybdenum is added, termed 18/8/3. The carbon content is low 0.08% max.

The common specifications include 304, 304L, 321, 316, 316L, 316Ti and 317L.

Basic Properties:

• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Excellent cleanability and hygiene factor Easily fabricated and formed with ease
• Excellent weldability
• Hardened by cold work, not by heat treatment
• Used in the fully annealed condition in which they are non - magnetic
• The ability to handle both extremely low (cryogenic) temperatures and high temperatures (up to 925 degree centigrade).

Common Usage:
Austenitic Stainless Steel has a very wide scope of applications. Some of these are hollowware, builders' hardware, architectural applications, abattoir, beer and beverage production and food processing equipment, which require the cleanability and hygienic corrosion resistance properties.