A Comprehensive Guide to the Diverse Types of Stainless Steel

Alloy steels exist in a vast spectrum. And on this spectrum, alloy steels are categorized into structural steels, tool and die steels, magnetic alloys, and stainless and heat-resisting steels. Of these, stainless steels are some of the most universally known and applicable steel metals. But they are certainly not uniform. Just as stainless steel uses vary, so does the specific makeup of these metals. The following are just a few of the many different types of stainless steel available on the market. 

• 13-8: This type of steel is a particularly hard metal showing impressive strength. This steel alloy contains both Chromium and Nickel and can be age-hardened to preserve its structure in colder temperatures. Specifically, this steel is useful for stainless steel products like fasteners, pins, aircraft parts, and nuclear reactor parts, to name a few.
• 15-5: Containing Chromium, Nickel, and Copper, this metal displays both impressive harness and corrosion resistance. This corrosion resistance does decrease with age, but it can be heat treated. Some popular applications include aircraft and aerospace parts, and any parts operating in corrosive environments.
• 17-4: Available in slight varieties, this alloy also contains Chromium and Nickel. It is corrosion-resistant and is able to be precipitation hardened more than many other steel alloys. This alloy’s properties make it well-suited for harsh environments like energy refining, chemical processing, and food processing.
• 418: Also known as Greek Ascoloy, this metal contains Chromium,
  Nickel, and Tungsten as well as steel. This metal is highly resistant to high temperatures and atmospheric corrosion, so it is often used in airplane parts like turbines and blades.
• 430F: The steel composition of this metal also includes Chromium, and bits of Manganese, Silicon, Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Molybdenum. Often used in solenoids, this mental is also used products like fasteners, surgical tools, hinges, and combustion chamber linings.

As the quality and makeup of stainless steel evolve, so will the quality of stainless steel products. Wieland Diversified has all of the above steel alloys in stock, available for your particular industry. Contact us today to discuss whether a stock alloy or a specialty metal order will be right for you. By working with the right professionals and understanding the properties of each type of metal, you can determine which will help your job become more efficient.