Chapter 1: Different Grades In Stainless Steel For An Easy Selection
Nowadays, there is a wide array of stainless steel found in the market. Each has its unique qualities and composition. Depending on the chemical composition, stainless steel may be harder, easier to work with, stronger, and magnetic. Following is the shortlist of different grades of stainless steel.
1. 201 Stainless Steel Handles
What is type 201 stainless steel?
201 stainless steel is an alloy consist of nickel, manganese, and nitrogen. While it is less costly than others, it is not simple to form. It is an authentic metal, which makes this type of stainless steel non-magnetic. It contains a high level of chromium and nickel. 201 stainless steel is also known to have low levels of carbon.
Other facts about handles made from type 201 stainless steel
Type 201 stainless steel is considered a mid-range product with an array of useful qualities. While it is perfect for particular uses, it is not an ideal option for structures that are prone to any corrosive forces, including saltwater.
Here are the other things to know about this grade:
· Type 201 belongs to the 200 series of stainless steel. It is originally developed to conserve nickel. The low content of nickel characterizes it.
· Type 201 is a good alternative for 301 in some applications. Nevertheless, it is less corrosion-resistant than its counterpart.
· This grade of stainless steel is non-magnetic. But it can become magnetic thru cold working. The higher nitrogen content in type 201 offers higher toughness and yield strength than 301 steel. However, this will only take place at low temperatures.
· Heat treatment does not harden it. It is annealed at 1850-1950 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, it is followed by rapid air cooling and water quenching.
· It is also utilized to produce many different household appliances. Aside from sinks, washing machines, doors, windows, and cooking utensils, it is used in modern handles for furniture. It is also utilized in automotive trim, railway cars, clamps, trailers, decorative architecture, and a lot more. But it is not recommended for any outdoor structural applications as it is susceptible to crevice and pitting corrosion.
· Handles made of grade 201 stainless steel are generally lower in cost. It’s because it consists of different mechanical properties. Its corrosion resistance is a bit similar to grade 304. Apart from handles, it tends to be used in catering equipment and kitchen utensils.
1. 304 Stainless Steel Handles
Modern handles that are listed as 304-grade stainless steel contain the following characteristics:
304 stainless steel handles are made from low-carbon steel that has a chromium alloy. It contains at least 15% chromium and 10% nickel. The presence of chromium alloy gives the accessories unique and strong corrosion-resistant properties.
Generally speaking, stainless steel is resistant to rust. But they are not immune to it. They will corrode over a long period. Thus, regular or holistic cleaning is necessary to help prevent the growth of corrosion. It is also a great way to extend the life of modern handles.
Stainless steel offers a clean and stunning finish with low maintenance expenses. 304 stainless steel is the most common grade of stainless steel across the globe. With its excellent value and corrosion resistance, there is no doubt that a lot of homeowners and business establishment proprietors take advantage of it.
Unlike 201 stainless steel, it contains between 16 and 24% of chromium. It also has 35% nickel. Plus, it has a small amount of manganese and carbon. Its most common form is 18-8 or 18/8. More particularly, it is made of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Another good thing about 304 stainless steel is that it can withstand corrosion from oxidizing acids. For that reason, 304 stainless steel handles are easy to sanitize. That makes them perfect for kitchen applications. At present, they are commonly used in décor, buildings, and site furnishings.
304 stainless sheets of steel have a downside too. It is susceptible to corrosion from any chloride solutions or saline environments. Chloride ions can create corrosion, also called pitting. It can spread beneath chromium barriers, affecting internal structures.
1. 316 Stainless Steel Handles
The second-most common form of stainless steel is 316 stainless steel. 316 has the same mechanical and physical properties as 304 stainless steel. It is made of similar material makeup, but both still have differences. The 316 stainless steel incorporates 2 or 3% molybdenum. It increases the ability of modern handles to fight against corrosion. More particularly, it can withstand industrial solvents such as chlorides.
Aside from being used in modern handles, it is employed on other industrial applications that involve a high saline environment and processing chemicals. Because of its non-reactive qualities, it is likewise utilized in the development of the production of medical-surgical instruments.
Type 316 stainless sheets of steel utilize nickel to maintain a great and austenitic composition at a lower temperature. Austenitic steels guarantee a flexible balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability. That is why they are an ideal option for landscape and outdoor architectural applications as well.
316 modern stainless handles are also popular for having good weldability, excellent ductility, ease of manufacture, and work hardening for spring properties. They are also hygienic, making your cabinetry or other furniture comfortable and pleasant.
Another grade for stainless steel modern handles
1. 430 Stainless Steel Handles
Grade 430 stainless steel modern handles are resistant to rust. However, they are not as good as 304 and 316. They are hygienic, making your pulls clean at all times. They are cost-effective, giving you the chance to get more savings. They are magnetic and suitable for indoor use. Unlike other grades, they can come into contact with detergents, cleaning fluids, and other mild chemicals.
Apart from handles, 403 stainless sheets of steel are applied in washing machine drums, extraction units, cooker hobs, catering equipment, hinges, and a lot more.
Here at Hengly, all our products are made from the highest quality stainless steel. We are proud to provide items that are suitable for countless applications. For more information, feel free to give us a call. Our customer representatives are always ready and dedicated to help and serve you!
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