Stainless Steel Materials

Stainless steel comes in many grades, allowing for a wide range of applications. Selecting the right stainless steel based on the part’s use and shape can reduce costs and extend product life. This article highlights the key characteristics of common stainless steel grades to help guide material selection.

Common Types of Stainless Steel

SUS303

• Excellent machinability due to increased sulfur and phosphorus content.

• Lower corrosion resistance than SUS304.

• Poor weldability.

• Austenitic and non-magnetic, though work hardened areas may become slightly magnetic.

SUS304

• Excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.

• Easier to weld compared to other stainless steels.

• Austenitic and non-magnetic, though work-hardened areas may develop magnetism.

• Highly resistant to corrosion among standard stainless steels.

SUS310S

• High heat resistance up to 1,000°C (1,832°F), ideal for high-temperature applications.

• Higher cost than other grades.

• Harder to machine due to high chromium and nickel content.

• Higher heat resistance.

• Austenitic and non-magnetic, though work-hardened areas may develop magnetism.

SUS316

• Superior corrosion resistance, ideal for seawater or coastal environments.

• Poor machinability compared to SUS304.

• Austenitic and non-magnetic, though work-hardened areas may develop magnetism.

SUS420J2

• Can be hardened.

• Can achieve very high strength through quenching.

• Tempering allows a wide range of mechanical properties.

• High carbon content makes it the most prone to rust among stainless steels.

• Classified as martensitic and magnetic.

SUS430

• Inexpensive because it does not contain rare metals such as nickel or molybdenum.

• Lower overall performance than SUS304, but versatile and widely used as a substitute for SUS304.

• Ferritic and magnetic.

SUS440C

• Strongest among martensitic stainless steels.

• Through quenching and tempering, can achieve hardness up to HRC58, surpassing SUS420J2.

• Excellent strength, hardness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for bearings, blades, and molds.

Quick Reference Table of Stainless Steel Types

Step Up Your Project with Yumoto Electric

Yumoto Electric delivers high-quality components fast, worldwide. We provide precision machining for a wide range of metals using milling, turning, and specialized metal processing. We have experience with over 200 materials including aluminum alloys, stainless steel, molybdenum, and Inconel. 

If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.