• Mr Yangtze
  • 2024-09-06

The difference between 200, 300 and 400 series stainless steel

Stainless steel can be divided into 200, 300 and 400 series according to its alloy composition and performance. They have significant differences in corrosion resistance, strength and application areas. The following are their main differences:

Series

Alloy composition

Features

Application

200

Contains Cr, Ni, and Mn, with Ni
content lower than that of the 300 series.

Low cost, weak corrosion resistance,
high strength, anti-oxidation ability

Kitchenware, cutlery, interior decoration, low-cost equipment

300

Cr-Ni alloy, 304 contains 8%-10% Ni,
and 316 contains 2%-3% Mo.

Strong corrosion resistance, good
toughness, good welding and forming performance, suitable for low and high temperatures

Food processing, medical
equipment, chemical equipment, architectural decoration, automobile manufacturing

400

Contains 12%-18% Cr, with no or very little Ni.

Low cost, strong magnetism, high
hardness, good wear resistance, low corrosion resistance

Knives, tableware, car
exhaust systems, home appliance parts

Summary:

The 200 series is suitable for low-cost applications, the 300 series is most commonly used due to its corrosion resistance and toughness, and the 400 series excels in strength and wear resistance. When choosing stainless steel, you should choose the appropriate series according to your specific needs.

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