What exactly is a stainless steel alloy?

Simply put, stainless steel is an iron and chromium alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. Other common additives include:

1. Nickel – Nickel containing grades make up 75% of stainless steel production. In fact, more than two thirds of global nickel produced is used in the production of stainless steel alloys because nickel improves the formability, weldability, and ductility of the material.
2. Carbon – To be clear, steels that are typically referred to as “carbon” steels contain less than the 10.5% chromium required to be stainless. Stainless steels have less than 1.2% carbon.
3. Manganese – High-manganese (200 series austenitic) have lower nickel content, making them more affordable in the current market.
4. Molybdenum – This element improves the resistances to pitting corrosion of stainless.
5. Nitrogen – Nitrogen is a strong austenite stabilizer, increasing the strength, hardness, and brittleness of stainless steels.
6. Copper – Copper can improve corrosion resistance in stainless steels.

In addition to improving corrosion resistance, adding other elements to stainless steel alloy may also:

• Improve high or low temperature resistance
• Improve weldability or formability
• Control magnetism

Different stainless steel grades will contain different additives in different amounts. When selecting a stainless steel, the forming process and end application should be considered.

At Fastco, we work primarily with 300 and 400 series stainless steels, as well as high-nickel alloy A286. Learn more on our materials pages.

Got a stainless steel fastener need? Send us an RFQ on this form or give us a call at 616-453-5428.