Corporate News

2026-06-04

How many types of stainless steel are there?

There are many types of stainless steel, and internationally, they are usually classified using a numerical numbering system. The most common categories are the 200 series, 300 series, and 400 series, along with special types such as duplex steel and precipitation hardening steel. Common specifications number in the dozens. 200 series stainless steel is an economical type of austenitic stainless steel, represented by 201 and 202. It has a higher manganese content, lower cost, and average corrosion resistance, and is often used in decorative pipes, low-end kitchenware, and furniture accessories where rust resistance is not critical. The 300 series is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, known for its outstanding rust resistance and toughness, with core models 304 and 316L. 304 is highly versatile and is widely used in tableware, home appliances, and architectural decoration; 316L, with added molybdenum, has stronger acid, alkali, and corrosion resistance, and is often used in medical instruments, seawater equipment, and high-end kitchenware. There are also special-use types such as 301, 302, 321, and 310S. The 400 series includes ferritic and martensitic stainless steels, with no or low nickel, and they are magnetic. Representative models are 430, 410, and 420. 430 has moderate rust resistance and is often used in home appliance panels; 410 and 420 are hard and suitable for knives, bearings, and wear-resistant parts. In addition, there are duplex stainless steels like 2205 and 2507, as well as high-temperature alloys and precipitation hardening steels. In everyday civilian use, the four mainstream models are 304, 316L, 430, and 201, covering the vast majority of life and industrial scenarios.

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