Whether you are in the HVAC industry, construction industry, automotive industry, and more, you rely on stainless steel for a wide variety of purposes. Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in these industries and is used for everything from wiring to air ducts to structural supports. However, not every industry uses the same type or grade of stainless steel. It’s important to understand the different grades and their best uses to know which one is right for you.
If you are looking for a stainless steel supplier in El Paso to meet your needs, Chaparral Steel Supply is the team for you. To learn more, contact us online or call (575) 824-7796 today.
The Five Types of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is divided into five main categories, including:
Austenitic
Austentitic stainless steel is the most commonly used type of stainless steel on the market. It contains higher amounts of chromium than other types of stainless steel, which makes it more corrosion-resistant. Additionally, austentitic stainless steel is non-magnetic, unlike many other types. You’ll find austentitic stainless steel used in appliances, decorative items, sheet metal, and more. It should be readily available from any stainless steel supplier.
Martensitic
Although this is one of the hardest types of stainless steels, martensitic is also the least commonly used stainless steel on the market. It has a fairly low level of corrosion-resistance, which means it’s only good in certain indoor situations. The most common places that martensitic stainless steel gets used is for household items, such as cutlery and plates, and in the medical field for surgical tools.
Ferritic
Aside from austentitic, ferritic stainless steel is one of the most commonly used steels on the market. It has less nickel than other options, which means it’s cheaper, and it’s capable of being hardened for various uses. Ferritic stainless steel is also magnetic and is used in a wide range of industries. It should be readily available at your local stainless steel supplier, Chaparral Steel.
Precipitation-Hardening
If you’re looking for one of the most valuable, durable, and corrosion-resistant types of stainless steel, precipitation hardening is the way to go. As the name implies, this type of stainless steel uses a special moisture hardening method that includes several different kinds of valuable and durable alloys.
You’ll most likely find this type of stainless steel used in industries, such as aerospace, gas, and oil. These industries require specialized stainless steel that’s harder, more corrosion resistant, and more durable than other steels. It is important to speak with a stainless steel supplier to ensure you get the right material.
Duplex
Similar to precipitation hardening, duplex stainless steel is harder, more durable, and more corrosion resistant than your average stainless steel. It’s comprised of delta-ferrite and austentic steels, which is why it’s called duplex. You’ll find this type of steel used in similar industries as precipitation hardening steel.
Stainless Steel Supplier in El Paso
If you’re not sure which stainless steel grade is right for you, Chaparral Steel Supply can help. We’re a leading stainless steel supplier in El Paso, and we’re here to serve all your metal needs. Call (575) 824-7796 today to get started.
