What is austenitic form of stainless steel?

Austenitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is particularly known for its high levels of chromium and nickel content, which give it excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties even at high temperatures. The austenitic structure is a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure.

Some common austenitic stainless steel grades include:

1. 304 (S30400): This is one of the most common grades of austenitic stainless steel. It contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel, along with small amounts of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen.

2. 316 (S31600): Another widely used grade, 316 stainless steel contains similar amounts of chromium and nickel as 304 stainless steel but also includes 2-3% molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments.

3. 321 (S32100): This grade contains titanium, which stabilizes the material against chromium carbide precipitation, making it suitable for applications where it will be exposed to high temperatures.

4. 347 (S34700): Similar to 321 stainless steel but with the addition of niobium, which further improves its resistance to intergranular corrosion and makes it suitable for applications involving high temperatures.

Austenitic stainless steels are often used in various industries such as food processing, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices due to their corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and ease of fabrication.