Austenitic Stainless Steels
These are the most commonly used corrosion resistant alloys and typically what is thought of when the generic term “stainless steel” is used. These alloys provide good toughness and corrosion resistance even at cryogenic temperatures.
| Alloy Properties | |
|---|---|
| Representative Alloys | CF8, CF8M, CN7M |
| Applications | Most widely used corrosion resistant Alloys; useful at temperatures from cryogenic to 1000 F (500 C), depending on the grade |
| Limitations | Special grades available for applications requiring higher strength, low magnetic permeability, etc. |
| Typical Uses | Chemical processing, marine, power plant, pulp and paper, fertilizer, food and dairy |
| Machinability | Fair |
| Weldability | Generally very good; fully austenitic grades may require special procedures |
| Corrosion Resistance | Though some grades are used as-cast, heat treatment maximizes corrosion resistance |
