Stainless Steel, or inox as it is also known, is a metal alloy made up of Nickel, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Carbon, Manganese, and Silicon, among other elements. Known for its durability and resistance to corrosion and discolouration, it is commonly used in the manufacturing of everyday household items.

The durability of stainless steel depends on the mixture of metals used, such as Chromium and Carbon. A higher Chromium content results in better oxidation resistance. The most common types of stainless steel are inox 201, 410, 304, 301, and 430.

Characteristics of Stainless Steel

The characteristics of stainless steel can be categorized into four main groups, each with several subdivisions:

  • Austenitic: SUS 301, 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, and 310s, among others.
  • Ferritic: SUS 409, 410, and 430.
  • Austenitic-Ferritic (Duplex): LDX 2101, SAF 2304, 2205, and 253MA.
  • Martensitic: 420S45 and 248SV.
Alloy Group Magnetism Corrosion Resistance Ductility Heat Resistance
Austenite No High Very High Very High
Duplex Yes Very High Medium Low
Ferritic Yes Medium Medium High
Martensitic Yes Medium Low Low
Phase Stabilized Yes Medium Medium Low
Stainless Steel Has Four Main Groups of Characteristics with Various Subcategories

Common Types of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant steel, is an iron alloy with a minimum chromium content of 10.5%. Unlike regular steel, stainless steel is resistant to staining and corrosion, even in high-moisture environments and outdoor weather conditions. This makes it an excellent material for a wide range of manufacturing applications.
There are now hundreds of different grades of stainless steel, categorized into four main types: austenitic, ferritic, duplex, and martensitic. Austenitic stainless steel, including grades such as SUS 201, 304, and 316, is the most common type. Ferritic stainless steel includes grades such as 430 and 410, while duplex grades include 201.
Common Types of Stainless Steel

Comparing Common Types of Stainless Steel

This article will compare four of the most common types of stainless steel on the market: 304, 316, 201, and 430.

Stainless Steel 304

This material is widely used around the world and contains up to 10.5% nickel and 20% chromium by weight. These exceptional qualities make it a highly sought-after material.

Stainless Steel 201

Currently, this is the most commonly used type of stainless steel due to its quality and size. It contains less nickel than other types but makes up for it with 7.1% manganese. Stainless Steel 201 is an early type of stainless steel with relatively low corrosion resistance. While it does resist corrosion to some extent, it is not as effective as other types but offers a more affordable option.

Stainless Steel 316

Stainless Steel 316 has the best corrosion resistance of all four types. Its chemical composition includes Molybdenum (Mo), which is not present in the other three types. This gives it superior resistance to corrosive environments containing chlorides and fluorides, among others.

Stainless Steel 430

Stainless Steel 430 contains at least 18% chromium and no nickel, making it the lowest quality of the four common types. It is more susceptible to corrosion and staining.

How to Identify Common Types of Stainless Steel

Using Acid

This is a common and accurate method that is also cost-effective. Prepare samples of Stainless Steel 201 and 304, along with a small amount of acid. Apply a drop of acid to each sample and observe any reactions over 10 seconds.
If the steel turns red and forms bubbles, it is Stainless Steel 201. If there is no reaction and the acid droplet turns grey, it is Stainless Steel 304.
Testing Stainless Steel with Acid

Using Specialized Testing Solutions

Clean the surface of the stainless steel samples and apply a drop of the testing solution. Wait for about 3 minutes, and if you notice a colour change, compare it to the colour chart on the box. A darker colour indicates lower quality steel.
If the solution turns red but the colour does not fade after 5 seconds, it is Stainless Steel 316. If it turns red and fades immediately, it is Stainless Steel 304. If the solution turns black or does not change colour, it is either Stainless Steel 201 or 430. You can use a magnet to further distinguish between these two types.
Using Molybdenum Testing Solution

Using Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Prepare four stainless steel samples and use a scouring pad to scratch the surface of each sample. Apply toilet bowl cleaner to the scratched areas and wait for 20 minutes. If any of the samples turn yellow, they are either Stainless Steel 201 or 430. If there is no change, they are either Stainless Steel 304 or 316. Use other methods to further distinguish between these types.
Using Toilet Bowl Cleaner to Test Stainless Steel

Using a Magnet

Simply hold a magnet near the four stainless steel samples. If the magnet strongly attracts a sample, it is Stainless Steel 430. If the attraction is weak, it is Stainless Steel 201. If there is a slight attraction or no attraction at all, it is either Stainless Steel 304 or 316, respectively.
Using a Magnet to Identify Stainless Steel Types
Note: Do not use a magnet to test finished stainless steel products, as the manufacturing process may induce magnetism, leading to inaccurate results.

With over 15 years of experience in web design and development, I have helped hundreds of businesses create comprehensive web development plans to ensure sustainable growth and profitability from their websites.

You may also like

The Magic Ingredient to Neutralize Onion and Garlic Odor on Your Hands: Transforming the Scent in Just a Minute

To get rid of the pungent smell of onions or garlic from your hands, there are a few simple kitchen ingredients that can come to your rescue.

The Ultimate Guide to Frying: Is Your Air Fryer a Health Hazard?

“Subpar air fryers pose a potential safety hazard and can negatively impact your health. It’s crucial to be aware of these dangers and opt for reliable, high-quality alternatives to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.”

The Secret Life of Toothpaste Tubes: Unveiling a World of Creative Possibilities.

The humble toothpaste tube has a surprising afterlife. It can be your go-to solution for a myriad of household problems.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Pressure Cooker: Unlocking the “6 Do’s and 6 Don’ts” for a Wise Purchase

The traditional pressure cooker comes in two main materials: aluminum and stainless steel. The most significant difference between these two lies in their heat conduction abilities, durability, and cooking pressure.

The Ultimate Guide: 3 Simple Steps to Remove Stubborn Sticker Residue from Your New Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Introducing the ultimate guide to removing those pesky product information and price tags from your household items! Say goodbye to unsightly sticker residue on your pots, pans, and kitchen utensils. With our simple and effective methods, you’ll be able to effortlessly remove those stubborn adhesive marks and restore your belongings to their original glory. Join us as we explore the top 3 ways to eliminate sticker glue stains from your stainless steel cookware. Get ready to bid farewell to those annoying tags and hello to a clean and pristine kitchen!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR