Heat resistance temperature of stainless steel

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Stainless steel is used in many construction sites because it is more resistant to rust and corrosion than iron. When using stainless steel, it is very important to know the temperature range that the material can withstand. There are different types of stainless steel, and each has a different heat resistance temperature. Since each type of stainless steel has situations where it is suitable or not, knowing the heat resistance temperature in advance will help you choose the right material. This time, we will introduce the heat resistance temperatures of various stainless steels as well as the characteristics related to them. Heat resistance temperature of stainless steel: Stainless steel is the translation of the English term “stainless steel”. The literal translation is steel that does not rust easily, but in reality, the understanding of steel that does not rust easily is correct. Unlike heat-resistant steels abbreviated as SUH, stainless steel (SUS) is manufactured with the aim of improving corrosion resistance in room-temperature environments. Therefore, stainless steel does not have special heat resistance. However, the general heat resistance temperature of stainless steel is 700°C to 800°C. In particular, it is not suitable for use in environments above 900°C. Ensure at least around 500°C, and it can be used with confidence within the normal operating range. Here, we introduce the heat resistance temperatures of various stainless steels. The heat resistance of metals is considered from various aspects, but in this article, “heat resistance temperature” refers to the tensile strength of the metal at high temperatures (700°C to 800°C). I. Austenitic stainless steel: Austenitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel with good balance of properties; it is relatively easy to process and possesses excellent corrosion resistance. In addition to ordinary steel, it also contains chromium for corrosion resistance and nickel to stabilize the metal composition. Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, it is often used as a material for products exposed to rain and wind. Specifically, springs, belt conveyors, equipment, industrial furnaces, etc. As for the heat resistance temperature, it can reach around 600°C; its strength lies between that of ferrite and martensite. However, above 600°C, it is the most durable among other stainless steels. II. Ferritic stainless steel: Ferritic stainless steel is characterized by its lack of nickel. Since it contains no nickel, it does not form a protective layer on the metal surface. Although its corrosion resistance and strength are inferior to those of other stainless steels, it can be produced at a lower cost. Nevertheless, its corrosion resistance is the lowest among stainless steels; as a result, it has a wide range of applications, including kitchen utensils. Specifically, home appliance parts, bolts and nuts, food processing equipment, bicycle rims, etc. It is characterized by strong magnetism, and its material can be determined by whether it sticks to a magnet. Regarding the heat resistance of this product, although it has high heat resistance at around 300°C to 400°C, it drops sharply above 500°C. III. Martensitic stainless steel: Martensite is a type that possesses the property of being able to increase its strength through subsequent re-quenching. In stainless steel, it has a higher carbon content and a lower chromium content. Therefore, compared to other stainless steels, it has a composition that emphasizes strength, and is often used in products where strength is more important than corrosion resistance. Specifically, cutting tools, valves, brakes, bearings, turbine blades, etc. Regarding the heat resistance temperature, it exhibits higher strength than other stainless steels below 500°C, but its heat resistance drops sharply at temperatures above 500°C. IV. Precipitation-hardening stainless steel: Precipitation hardening is a type of stainless steel that is hardened through tempering. It is characterized by the use of intermetallic compounds in place of the carbides found in ordinary stainless steel, and its price is higher because its manufacturing process is more complex than that of other stainless steels. However, due to its high performance, it is often used as a material for high-end products. It is specifically used for shafts, turbines, springs, gauge parts, etc. Since it is a material designed for normal temperatures (mainly below 550°C), its heat resistance is lower than that of other stainless steels. Specifically, although it maintains high strength below 500°C, its strength drops sharply above that temperature.