Stainless Steel Composition

Stainless steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron and chromium, with other elements added to enhance its properties. The table below outlines the typical chemical composition ranges for the main grades of stainless steel.

Grade Type & Composition

Stainless Steel Grades

Stainless steel is classified into different grades based on its chemical composition and crystalline structure:

• Austenitic (300 series): Includes grades like 304 and 316. Non-magnetic, highly formable, weldable, used in kitchenware, architecture.
• Ferritic (400 series): Magnetic, chromium-based, used in automotive exhaust systems and appliances.
• Martensitic (400 series): Known for hardness and strength, magnetic, heat-treatable, used in cutlery and surgical tools.
• Duplex: Mixed microstructure, higher strength, resistance to stress corrosion cracking, used in offshore platforms and chemical plants.

Stainless Steel Products HSN Code (India)

Applications of Stainless Steel

• Food & Beverage: Kitchenware, food processing, storage tanks.
• Automotive: Exhaust systems, trim, structural components.
• Medical: Surgical instruments, implants, hospital equipment.
• Construction & Architecture: Cladding, handrails, structural supports.
• Chemical & Petrochemical: Pipelines, reactors, storage vessels.
• Marine: Hardware and fittings resistant to saltwater corrosion.

Stainless Steel Price Factors

• Grade & Composition: Higher-grade alloys cost more due to nickel and molybdenum.
• Product Form & Size: Price per kilogram varies by product type.
• Market Conditions: Demand, raw material prices, currency fluctuations.