Stainless steel rods have many characteristics that come into play, but the most important one is already in its name, that is, being stainless. Having a stainless body means resistance from corrosion. This resistance is attained using the alloying method where the steel is combined with constituents like aluminum, iron, and no less than 10.5 percent of chromium. Some other common elements present in stainless steel rods are carbon, silicon, and manganese. There are different grades and characteristics of steel bars, and this buying guide is going to explain everything one needs to know about stainless steel bars.
Grades of Stainless Steel Rods
The main thing that confuses people when buying a stainless steel bar is the grade of steel that is used in making one. These grades explain the different applications it is used for and the environmental resistance it provides. This grade can be understood using various elemental or chemical compositions that makes the stainless steel bar. The 304 grade denotes an all-purpose austenitic alloy, 309 represents a high-temperature resistance and suitability, 403 states food-grade application-based work, and 15-5 PH grade means it is used in fasteners and valves. There’s also a 316 or 316L grade steel that is specially used for welding purposes.
Key features of Stainless Steel Rods
Along with high corrosion resistance, there are a lot of characteristics that stainless steel rods have. Stainless steel rods are generally known to be relatively strong are best for weight critical and structural applications. They are nonporous, which is a key factor when considering stainless steel rods. Since they are not good conductors of heat, using them for high-intensity heat-related applications is a good option. Stainless steel does not affect food and doesn’t taint its flavors. This is why it is used more often used in kitchen cookware.
Basic Stainless Steel Bar Types
Stainless steel bars are categorized into five different types. There’s a chromium-based Ferritic stainless steel which has increased resistance to different environment types and is brittle in lower temperatures. There’s a common variation called Austenitic stainless steel that is used for welding. Duplex stainless steel is a mixture of ferritic and austenitic steel that is stronger than both and is formable at the same time.
Categories Simillar to Stainless Steel Rods includes Stainless Steel Bars, Stainless Steel Sheets and Stainless Steel Wire