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Austenitic stainless steel, also called the 300 series, make up the majority of stainless steel production. These steels, because of their high chromium and nickel content, are the most corrosion resistant of the stainless group and are also called corrosion-resistant steel or CRES. They cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but can be hardened significantly by cold-working.
Austenitic stainless steel plate is non-magnetic. When nickel is added to stainless steel in sufficient amounts, the crystal structure changes to "austenite." The basic composition of 300 series austenitic stainless steels is 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This enhances their corrosion resistance. This is the most common type because of its corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, wide range of mechanical properties, and wide range of temperatures. The low carbon version of the Austenitic Stainless Steel, for example 316L or 304L, are used to avoid corrosion problem caused by welding. The "L" means that the carbon content of the Stainless Steel is below 0.03%.
Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, relatively low cost, and familiar luster make it an ideal base material for a host of commercial applications. Some common uses of this stainless steel are cutlery, watch cases and watch bands, shafts and pumps |