title = "Stainless Steel Grades and Selection"

content = """
Stainless steels are iron-based alloys containing a minimum of approximately 10.5% chromium, which
forms a self-repairing passive chromium oxide layer on the surface that provides corrosion resistance.
Ridgecrest Metalworks processes multiple stainless steel families across machining, forming, and
welding operations, serving customers in food processing, chemical processing, medical device, and
marine industries.

Major Stainless Steel Families:

Austenitic Stainless Steels (300 Series):
The most widely used family. Austenitic grades contain 16–26% Cr and 6–22% Ni, which stabilizes the
face-centered cubic austenite microstructure at room temperature. They are non-magnetic (in the
annealed condition), non-heat-treatable for strength, and excel in corrosion resistance and formability.

304/304L (18-8 stainless): General-purpose grade. Used for tanks, food equipment, and general chemical
service. The "L" designation indicates low carbon content to prevent sensitization (carbide precipitation
at grain boundaries) during welding.
316/316L: Contains molybdenum (2–3%) for enhanced resistance to chlorides and pitting corrosion.
Preferred for marine and pharmaceutical applications.

Ferritic Stainless Steels (400 Series, Low Carbon):
Magnetic, lower nickel content, moderate corrosion resistance. 430 stainless is a common ferritic
grade used for decorative and mild corrosion applications. Generally not weldable in heavy sections
without loss of toughness.

Martensitic Stainless Steels (400 Series, Higher Carbon):
Magnetic and heat-treatable for high strength and hardness. 410 and 420 grades are used for cutlery,
pump shafts, and valve parts where both moderate corrosion resistance and high hardness are needed.
These grades are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and require care in plating operations.

Duplex Stainless Steels:
A two-phase (austenite plus ferrite) microstructure that provides higher strength than austenitic grades
with good resistance to stress corrosion cracking. 2205 (22% Cr, 5% Ni, 3% Mo) is the standard
grade; 2507 is a super-duplex grade for severe chloride environments.

Machining Stainless:
Austenitic stainless steels are prone to work hardening and built-up edge formation, requiring sharp
tools, adequate feed rates to stay below the work-hardened surface layer, and generous coolant flow.
Ferrite and martensitic grades machine more similarly to alloy steel.
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