Stainless Steel Stock

Grades of Stainless Steel
Shapes of Stainless Steel
Advantages of Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Stock from AAA Metals

Due to its unique physical qualities and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel stock is a high-demand material for many industries. At AAA Metals Company, we offer many types of stainless steel grades in shapes that meet diverse application requirements. On this page, you can learn more about the characteristics of stainless steel and our complete range of product offerings.

What Is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel refers to a family of iron-based alloys that contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium. While other alloying elements are also added, chromium is the element that allows stainless steel to exhibit superior corrosion resistance compared to other types of steel. Stainless steel forms a durable, self-healing oxide film when scratched.

In addition to chromium, stainless steel features varying levels of carbon, nickel, molybdenum, magnesium, and nitrogen according to the specific grade. Certain grades are chosen based on the performance requirements of the end-use environment. Depending on the grade, stainless steel can reliably withstand temperatures ranging from cryogenic to 2,000 °C (3,632 °F). With small adjustments to its alloying elements, stainless steel can achieve a range of ductility, tensile strength, and other characteristics.

Grades of Stainless Steel

As a leading stainless steel stock distributor, AAA Metals Company carries an extensive selection of stainless steel grades. The grading system for stainless steel differentiates alloys based on their composition and characteristics. You can learn more about the series and grades we carry below.

300 Series
The 300 series features austenitic stainless steels that are all iron-based chromium-nickel alloys. They offer excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. Each grade in this series features slight chemical composition differences that result in unique performance capabilities.
- 301
  
  301 Stainless steel 301 is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant grade with an attractive finish. Since it resists abrasion and is highly malleable, it is often used for decorative structural applications.
- 302
  
  302 Stainless steel This grade features a similar composition to grade 304 but with higher carbon levels. Grade 302 is valued for its ability to resist chemicals, acids, and corrosive solvents. It is used in food processing equipment and medical applications, among other uses.
- 304
  
  304 Stainless steel 50% of the world’s steel is grade 304 stainless steel. This durable and aesthetically pleasing material features 8% nickel and 18% chromium. Grade 304 should not be exposed to salt water, as this can cause crevices and pitting. We carry this grade in sheets and steel plates.
- 309
  
  309 Stainless steel This grade features the same machinability as 304 but with improved tensile strength and chemical resistance. Due to its ability to withstand very high temperatures, it is often used in aircraft engines, furnace components, automotive exhaust systems, and other high-heat applications.
- 310
  
  310 Stainless steel Grade 310 stainless steel resists oxidation under mildly cyclic conditions up to 2,000 °F. It features a high chromium and nickel content that results in excellent toughness, low magnetic permeability, and superior corrosion resistance.
- 316
  
  316 Stainless steel Stainless steel 316 is the second most commonly produced steel and features 2% to 3% molybdenum. This allows it to resist saline better than other grades. Common applications involve surgical tool production and use in outdoor coastal environments.
- 321
  
  321 Stainless steel This grade can withstand temperatures up to 1,500 °F, with enhanced creep and rupture resistance. Since it will not lose structural integrity under extreme conditions, it is used in demanding applications, such as aircraft piston engine components.
400 Series
400 series stainless steels have at least an 11% chromium content and 1% more manganese than the 300 series. The grades within this series also have a higher carbon content, which produces a martensitic crystalline structure in the finished material. 400 series stainless steels are high-strength and highly wear-resistant, but they do not resist corrosion as well as austenitic types.
- 405
  
  405: This grade features additional aluminum content that prevents it from fully hardening after welding. It offers less corrosion resistance than grade 430 and is only suitable for mildly corrosive environments. Grade 405 is often used to produce steam nozzles and quenching racks.
- 409
  
  409: Grade 409 offers corrosion resistance and high-temperature tolerance. Since it resists atmospheric corrosion and exhaust gas, it is often used in automotive exhaust systems.
- 420
  
  420: Containing 12% chromium, this grade is bright and highly corrosion-resistant. Since its chemical composition optimizes strength and hardness, grade 420 is often referred to as blade-grade steel and is a popular choice for making surgical instruments.
- 430
  
  430: This widely available grade is easy to form but cannot withstand extreme temperatures or corrosion. Since it does not contain nickel, it is less expensive than other options, like grade 304. 430 stainless steel is often used in decorative automotive trim applications, backyard barbecue grills, and more.
- 440
  
  440: Also referred to as razor blade steel, grade 440 is a high-carbon chromium steel with the highest hardness level of any stainless steel grade. It can be hardened to Rockwell 58 hardness and resists mild acids as well as alkalis.

Shapes of Stainless Steel

Industrial and construction applications often require stainless steel grades in unique shapes and sizes. Some of the most common shapes we offer include:

Angles:

Also known as L-shaped, this shape of stainless steel features two legs that are attached at a 90° angle. These shapes are used extensively throughout the construction industry as frames, brackets, and edge trims.

Channels:

Also called C-shaped, channels feature a top and bottom flange with a connecting web. We offer channels in several grades to meet diverse application needs, such as medical equipment, chemical transport, architecture, and much more.

Hexagonal Bars:

With their good machining qualities, hexagonal bars are a great solution for components that will be repeatedly turned, like bolts and nuts. This shape is also used in the medical and food processing industries.

Hollow Bars:

Commonly used in construction, food production, and pharmaceutical uses, hollow bars are available in many grade and size options.

Round Bars:

Smooth stainless steel round bars are used in column stirrups, pipelines, road construction, and other industrial uses.

Flat Bars:

Available in straight lengths and custom sizes, flat bars are a durable solution for applications that require stainless steel in narrower widths and diameters. Common applications include beverage production, petrochemical, and architectural uses.

Tee Sections:

Also known as T-bars or T-profiles, tee sections are often used in structural and architectural applications, like trims, frames, and facades.

Sheets:

While sheets come in a range of thicknesses, they are generally thinner than metal plates but thicker than foils or leaves. Stainless steel sheets are used in food processing, construction, automotive production, and more.

Plates:

Stainless steel plates are the preferred material for applications that require high corrosion resistance but little maintenance. These plates do not stain, rust, or corrode as easily as carbon steel.

Maintenance Tips for Stainless Steel Finishes

Stainless steel requires proper maintenance and cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal and functional properties over time. The first step for properly maintaining stainless steel is to select the appropriate cleaning procedure based on what needs to be removed, as the cleaning approach will vary whether it’s simple dirt removal or more complex removal of free iron contamination.

Using simple procedures and over-the-counter cleaners can keep stainless steel clean and looking like new. A damp towel or a water-based cleaner will remove loose dirt from stainless steel for a general clean. A professional-grade stainless steel cleaner can clean the surface with minimal effort while leaving behind an ultra-glossy look.

Additional tips for keeping stainless steel in optimal condition include:

Corrosion resistance

All types of stainless steel are able to resist corrosion, making them suitable for many demanding environments. While grades with lower chromium content resist corrosion in atmospheric conditions, grades with higher chromium content resist corrosion in most alkaline and acid solutions, even amid high temperatures or pressures.

Extreme temperature resistance

Certain grades can resist scaling and remain strong even at very high temperatures. Other grades are suitable for cryogenic environments.

Ease of fabrication

As a highly versatile material, stainless steel is easily cut, formed, machined, fabricated, and welded.

Strength

Many grades of stainless steel feature cold-work hardening properties that can reduce material thickness and weight. Other grades can be heat-treated to produce extremely high-strength components.

Aesthetics

Stainless steel comes in many finishes that are attractive and simple to maintain.

Hygienic properties

Since it can be thoroughly sanitized, stainless steel is the preferred material for applications where hygiene is critical, such as medical or food-related environments.

Lifespan

With its durability and low maintenance requirements, stainless steel is a long-lasting and cost-effective material.

Stainless Steel Stock from AAA Metals

As a full-service stainless steel supplier, AAA Metals can help you obtain the quality materials you need at a competitive price. We have over 45 years of experience helping the world’s most demanding industries access the stock materials they need, whether it’s polished, in mill form, or in precision-cut pieces. To learn more about the types of stainless steel grades we offer, contact our team. You can get your next project started today by requesting a quote.