About A.P STEEL Stainless Steel Pipes & Tubes

Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant steel alloy with a minimum of 10% chromium. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel produced to accommodate the environment in which the material will be implemented. Unlike carbon steel, stainless steel does not rust when exposed to air and moisture due to the sufficient amount of chromium present. The chromium creates an invisible passive film of chromium oxide that will not let oxygen attack the surface and prevents rusting of the iron base.

Ferritic Stainless Steels

● Chromium is their major alloying element

● Ductility and formability less than austenitic grades

● Magnetic

● Highly corrosion resistant, less durable than austenitic

● Cannot be hardened by heat treatment

● Contain between 10.5%-27% chromium and very little nickel

● Common grades: part of the 400 series like 409, 410S, 430

Austenitic Stainless Steels

● Comprise of 70% of total stainless steel production

● Hardenable by cold working

● Usually non-magnetic

● High hardness and yield strength

● Contain a maximum of 0.015% carbon, minimum of 16% chromium and sufficient nickel and/or manganese

● Common grades: 300 series like 304, 316, 320, 321, 347,309

The seamless tubing details in our supply is as follows