Out of the number of options, how do you choose the type of steel to go with for your project?

Consider these factors:

· Your Environment — The operating environment will affect the stainless steel you use. Choose a grade with the necessary strength, toughness, and resilience to withstand the temperatures, pH, stressors, and corrosion you will expose it to. A marine environment, for example, may require an alloy that includes molybdenum, which resists chloride ions.

· Formability or Weldability — If your application requires good formability, you’ll want to choose an austenitic or ferritic steel such as grades 304 or 430. Martensitic steel such as grade 410 is weaker and can crack. Also take into account the steel’s weldability if you plan to weld it to another metal.  

· Corrosion Resistance — The high levels of chromium in austenitic steels make them a good choice for harsh environments. Austenitic steels, particularly grade 316, offer the highest level of corrosion resistance. Less expensive martensitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel can also be good choices in corrosive settings.

· Strength, Ductility, and Toughness — How much weight will your application need to bear? How will it need to change shape without losing strength? What will it take to fracture the steel you choose? Stainless steel alloys containing chromium and nickel often provide the best combination of strength, ductility, and toughness.

· Cost and Availability — Austenitic stainless steels are usually the most expensive choices. That said, they’re also usually the best quality steels, so buyers may find they save money on maintenance and repairs in the long run.

· Magnetic Response — Some types of stainless steel are more magnetic than others. Adding chromium to an alloy tends to make it more magnetic, but adding nickel offsets or even eliminates the magnetism. Grades 316 and 310 are non-magnetic while grades in the 400 series are more magnetic.

Ultimately, the right type of stainless steel is the one you like. Find out more about the types of stainless steel and which may be right for your application.