Difference in chromium content of stainless steel

[rftd]

Hi,

Would steel that is 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel be significantly different (in terms of its resistance to corrosion) from steel that is 17% Chromium and 8% Nickel.

I am asking this because certain overseas suppliers have stainless steel with slightly slower chromium content than standard 304 steel.

Thanks,

rftd

 

[CoryPad]

There shouldn't be a big problem with 17 % Cr. Types 302 and 305 have 17 % minimum Cr, and have similar corrosion resistance to 304.

 

[synapseengineer]

I think that is pretty close. The key, in my opinion, is to look at the trace elements that differentiate the materials. The problem with many overseas suppliers is material consistency, so make sure your supplier has access to mass spectrometer and they verify their materials often.