What Does
Austenitic Stainless Steel Mean?
Austenitic stainless steel is the type of stainless steel that is used most commonly in industry for up to 70% of all the stainless steel production because it can be formed and welded easily with successful results. One of the reasons for using the austenitic stainless steel is that this steel can withstand cryogenic temperatures (-238 °F, -150 °C) as well as the red-hot temperatures of furnaces.
Corrosionpedia Explains Austenitic Stainless Steel
Austenitic stainless steels are commonly recognized as non-magnetic steel and are used for cryogenic applications as well as in the high temperatures of furnaces. This steel is anti-corrosive because it has 16% to 25% chromium, contains nitrogen in solution, nickel and molybdenum. Since this type of stainless steel is anti-corrosive, it can withstand normal corrosive attacks from harsh environmental conditions. It possesses excellent resistance to hot sulfuric acid and many other aggressive environments that would readily attack type 316 stainless steels. This type of steel also provides excellent resistance against stress corrosion cracking when brought in contact with 20-40% boiling sulfuric acid. Also, this stainless steel exhibits excellent mechanical properties and the presence of niobium helps to minimize carbide precipitation during welding.