Heat treatment of steel

Stainless steels contain on average less than 30% Cr and more than 50% Fe

They achieve their stainless characteristics through the formation of an invisible and adherent chromium-rich oxide.

Some other alloying elements are added to enhance specific characteristics: nickel, molybdenum, copper, titanium, aluminum, silicon, niobium and nitrogen.

Carbon is present in amounts ranging from less than 0.03% over 1.0% in some alloys.

The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties are usually the main factors in selecting a grade of stainless steel for a given application.