The final crystal structure of stainless steel depends on the balance between ferrite-forming elements (e.g., chromium, iron) and austenite-forming elements: ‌200 Series Stainless Steel‌: Uses manganese and nitrogen to partially replace nickel (e.g., Type 201 with 4.5% Ni + 0.25% N) to achieve full austenite. Substandard 200-series alloys may reduce chromium content, compromising corrosion resistance. ‌300 Series Stainless Steel‌: High nickel content (e.g., 304 with 8% Ni) ensures fully austenitic, non-magnetic properties. ‌400 Series Stainless Steel‌: Nickel-free or low-nickel, forming fully ferritic structures (e.g., 430), which are magnetic. ‌Duplex Stainless Steel‌: Balanced nickel content (e.g., 2205) creates a ferrite-austenite hybrid structure, combining strength and corrosion resistance.

The final crystal structure of stainless steel depends on the balance between ferrite-forming elements (e.g., chromium, iron) and austenite-forming elements: ‌200 Series Stainless Steel‌: Uses manganese and nitrogen to partially replace nickel (e.g., Type 201 with 4.5% Ni + 0.25% N) to achieve full austenite. Substandard 200-series alloys may reduce chromium content, compromising corrosion resistance. ‌300 Series Stainless Steel‌: High nickel content (e.g., 304 with 8% Ni) ensures fully austenitic, non-magnetic properties. ‌400 Series Stainless Steel‌: Nickel-free or low-nickel, forming fully ferritic structures (e.g., 430), which are magnetic. ‌Duplex Stainless Steel‌: Balanced nickel content (e.g., 2205) creates a ferrite-austenite hybrid structure, combining strength and corrosion resistance.