What Is Ferritic Stainless Steel ?

Ferritic stainless steel has low carbon levels, high chromium content, and containing no or very little nickel, and is the most widely used stainless steel after austenitic stainless steel. Ferritic stainless steels are known for ductility, resist corrosion and magnetic properties. Though not capable of hardening with heat treatment, with the annealing process, they can be softened, and cold worked.

In stainless steel grades, stainless steel grades with ferritic microstructures account for around 20 percent of all stainless steel tonnage produced, and is classified under the 400 series, including 409 stainless steel, 410s stainless steel, 416 stainless steel, 420 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 439 stainless steel, 440 stainless steel, 444 stainless steel, 446 stainless steel. At the same time, they can be further designated depending on application and composition into five groups.      

Group 1 stainless steels  (includes SS409 and other grades): they have the lowest chromium content of all ferritic stainless steel, and are the least expensive. They are ideal for use in conditions that are only slightly corrosive, such as automotive exhaust systems, containers and frames for LCD monitors, electrical kiosks and distribution boxes.     

Group 2 stainless steel (includes SS430 and other grades): They have higher chromium content that makes it more corrosion-resistant against nitric acids, sulfuric gases, and many organic acids, and are the most commonly used of all ferritic stainless steels. They are ideal for automotive trim, chimney liners, dish washer linings, fasteners, refrigerator cabinet panels, stove trim rings, architectural screens, cooking utensils, food processing and interior trim.

Group 3 stainless steel (includes SS439 and other grades)：They are easily welded and formed, usually used for chemical processing, petroleum refining and power generation industries.

Group 4 stainelss steel (includes SS434, SS444, and other grades) : They contains higher molybdenumm, making it greater corrosion resistance. these grades often are used in architectural applications, automotive trim, dishwashers, downspouts and gutters, gas burners, heating units, oil refinery equipment, restaurant equipment, roofing and siding, cladding and roofing in marine environments, food processing equipment.

Group 5 stainless steel (includes SS446 and other grades): They have higher chromium and molybdenum contents, giving it excellent resistance against corrosion and oxidation, commonly found in boiler components, burners, flame rods, injector nozzles for molten compounds and thermocouple protectors.

As stainless steel supplier, Ronsco carries a diverse inventory of ferritic stainless steel, including plate, coil, strips. for those experiencing difficulties in locating a specific stainless steel product, we can do the legwork to find it. We also offer an array of stainless steel rolling, bending, slitting, decoiling, cutting, drilling, punching, beveling, welding and other stainless steel processing service. To order or to find out more, contact the experts at Ronsco today by email service@ronsteel.com.