Kind of stainless steel

[olavs]

Hello
What is the correct english name for the kind of stainless steel that are used for marine purposes and that doesn't turn slightly brown when exposed to salt water?

Thanks!
Regards
Olav, Norway

 

[Strathglass]

Stainless

The usual stainless is 316 no doubt there are more technical terms for it.
Iain

 

[Gelfi]

Re: Stainless

It's to the same standard as the S/S used in the food industry BS 316.

The only way to go is by water

 

[Mirelle]

Re: Stainless

Other terms loosely used for the same stuff are "18/8" (often used in the USA) and "Austenitic" (which covers a wider range of grades.

If a magnet sticks to it, it is the wrong stuff....

 

[peterb]

Re: Stainless

Not so. According to BSI's catalogue of standards, BS316:1929 (now withdrawn) covered "Synthetic-resin varnish-paper boards and tubes for general electrical purposes".

Stainless steels appear now to be covered by BS EN 10088.

 

[jfkal]

Re: Stainless

316 it is alright or also called by the Germans V4A. However beware not everything stamped 316 IS 316. There is quite some fake stuff on the shelves of our beloved chandlers. Please bear in mind Stainless is Stainless and not stainfree. It still may discolour, specially in the absence of air and if not highly polished.

 

[chippie]

Re: Peterb

That's interesting , I had always thought that the 316 referred to the ratio of the elements involved in formulating the steel.

 

[dickh]

As previous posts - use 316 grade, NOT 304. For nuts and bolts A4 is better than A2, although A2 is OK inside, use A4 for all exterior work. I needs to be polished, but even then can discolour slightly.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Guest]

The "old" 316 spec is now covered by BS EN 10088-3 grade 1.4401 in BAR form and BS EN 10088-2 in plate or sheet form.

Need a supplier?

Bernie

 

[dickh]

Re: Stainless Types

Type 302 - A basic 18% Chrome 8% Nickel from which the majority of other forms have been developed. Its properties make it most suitable for stainless steel springs.
Type 304(A2) - Similar to 302 but a lower Carbon content, is less susceptible to inter-granular corrosion after welding. With reasonable resistance to corrosion, it is suitable for applications where there is limited exposure, such as fittings below decks.
Type 316(A4) - This a Molybdenum bearing Stainless steel designed for applications involving severe corrosion conditions and is non-magnetic. It is therefore most suitable for marine use, especially for sail hardwaqre and 'on deck' applications where there is a high exposure to salt water.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...