303 SST is optimal for machinable stainless steels. Its primary use is production involving machining in automatic screw machines. The addition of sulfur is what improves machining characteristics of this material, but it also lowers corrosion resistance and strength slightly.
304 SST is still sometimes referred to by its old name 18/8 because of its composition being 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Corrosion resistance and strength are somewhat improved over type 303, but machining is more difficult. It has excellent resistance to corrosion in multiple environments, but corrosion can still occur especially in environments high in chlorides or temperatures above 60°C.
316 SST is made stronger with molybdenum, a chemical element with the 6th highest melting point temperature of any element. Not only is 316 SST made stronger and more resistant to corrosion over 304 SST, but notably higher resistance in environments with elevated chlorides.
416 SST has manganese sulphide iclusions and makes it the most machinable of all stainless steels. The process by which the manganese sulphide iclusions occur involve the addition of sulfur, which may lower its corrosion resistances more than some of the common austenitic grades.
420 SST contains a minimum of 12 percent chromium providing high corrosion resistance properties. It is capable of being hardened up to 50HRC which is the highest hardness of the 12% chromium grades. Performance of 420 SST is optimal when a smooth surface finish is applied.
440 SST is potentially the strongest, hardest and most wear resistant of all stainless steel alloys. 440 SST is high in carbon content which gives it desirable qualities and make it more suitable for applications where elevated endurance and resistance to frictional and corrosion levels is necessary.
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