[ Types of stainless steel ]

The martensitics steels are leagues of iron and chromium (12 to 18%), with carbon content typically above 0,10%. They have moderate resistance to corrosion; they become harder by thermal treatment, and can reach elevated levels of mechanical resistance and hardness; poor welding and they are magnetic. The types of stainless steels are determined by the amount of each league element that is added to the steel. The following league elements are added to provide specific characteristics:

Cr (chrome) - The resistance to corrosion of the stainless steels depends on the chromium content. As more chromium exists, higher is the resistance to corrosion.
Ni (nickel) - It changes the crystallographic structure of the league. It makes the steel more ductile. Small effect in the resistance to corrosion. It makes the non magnetic steel.
C (carbon) - With only the chromium, the steel becomes harder by temper through thermal treatment.
Ti (titanium) and Nb (niobium) - It avoids the combination of the carbon with the chromium avoiding the resistance loss to the corrosion and it improves the welding.

To choose the most appropriate steel to a specific application, it is advisable an evaluation based on the following factors: corrosion; mechanical properties; aesthetics; production; temperature; total cost to attend different applications, several types of steel were developed.