Stainless steel grades (304, 316, 430, duplex)
Steels containing at least 10.5 % chromium, which forms a protective chromium-oxide film. 304 (1.4301, 18 % Cr – 8 % Ni) is austenitic, general-purpose and food-safe; 316/316L (1.4401/1.4404) adds 2–3 % molybdenum for better resistance to chlorides, seawater and chemical plants; 430 (1.4016) is a nickel-free, magnetic and cheaper ferritic grade; the 201/202 series replaces nickel with manganese. Duplex (2205) offers high strength and stress-corrosion resistance. Stainless prices move with an alloy surcharge linked to nickel and molybdenum prices.
Related terms
Steel grade designation (EN, ASTM, AISI, JIS, GB)
Steels carry different names in different standard systems. In the European system (EN 10027) a letter shows the use and a number the minimum yield strength: S235JR is a structural steel with 235 MPa and impact tested at 20 °C, while S355J2 is tested at –20 °C. Approximate equivalents are ASTM A36 or A572 Gr.50, JIS SS400 in Japan and GB Q235/Q355 in China; for stainless, AISI 304 ≈ EN 1.4301. Equivalents are not identical, so chemistry and mechanical values should be checked on the certificate.
London Metal Exchange (LME) and commodity exchanges
The exchange that sets global reference prices for non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminium, zinc, nickel, lead, tin and cobalt; its official prices and monthly averages are used as indices in physical contracts. A physical buyer pays the LME price plus a premium that depends on origin, brand and delivery location (e.g. the Rotterdam aluminium premium). Other key exchanges: CME/COMEX (copper, gold), ICE (Brent, cocoa, coffee, sugar, cotton), CBOT (soybeans, corn, wheat), SHFE (Shanghai metals), DCE and ZCE (Chinese plastics, iron ore and agricultural futures) and Bursa Malaysia (palm oil).
Material profiles
More in Metals & steel
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