Austenitic Stainless Steel is a highly corrosion-resistant and generally non-magnetic family of stainless steels containing elevated levels of chromium and nickel. Its defining feature is a fully austenitic face-centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which provides exceptional formability, toughness, and weldability.
It is the most widely used stainless steel family worldwide and is extensively employed in food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, construction, marine, energy, and cryogenic applications.
Key Characteristics
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
• Performs well in acidic, alkaline, and chloride-containing environments
• Chromium-rich passive oxide layer provides long-term protection
Non-Magnetic Structure
• Generally non-magnetic in the annealed condition
• May exhibit slight magnetism after heavy cold working
High Ductility & Toughness
• Maintains strength and toughness over a wide temperature range
• Excellent performance at cryogenic temperatures
Superior Weldability & Formability
• Easily fabricated, bent, drawn, rolled, and deep-formed
• Weldable using all standard welding processes without loss of properties
Refining & Processing Properties
• Produced by melting iron with chromium, nickel, and alloying elements in
electric arc or induction furnaces
• Refined using AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) or VOD (Vacuum Oxygen
Decarburization) to reduce carbon and impurities
• Solution annealed to dissolve carbides, restore ductility, and maximize
corrosion resistance
• Rapid cooling retains the stable austenitic structure
The resulting material offers consistent mechanical performance, excellent fabrication characteristics, and reliable corrosion resistance across a wide range of industrial environments.
Why Choose Austenitic Stainless Steel
Austenitic stainless steel is selected when corrosion resistance, hygiene, fabrication flexibility, and toughness are critical. Its unmatched versatility and reliability make it the preferred stainless steel family for demanding industrial, commercial, and architectural applications worldwide.