Stainless Steel 18-8
It contains chromium 18 % and nickel 8 % and this makes it an 18-8 stainless steel that proves to be corrosion resistant and is suited for many more applications such as use as kitchen cookware utensils, industrial utensils. It does not rust easily and can withstand high temperatures making it durable.
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Fifty percent is considered as non-magnetic stainless steel, as it is part of the austenitic category of metals, which, in their atomic structure, contains high percentages of chromium and nickel. The term “18-8” specifically refers to the composition of the alloy. It indicates that the alloy contains about 18 percent chromium and 8 percent Nickel.
In formal usage, the steel grade AISI 304 (American Iron and Steel Institute) is applied to this type of stainless steel. This grade ranks highest among the many numbers of stainless steel alloys due to being one of the most versatile. It is also known as EN 1.4301 and SUS 304.
Stainless Steel 18-8 is compatible with various manufacturing processes. It is readily cold workable for shaping, cockpit TIG, and MIG for welding (subject to sensitization precautions), and machinability can be achieved, although tough. Passivation and polishing processes, among others, are common to its uses.


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Stainless Steel 18-8 Properties
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 80-200,000 psi
- Yield Strength: ≥ 205 MPa
- Elongation: 40% in 50 mm
- Hardness: Brinell Hardness ≤ 201, Rockwell Hardness ≤ 92
Physical Properties
- Density: 7.9 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1400-1450°C
- Magnetic Properties: Generally non-magnetic
- Specific Heat Capacity: 500 J/(kg·K)
- Electrical Resistivity: 720 μΩ·m
- Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa
Thermal Properties
- Thermal Conductivity: 16-24 W/(m·K)
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 16-17 x 10⁻⁶/K
Electrical Properties
Electrical Resistivity: 720 μΩ·m
Post Treatments
Hardenability is achieved through cold working
Common Applications
It is used in the petroleum and chemical industries, aerospace, food processing equipment, household appliances and hardware manufacture. Kitchenware, medical applicators, mechanistic devices and construction materials also utilize its application.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the mechanical properties of stainless steel 18-8?
A: 18 8 stainless steel also called AISI 304 is highly sought in the metal industry due to it’s tensile hardness, ductility and corrosion resistance making it usable in construction purposes among institutons.
Q: How does the composition of 18-8 stainless steel affect its corrosion resistance?
A: Due to this composition, the 18 8 stainless steel with about 18 chromium and 8 nickel has better corrosion resistance and can be used in very bad conditions.
Q: In which industries is the 18-8 stainless steel being used commonly?
A: Its properties of mechanical strength and resistance to rusting are the major factors which makes the 18-8 stainless steel appropriate in food processing equipment, aerospace parts, automotive components, stainless steel cookware.
Q: Does 18-8 stainless steel have magnetic properties?
A: 18-8 stainless steel is austenitic in classification, and this makes it nonmagnetic, although cold working may cause some degree of magnetism.
Q: What are the basic benefits of using 18-8 stainless steel as cutlery in the home?
A: The tableware made of 18/8 grade steel has both beneficial properties such as high stress resistance, resistance to corrosion, and appealing looks making it possible for everyday and even fine dining use.
Q: Can 18-8 stainless steel be used in extreme temperature conditions?
A: Yes, in terms of a very low temperature (-200 0 C) and very high temperature (+ 870 0 C), the 18-8 stainless steel retains its structural strength and mechanical characteristics, that’s the reason for its wide applications ranging from industrial to aerospace fields.
Q: Am I correct in saying that the only difference between 18-8 stainless steel and other types of stainless steel is what comes after the number 8?
A: The main feature when comparing classes of stainless steel and 18-8 SS, is the quantity of chromium and nickel in the alloy, which assists in removing its susceptibility to corrosive activity making it favorable in many instances.
Q: What happens to the properties of 18-8 stainless steel when it undergoes cold working?
A: Cold working 18-8 stainless steel is viewed as enhancing the properties of the material by improving the strength and hardness of the said material and probably magnetising certain portions of the material.
Q: What features make plastic austenitic stainless steel 18-8 so efficacious?
A: There are several factors that explain why austenitic stainless steel 18-8 is not a plastic type of steel, yet it is a type of steel used in a wide range of industries because of its combination of strength, good resistance to corrosion and a variety of applications.