Stainless steels - Selection criteria and structure

Stainless steels form a vast family of metal alloys, all of which have iron and chromium in common.

Depending on their chromium content (the minimum threshold is 10.5%) and the metallurgical treatments they have undergone, they offer a wide range of properties.

In the course of this document, we have endeavored to describe the various structures encountered and the properties and characteristics associated with them.

The complete study of the subject includes the articles :

• M 4 540-Stainless steels. Selection criteria and structure (this article) ;

• M 4 541-Stainless steels. Properties. Corrosion resistance ;

• M 4 542-Stainless steels. Application ;

• M 4 543-Stainless steels. Manufacture ;

• Doc. M 4 544-Stainless steels.