| 300
Series Austenitic
300 series austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic.
When nickel is added to stainless steel in sufficient
amounts, the crystal structure changes to "austenite."
The basic composition of 300 series austenitic stainless
steels is 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This enhances
their corrosion resistance and modifies the structure
from ferritic to austenitic. Austenitic grades are the
most commonly used stainless steels, accounting for
more than 70% of production. (Alloy 304/304L followed
by Alloy 316L are the most commonly specified grades
by far.) They are not hardenable by heat treatment.
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