Hardness range of commonly used stainless steel plates

The hardness of stainless steel plates indicates their resistance to localized plastic deformation. Plates with high hardness are less prone to bending, cutting, or scratching, which also reflects their strength, toughness, and wear resistance.

Common Hardness Ranges for Stainless Steel Plates

Austenitic Stainless Steel Austenitic stainless steel is the most widely used type, typically exhibiting hardness between 150-300 HB. This type is ideal for manufacturing high-strength machine parts, with the highest hardness reaching around HRC 38-39. Here are some hardness values for specific austenitic stainless steels:

304 Stainless Steel: HB ≤ 187

316 Stainless Steel: HB ≤ 187

409 Stainless Steel: HB ≤ 143

430 Stainless Steel: HB ≤ 183

It's important to note that hardness values can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and processing techniques.

Ferritic Stainless Steel

Ferritic stainless steels generally have lower hardness, ranging from approximately 100-220 HB. While they exhibit lower strength and toughness compared to austenitic steels, they offer superior corrosion resistance and are commonly used for tableware and kitchen utensils.

Martensitic Stainless Steel

Martensitic stainless steel possesses the highest hardness, often exceeding 600 HB. Due to its exceptional performance, it typically requires processing before use. This type is primarily used for manufacturing mechanical components, such as steel balls.

Factors Influencing Hardness

The hardness of stainless steel plates can be altered through various means during material preparation, but other factors also play a significant role:

Temperature As temperature increases, the hardness of stainless steel plates generally decreases. Elevated temperatures lead to increased atomic spacing, which reduces material strength.

Deformation Both cold and hot working processes increase the hardness of stainless steel sheets. During these processes, deformation and grain boundary slip occur, resulting in a denser material structure and concentrated stress, thereby enhancing hardness.

In summary, understanding the hardness of stainless steel plates and the factors influencing it is crucial for selecting the appropriate material for specific applications.