Physical and Mechanical Properties * Density * About the same as carbon steel * Conductivity * Poor conductors of both heat and electricity * Thermal conductivity of stainless is about half of carbon steel * Electrical resistivity of stainless steel can be as much as 6 times as much as carbon * Expansion * Austenitic (300 series): coefficient of thermal expansion is up to 50% greater than carbon steel * Modulus of elasticity * Slightly lower than carbon steel * Stainless Modulus: 28-29*10^6 psi * Carbon Steel: 30*10^6 psi * Mechanical Properties * 304 and 316: Better tensile, ductility, and toughness than mild steel * 420 and 440C: high hardness; used as tool steels * 310 or 446: best for scaling resistance
Physical and Mechanical Properties * Density * About the same as carbon steel * Conductivity * Poor conductors of both heat and electricity * Thermal conductivity of stainless is about half of carbon steel * Electrical resistivity of stainless steel can be as much as 6 times as much as carbon * Expansion * Austenitic (300 series): coefficient of thermal expansion is up to 50% greater than carbon steel * Modulus of elasticity * Slightly lower than carbon steel * Stainless Modulus: 28-29*10^6 psi * Carbon Steel: 30*10^6 psi * Mechanical Properties * 304 and 316: Better tensile, ductility, and toughness than mild steel * 420 and 440C: high hardness; used as tool steels * 310 or 446: best for scaling resistance