Whether you are planning a construction project, dealing with industrial equipment, or just curious about 205 stainless steel properties, this guide will explain all you need to know.
With this guide, you’ll be able to understand the properties of 205 stainless steel and the benefits it can bring to your business or project.
Let us get started!
What Exactly 205-Grade Stainless Steel?
Type 205 is often referred to as “super austenitic” stainless steel. It is common category of stainless steel composed of iron, chrome, and nickel combination. Also, it has a slightly higher chromium content making it suitable in more extreme environments.
To identify a SS205, look for the letter “X” or the number “205” stamped onto the metal. This is the grade designation for 205 stainless steel. It can be found on the product label or on the product itself.
Properties of Stainless Steel 205
You can find out the properties of type 205 by three ways: by its chemical composition, by mechanical properties, and by physical properties.
This way, you can determine if 205 stainless steel has the properties you’re looking for a stainless steel material.
Chemical Composition
| Cr | 17.5-19.5% |
| Ni | 8.0-10.5% |
| Mn | 1.0-2.0% |
| P | 0.045% max |
| S | 0.03% max |
| Si | 1.0% max |
| N | 0.1% max |
| Fe | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
| Yield Strength | 150 MPa |
| Elongation | 40% |
| Hardness | 95 HRB |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | 206 GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.3 |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 GPa |
| Specific Gravity | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion | 9.4 x 10⁻⁶ m/(m·K) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
Physical Properties
| Density | 8.03 g/cm3 |
| Tensile Strength | 715 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 550 MPa |
| Elongation | 40% |
| Hardness | Rockwell B 95 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m-K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 500 J/kg-K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 7.2 x 10^-6 Ω-m |
Advantages of Using SS205
205 stainless steel is an excellent material and offers an array of benefits.
Here are some of them:
- Increased Durability: Grade 205 offers superior strength and durability compared to other stainless steel grades. This makes it a great choice for applications that require durability, such as food processing, culinary equipment, etc.
- Low Maintenance: This type of stainless steel requires minimal maintenance. Therefore it is a great choice for applications that require low maintenance or are in harsh environments.
- Cost Effectiveness: The 205 grade stainless steel is a cost-effective material. It is attractive option for budget-conscious application.
- Versatility: This is a versatile material and can be used in a variety of applications. It is used in industrial applications such as pumps, valves, and many more.
- Protection from Any Corrosion: 205 is highly resistant to corrosion. Therefore it is excellent choice for use in aggressive and corrosive environments.
Top Ways to Process Your SS205
Processing techniques can affect the steel’s properties. Therefore it is important to use the right technique for each application to ensure the best performance and longest lifespan.
Now let us learn the step by step instructions of each technique. This will help you figure out it is correct process for your material.
Hot Rolling
- Preheat the metal alloy to 1150-1180 °C(2100-2150 °F).
- Increase the temperature to 1290-1340 °C (2350-2450 °F).
- Soak the material for 30-60 minutes at the above temperature.
- Cool the material to 980-1020 °C (1800-1860 °F).
- Roll the material to the desired thickness and shape.
- Cool the material to room temperature.
Cold Rolling
- Gather the necessary tools and materials needed for cold rolling. This includes the 205 stainless steel, cold rolling machine, protective gear, lubricant, and cleaning materials.
- Begin by cleaning the stainless steel. Once it is clean, set it up on the cold rolling machine.
- Adjust the machine settings to the desired thickness and width.
- Apply the lubricant to the rollers and the stainless steel.
- Turn on the machine and slowly start rolling the stainless steel. Always monitor the process and adjust the settings as needed.
- Once the desired thickness and width are achieved, turn off the machine and remove the stainless steel.
- Clean up the area and inspect the stainless steel for any imperfections. After inspection, it is now ready for use.
Solution Annealing
- Preheat the stainless steel to its annealing temperature – 980°C (1796°F).
- The soak it at the annealing temperature for a period of time. The soaking time is 1 hour.
- Next, cool the material to a lower temperature. This should be done at a rate of no more than 38°C (100°F) per hour.
- Once the material has cooled to the lower temperature, it can then be removed from the heat source.
- Finally, clean it to remove any scale or oxidation that may have occurred during the annealing process.
Stress Relieving
- Stress relieve the 205 steel by heating it to a temperature between 900 and 1150 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hold the temperature for one hour per inch of steel thickness.
- Allow the steel to cool slowly in the furnace to below 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Then remove the steel from the furnace and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Straightening
- Inspect the stainless steel 205 to ensure that it is free of damage, such as cracks, dents or warping.
- Then clean the material if needed, using a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
- Heat the metal with a propane torch or an electric heating element. The metal should be heated until it is red-hot.
- Place the metal on an anvil or a sturdy workbench and use a hammer to pound the metal flat.
- Measure the metal with a ruler or a straight edge to determine if it is completely straight. If not, repeat steps 3-4 until the metal is straight.
- Allow the metal to cool completely before removing it from the anvil or workbench.
Welding
- Clean the material first then preheat. Heat the metal with a torch or an induction heating device to 400-500°F (204-260°C).
- Then, grind the electrode to a sharp point and set the Amperage to the recommended value.
- Holding the tungsten, strike the arc and start welding.
- Move the electrode in a circular motion along the metal.
- Adjust the heat as needed to achieve a clean, consistent weld.
- Once you have finished welding, turn off the power and allow the metal to cool.
- Use a hammer or a brush to remove any slag or impurities from the weld.
- Use a grinding wheel and sandpaper to polish the weld and create a smooth, even surface.
Differentiating 205 VS 304
Stainless steel 205 is a 200 series stainless steel, which is generally more corrosion resistant than 300 series stainless steel. It also has greater hardness and tensile strength than SS304.
Stainless steel 304 is the most popular grade of stainless steel. It is known for its high strength and formability. It also has a higher nickel content than stainless steel 205, which makes it more expensive.
When selecting between stainless steel 205 and 304, it is important to consider the application in which it will be used. The grade 205 is the better choice for applications where greater higher hardness is required. Grade 304 is more suitable for applications where cost or formability are important considerations.
CONCLUSION
You have learned about how versatile 205 stainless steel. Its versatility makes it useful to most projects, whether in producing kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and many more.
So if you’re one of those looking for an affordable yet durable stainless steel, then 205 stainless steel is your great option.
If you’re planning to purchase, we are always ready to serve you!