Stainless steel is a widely used alloy material known for its excellent properties like corrosion resistance, high strength, and heat resistance. It plays an important role in industries, kitchenware, medical instruments, and many other fields.
18/10 stainless steel （18 10 stainless steel，18-10 stainless steel）, as an important type of stainless steel, is one of the most commonly used stainless steels worldwide due to its unique chemical composition and outstanding properties.
This article will explore the composition, characteristics, applications, and comparison of 18/10 stainless steel with other types of stainless steel.
Composition of 18/10 Stainless Steel
The name “18/10” comes from its main chemical components: 18% chromium (Cr) and 10% nickel (Ni).
Chromium and nickel are key alloying elements that give 18/10 stainless steel its unique physical and chemical properties.
Element | Percentage (%) |
Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 – 20.0 |
Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 – 10.5 |
Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 |
Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
Iron (Fe) | Balance (approximately 70-75%) |
18% Chromium contributes to high corrosion resistance and durability.
10% Nickel enhances the alloy’s toughness and gives it its characteristic shiny appearance.
Low Carbon prevents the formation of carbide precipitates that could affect the corrosion resistance, especially in welded areas.
Mechanical Properties
Property | Value | Unit |
Tensile Strength | 505 – 750 | MPa |
Yield Strength | ≥ 205 | MPa |
Elongation | ≥ 40 | % |
Hardness (Rockwell B) | 70 – 90 | HRB |
Modulus of Elasticity | 193,000 | MPa |
Poisson’s Ratio | 0.29 – 0.31 | – |
Fracture Toughness | 45 – 85 | MPa·m^0.5 |
Physical Properties
Property | Value | Unit |
Density | 7.90 – 8.10 | g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 1400 – 1450 | °C |
Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 | W/m·K |
Specific Heat | 0.5 | J/g·°C |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.72 | µΩ·cm |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.0 – 17.0 | µm/m·°C |
Characteristics of 18/10 Stainless Steel
18/10 stainless steel has many unique features because of its excellent chemical composition, making it an ideal material for various industries.
Corrosion Resistance
18/10 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, especially in humid environments or areas with corrosive gases (such as salt mist or acid mist). Its chromium oxide layer effectively protects against oxidation and corrosion, maintaining stability even when exposed to water, oil, or acidic substances for a long time.
Durability and Strength
The high strength and durability of 18/10 stainless steel allow it to withstand long-term use without easily deforming or getting damaged. Its stable performance makes it widely used in high-end tableware, medical instruments, and other products requiring long-term use.
High-Temperature Resistance
18/10 stainless steel maintains its strength at high temperatures, and is less likely to deform or become brittle. Its oxidation resistance at high temperatures makes it a preferred material for many high-temperature processes.
Oxidation Resistance
18/10 stainless steel is not easy to rust, and it does not lose its shiny appearance even after long-term use. Even when exposed to moisture or air frequently, its surface remains smooth and beautiful.
Ease of Cleaning
Due to its smooth surface and resistance to dirt buildup, 18/10 stainless steel is very easy to clean and maintain. This property makes it ideal for kitchenware, tableware, and other products.
Disadvantages of 18/10 Stainless Steel
Although 18/10 stainless steel is widely used in many fields due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, and strength, it also has some disadvantages and limitations. Here are the main drawbacks:
High Cost
18/10 stainless steel contains higher amounts of nickel and chromium, which are more expensive compared to other types of stainless steel (like 18/8 stainless steel). The price of nickel may fluctuate, causing the cost to rise.
Prone to Scratches
Although 18/10 stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, its smooth surface is easily scratched by sharp or hard objects. Once the surface is damaged, it may affect its appearance and make it easier for dirt or stains to accumulate, making cleaning harder.
Potential Stress Corrosion Cracking
In certain environments (such as high temperatures or environments with chlorides), 18/10 stainless steel may experience stress corrosion cracking, especially when subjected to mechanical stress or chemical corrosion. Though not common, this can cause structural damage in high-risk environments like marine or chemical industries.
Low Thermal Conductivity
Compared to other materials (such as copper or aluminum), 18/10 stainless steel has relatively low thermal conductivity. It heats up and cools down slowly, which may not be ideal for processes that require fast heating or cooling. For example, cooking pots made from 18/10 stainless steel may take longer to heat up or cool down.
Limited Acid Resistance
Although 18/10 stainless steel resists most acidic substances (like common food acids), its resistance to highly corrosive acids, such as concentrated sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, is limited. In high-temperature environments, it may experience localized corrosion from such strong acids.
Increased Brittleness at Low Temperatures
While 18/10 stainless steel performs well at room temperature and high temperatures, its brittleness may increase in extremely low-temperature environments, leading to possible fractures. In applications at very low temperatures (such as liquefied natural gas processing), careful consideration is needed to avoid low-temperature embrittlement.
Difficult Welding
The alloy composition of 18/10 stainless steel contains nickel and chromium, which can cause issues in welding, such as heat-affected zone (HAZ) problems, reducing the strength of the weld joint. Professional welding techniques and additional welding materials are required to ensure quality and performance.
Not Suitable for High-Friction Environments
18/10 stainless steel has lower hardness and wear resistance compared to special alloys (like tungsten carbide or ceramics). In high-friction or high-impact environments, 18/10 stainless steel may wear out faster, affecting its lifespan.
Applications of 18/10 Stainless Steel
Due to its excellent characteristics, 18/10 stainless steel is widely used in several fields. Below are some of its main applications:
Kitchenware
18/10 stainless steel is widely used in kitchenware, such as pots, cooking utensils, and tableware. Its corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, and easy cleaning properties make it an ideal material for high-quality kitchen products. Many high-end tableware, pots, and knives are made from 18/10 stainless steel because it can withstand long-term heat treatment and frequent cleaning.
Medical Instruments
18/10 stainless steel is used in medical fields for instruments such as surgical knives, needles, and other medical tools due to its corrosion resistance and heat resistance. Its smooth surface and resistance to bacterial buildup make it highly suitable for hospital and medical environments.
Architectural Decoration
18/10 stainless steel is widely used in the construction industry, particularly in indoor and outdoor decorations, stair railings, doors, and windows. It provides modern aesthetics and durability, while also being resistant to environmental impacts.
Industrial Use
In industries like chemical, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, 18/10 stainless steel is widely adopted for its corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance. It is particularly useful for equipment that needs to maintain cleanliness, resist corrosion, and perform reliably over long periods.
Consumer Products
In addition to industrial and medical uses, 18/10 stainless steel is also used in consumer products such as watches, jewelry, and everyday items. Its shine and durability make it the preferred material for high-end consumer products.
Comparison with Other Types of Stainless Steel
18/10 stainless steel has obvious advantages in corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and toughness when compared with other types of stainless steel.
18/8 Stainless Steel
18/8 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Compared to 18/10 stainless steel, 18/8 has slightly lower corrosion resistance, but it is more cost-effective. It is commonly used for everyday tableware and cookware.
304 stainless steel is a common stainless steel standard, containing about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, similar to 18/10 stainless steel. It is widely used in food processing, kitchen equipment, and other fields. While it offers good corrosion resistance and durability, it is slightly less resistant to acids and bases than 18/10 stainless steel.
How Can Manek Help
At Manek, we offer our clients a series of customized services specifically for stainless steel and other metals, including investment casting, sand casting, die casting, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication as well as various surface treatments.
We also provide a variety of other manufacturing capabilities. You can get quotations for free, such as 3D printing, plastic injection molding and powder coating.
18/10 stainless steel, with its excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal, is widely used in kitchenware, medical instruments, industrial equipment, and more. Its superior performance makes it the preferred material for many high-end products and long-term use environments. While other types of stainless steel are available, 18/10 stainless steel continues to hold an important position due to its balanced composition and stable performance.
