What Is the Melting Point of Stainless Steel?

One of the most interesting things about metallic elements is the wide range of melting temperatures, from Gallium which melts at room temperature -29°C, to Tungsten, which will remain solid until nearly 3,400°C. But what about the metals we use every day, such as Stainless Steel and its various alloys?

What is a Metal’s Melting Point?

Almost all materials and elements have a melting point, it is defined as the temperature at which the material changes state from a solid to a liquid. Some materials such as Mercury, have a melting point below 0°C, and as such are liquid at room temperature.

What is the Melting Point of Stainless Steel?

Depending on the grade, stainless steel melts at a temperature somewhere between 1,400 and 1,530°C (2,550 and 2,790°C). As the chemical composition of the steel affects its crystalline structure, the melting temperature varies greatly depending on the grade.

How Does the Grade Affect Stainless Steel Melting Temperature?

The addition of alloying elements in varying quantities such as Nickel, Chromium and Carbon, serve to change the mechanical properties of the base material, such as improving its tensile strength or hardness. These additional elements can also alter the materials’ melting temperature.

304 Grade Stainless Steel Melting Temperature

The melting point of 304 grade stainless steel is around 1425°C. 304 grade is one of the most commonly used grades, available in all major sections and shapes, such as sheet, plate, round and square tube, bar and more.

It is often selected for its good corrosion resistance, high strength and workability.

316 Grade Stainless Steel Melting Temperature

316 grade stainless steel melts at around 1370°C, slightly lower than 304 grade. 316 has better resistance to seawater and some other acidic environments, but is often more expensive than 304 grade. It is available in all the usual shapes including plate, sheet, round and square tube.

321 Grade Stainless Steel Melting Temperature

The melting point of 321 Stainless Steel is around 1400°C. 321 grade is closely related to 304 grade, with the addition of titanium helping to increase the material’s resistance to creep and weld decay, making it perfect for high temperature use.

312 is not as readily workable as 304 or 316, with welding and forming requiring more consideration, it is often used in aerospace applications where high strength at elevated temperatures is required.

430 Grade Stainless Steel Melting Temperature

430 grade stainless steel melts at around 1470°C. It has the highest melting point of any of the grades we’ve discussed and is often used for HVAC components, heat exchangers and appliance housings. It is a ferritic grade of stainless steel meaning it is magnetic.

430 grade stainless steel is often cheaper than 316 and 304 grade and is often found in domestic appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators.

Factors That Affect a Metals Melting Point

A metal melts when enough of the bonds between the atoms are broken, the temperature at which this happens depends on the strength of said bonds, metals with higher strength atomic bonds melt at higher temperatures than those with weaker bonds.

A key factor in the strength of the metallic bonds present is linked to the type of atom, e.g. atoms present in an Aluminum alloy have a lower strength bond, on average,  than those present in titanium.

The atomic structure also plays a role in the melting point of a metal, affecting again both how strong the bonds are as well as how conductive the material is. Alloying elements are often added to alter the atomic structure.

How is Steel Melted?

In order to produce steel, and manufacture it into its countless forms, there needs to be efficient ways to melt it. The first time steel will be molten is during the refining process, whereby the constituent ores and alloying elements are refined of their impurities, whilst the metals are completely molten.

In industry a furnace is used to melt steel, multiple types exist such as blast furnaces and electric furnaces. Blast furnaces are gradually being phased out of use, as they use a coal based fuel to power them. The modern alternative is an electric furnace, which uses electrical arcs to create the high temperatures required.

Source Stainless Steel at Metals Supermarkets

If you need stainless steel for your project, Metals Supermarkets can help, we supply many grades and shapes of stainless steel, from any of our branches nationwide. We also offer a cut-to-length service to speed up the process!