The properties of stainless steel never cease to amaze us. Exceptional durability, high aesthetics, and versatility of use — these are just some of the characteristics that make this material ideal for both small-scale projects and large constructions exposed to heavy loads or harsh environments. Today at INOX Polska, we take a closer look at the physical properties of stainless steel. Here’s what you should know!
Physical properties of stainless steel – key aspects:
- Thermal expansion. Thermal expansion refers to the change in linear (length) and volumetric dimensions of stainless steel under temperature variations. The coefficient of expansion indicates how much a unit length increases when heated. Among all stainless steels, austenitic types exhibit the highest thermal expansion, meaning their dimensions change the most with temperature shifts. In contrast, ferritic steels also expand with temperature, but to a much smaller degree.
- Heat capacity. This is the ability of stainless steel to store thermal energy within the material. It is expressed as the specific heat capacity at 20°C.
- Elastic modulus. This modulus determines the elasticity of stainless steel once deforming forces are removed. For all stainless steels, it typically ranges from 200 to 220 GPa (gigapascals).
- Magnetism. The degree of magnetism depends on the crystalline structure of each type of stainless steel. Martensitic, ferritic, and ferritic-austenitic stainless steels are magnetic. However, austenitic steels — the most common type — are non-magnetic, though they can become magnetic after cold working due to structural changes.
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