Stainless Steel Grade 205 (UNS S20500)

Stainless steel is nothing new for us. We have seen various applications of stainless steel even in our homes. However, most of us are unaware that stainless steel comes in different grades, all having distinctive chemical compositions and properties. 

Let us learn about one of such grades of stainless steel: SS Grade 205 or UNS S20500.

About Grade 205 Stainless Steel

Grade 205 stainless steel is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, high-temperature-bearing stainless steel. All these features make it ideal for various applications. Its special chemical composition provides it with many useful properties.  It is often used in applications like construction and machinery.

AISI 205 Chemical Composition

AISI 205 grade has a definite composition, making it suitable for various applications. Iron is the key element of AISI 205, accounting for about 70 per cent of the alloy. Chromium comes in as the second principal component enhancing its corrosion resistance, apart from making it shinier. Other than iron and chromium, AISI 205 contains traces of other elements, including nickel and carbon. Nickel is added to provide strength and durability, while carbon increases the hardness.

 

Iron, Fe

Balance

Chromium, Cr

16.5-18.0%

Manganese, Mn

14.0-15.5%

Nickel, Ni

1.0-1.75%

Silicon, Si

1%

Nitrogen, N

0.32-0.40%

Carbon, C

0.12-0.25%

Phosphorous, P

0.06%

Sulfur, S

0.03%

 

Physical Properties of Grade 205 Stainless Steel

UNS S20500 is known for its good strength and flexibility making it highly durable and mouldable. It's not too hard and so can be cut easily, drilled, or shaped in different shapes and forms. Grade 205 stainless steel can also be welded using the TIG and MIG techniques without taking any specific precautions. Let us look at the physical properties of Stainless steel 205

Density

7.80 g/cc

 

Mechanical Properties of Grade 205 Stainless Steel

Grade 205 stainless steel has desirable mechanical properties. It is hard and resistant to most forms of corrosion. It is also very durable and long-lasting. It can be easily shaped and joined and hence is suitable for several applications. Below are some of the mechanical properties of grade 205.

Tensile strength

790 – 830 MPa

Yield strength (@strain 0.200 %)

450 – 475 MPa

Elastic modulus

197 GPa

Poisson’s ratio

0.27-0.30

Elongation at break

40%

Hardness, Rockwell B

100

 

Thermal Properties of Grade 205 Stainless Steel

Grade 205 stainless steel has good thermal properties. It can effectively conduct heat. This property makes it useful in applications requiring heat management. It can also dissipate or reflect heat from its surface very fast. In addition, contrary to many other metals, Grade 205 stainless steel does not lose force due to exposure to extremely low temperatures. This makes it a reliable material for applications requiring low temperatures.

 

Thermal Expansion

17.9

Specific heat

500

 

Application of Grade 205 Stainless Steel

Grade 205 stainless steel is a highly versatile material used in many diverse applications. It is highly corrosion-resistant, can withstand high temperatures, and is easy to clean. Hence, it is widely used in food-related equipment. It also finds its applications in the manufacturing of ovens, braising pans, steamers, and toasters. Besides the kitchen, Grade 205 stainless steel is in high demand in big construction projects.