Stainless Steel Melting Point: Todo lo que debe saber

Do you know what happens to stainless steel when it’s exposed to extreme heat? Its melting point varies by grade and affects how it’s used.

In this blog, you’ll learn about stainless steel melting points, why they matter, and more. Let’s start!

What’s the Melting Point of Stainless Steel?

The melting point of stainless steel refers to the temperature at which it changes from solid to liquid. This varies depending on the grade of stainless steel.

Typically, stainless steel melts at temperatures between 1370°C (2500°F) and 1530°C (2800°F). The exact temperature depends on the specific composition of the stainless steel grade.

Knowing this is important if you work with industries where high temperatures may be involved, like in manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

Melting Points of Common Stainless Steel Grades

Different grades of stainless steel have different melting points, and this affects how they perform in various applications. These grades are grouped into categories based on their composition and structure.

Here are the categories:

Aceros inoxidables austeníticos

Austenitic stainless steels are the most common type because of their high corrosion resistance and excellent strength.

They have high levels of chromium and nickel, and they are also known as the 300 series. Here are some of the common austenitic stainless steel grades and their melting points:

Aceros inoxidables ferríticos

Ferritic stainless steels belong to the 400 series and are less expensive but still offer good resistance to corrosion and heat.

They have high chromium but low nickel and carbon. They are magnetic but not heat-treatable. You can only harden them by cold working. Here are some examples and their melting points:

Aceros inoxidables martensíticos

Martensitic stainless steels are from the 400 series and have moderate chromium and high carbon content. These steels are strong, hard, and corrosion-resistant.

They are hard to weld, but they are heat-treatable. Common martensitic stainless steels and their melting points are the following:

Aceros inoxidables dúplex

This type of stainless steel is a combination of austenite and ferrite. These stainless steels have high chromium, high molybdenum, and low nickel content.

They are extremely corrosion-resistant and have higher strength compared to austenitic stainless steel.

Here’s a simple table to show the melting points of some common duplex stainless steel grades:

Factors Affecting the Melting Point of Stainless Steel

The exact melting point of stainless steel is influenced by several factors. Here’s what you should know:

Composición de la aleación

Acero inoxidable is made by combining metals like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. The specific composition can affect the melting point.

For example, adding more nickel lowers the melting point, while chromium increases it.

Contenido de carbono

The amount of carbon affects the stainless steel melting point. More carbon makes the stainless steel stronger and harder but slightly lowers the temperature at which it melts.

Grain Size and Microstructure

The size and structure of the stainless steel grains also matter. Finer grains usually make it more heat-resistant, while larger grains can make it melt more easily.

Procesos de fabricación

How the stainless steel is made impacts its melting point. Processes like fundición, rolling, and heat treatment can change the structure of stainless steel and influence how it behaves under heat.

What is the Melting Point of Steel?

Steel melts at very high temperatures, but the exact melting point depends on the type of steel and its composition.

Acero al carbono

Acero al carbono is mostly made of iron and carbon. Its melting point is usually between 1425°C (2600°F) and 1500°C (2730°F). The more carbon it has, the harder it is, but the melting point might be a little lower.

Acero aleado

Acero aleado has extra elements like chromium or nickel that affect its properties and melting point. It typically melts between 1370°C (2500°F) and 1530°C (2790°F), depending on the alloy.

How to Melt Stainless Steel?

If you need to melt stainless steel, you’ll need the right equipment because it requires very high temperatures.

However, no matter which furnace you use, always ensure you have the proper safety equipment and follow strict guidelines.

Here’s how you can melt stainless steel using different types of furnaces:

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

To melt stainless steel in an electric arc furnace, you place the steel (often scrap) inside the furnace. Then, powerful electric arcs are generated between electrodes.

This creates enough heat to melt the steel. This method is efficient for melting large amounts and is commonly used in recycling plants.

Induction Furnace

In an induction furnace, you place the stainless steel in a crucible inside the furnace. Electromagnetic fields are then used to generate heat.

This melts the steel evenly. This method is great if you need precision and are working with small batches of stainless steel.

Oxygen-Lance Furnace

In this method, you heat the stainless steel by blowing pure oxygen over molten metal.

The oxygen reacts with the steel and increases the temperature, helping it melt faster. This is a quick and effective way to melt large quantities. This furnace is often used in industrial settings.

Plasma Arc Furnace

To melt stainless steel in a plasma arc furnace, you create a high-temperature plasma arc by ionizing gas (like argon). The plasma arc produces extremely intense heat, melting the steel quickly and efficiently.

This method is ideal for melting stainless steel alloys when you need precise control over the temperature.

How Stainless Steel Melting Temperature Compare to Other Metals

When working with different metals, you need to know their melting point. Let’s compare stainless steel to some other popular metals to give you a better understanding of how they stack up.

Stainless Steel vs Copper Melting Point

Copper melts at a lower temperature of around 1085°C (1984°F).

This means that stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures than copper. So, you can choose stainless steel over copper for high-heat applications.

Stainless Steel vs Tungsten Melting Point

Tungsten has an extremely high melting point of about 3422°C (6192°F). This melting point is much higher than stainless steel.

Tungsten is one of the highest-melting metals so you can definitely use it for applications in extreme heat, such as aerospace and light bulb filaments.

Stainless Steel vs Magnesium Melting Point

Magnesium, on the other hand, has a relatively low melting point of 650°C (1202°F). This is much lower than stainless steel. So, while magnesium is light and strong, it’s not as heat resistant as stainless steel.

You can use magnesium in lighter applications where high strength is needed, but heat tolerance is not the top priority.

Stainless Steel vs Titanium Melting Point

Titanium melts at around 1668°C (3034°F)-- this is significantly higher than stainless steel’s melting point. Titanium is known for its strength and ability to withstand high temperatures.

You can use titanium for aerospace and military applications. However, stainless steel is still more heat-resistant than titanium in many scenarios.

Stainless Steel vs Hastelloy C Melting Point

Hastelloy C is a high-performance alloy often used in extreme environments like chemical processing. It has a melting point of approximately 1399°C (2550°F).

Aside from its melting point being slightly higher than stainless steel, Hastelloy C is more resistant to corrosion. You can use it for more specialized applications where stainless steel might not hold up.

Stainless Steel vs Aluminum Melting Point

Aluminum has a melting point of around 660°C (1221°F). This is much lower compared to stainless steel– meaning it is less durable at high temperatures.

However, aluminum is lighter and often used in applications where weight is a concern, like in the aerospace industry.

Applications of Stainless Steel Based on Its Melting Point

Because stainless steel has a high melting point, it is perfect for many different projects that require strong heat resistance. Here are a few examples of where you can find stainless steel in action:

Equipamiento industrial

If you’re working in industries like manufacturing or chemical processing, stainless steel is a great choice for equipment exposed to high temperatures.

It stays strong even when things heat up like in heat exchangers and boilers.

Electrodomésticos de cocina

You’ll often find stainless steel in your kitchen, in items like ovens, grills, and dishwashers. Its high melting point means it can handle the heat from cooking and cleaning without bending or breaking.

Piezas aeroespaciales

Stainless steel is used in airplanes and spacecraft because it can take high temperatures and pressure. You can use it for turbine blades and engine parts that need to stay strong in tough conditions.

Power Plants

If you’re working in a power plant, you’ll see stainless steel in the pipes and reactors. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure is key to keeping everything running safely.

Your Stainless Steel Expert - DEK

When you need high-quality stainless steel, DEK is here to help. Whether you’re using it for industrial equipment, kitchen appliances, or aerospace parts, we know exactly what you need.

Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the best material for your project.

Conclusión

Now you know how stainless steel’s melting point affects its use. It’s strong, heat-resistant, and perfect for many industries.

By understanding stainless steel melting point, you can choose the right grade for your needs and get reliable performance in high-heat situations.