High Quality Stainless Steel

Due to its ease of use and anti-microbial nature, many people prefer stainless tubing, stainless steel piping, and even stainless steel flat bar over alternative materials. We also stock stainless sheet in a variety of finishes such as brushed and mirror. Additionally, due to the increased quality of our stainless steel products designers prefer to use it when creating superior looking projects and works of art.

Classifications of Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel alloys are generally divided into five classes, each designated by the metallurgical characteristics and phases within its microstructure, including:

• Austenitic
• Martensitic
• Ferritic
• Duplex
• Precipitation Hardening

Austenitic vs. Martensitic Stainless Steels

Austenitic stainless steels are the most weldable of the groups and can be sub-divided into three groups: common chromium-nickel (300 series), manganese-chromium-nickel-nitrogen (200 series) and specialty alloys. However, we at M&K, only carry the 300 series because it's by far the most popular and used in kitchens,  in chemical plants, power plants, food processing and dairy equipment. The 300 series is very weldable and is bendable without cracking.
 
We at M&K do not carry martensitic stainless steel types (such as 403, 410 & 420).  However, if you're wondering how this type differs from the above Austenitic stainless, the martensitic stainless have a body-centered cubic crystal structure in the hardened condition. In other words, this grade of stainless can be heat-treated to make it hard and often times, is used to make knives.  In addition, this type of stainless is magnetic and is typically cheaper than it's Austenitic sibling because it contains less nickel, which makes it also more susceptible to rusting. When hardened, this types of stainless is much more difficult to weld and may require pre-heating and post weld heat treatment but contact your local welding gas distributor for more info.

Stainless Steel Grades

Stainless steel raw material grades are based on the types and amounts of elements found within the stainless steel. As your premier stainless steel metal supplier, our grades of stainless steel include:

304 Stainless

304 Stainless is one of the most widely used of all the stainless grades. It is non-magnetic, has excellent formability, and is easy to weld. 304 Stainless is also called “Fresh Water” grade or “Food Grade” because of its extensive use in the food industry. FYI, another name for 304 Stainless is 18/8 stainless and this designation can often be found on the back of utensils.

316 Stainless Steel

316 is a grade of stainless that is sometimes called “Marine” grade or “Pharmaceutical” grade. 316 stainless steel raw materials have better corrosion resistant properties than 304 and is commonly used in pools with chlorine or saltwater. 316 stainless steel raw materials also provide excellent forming and welding characteristics.

Stainless Steel Varieties

As your premiere stainless steel metal supplier our inventory of stainless steel products, include:

• Stainless Steel Sheets
• Stainless Steel All thread
• Stainless Steel Angle
• Stainless Steel Bar Stock
• Stainless Steel Channel
• Stainless Steel Pipe & Round Tube
• Expanded Stainless Steel
• Sheet & Plate Stainless Steel
• Stainless Steel Rectangular & Square Tube

Have questions, request a quote on M & K Metals stainless steel raw materials, stainless steel sheets, stainless steel angle or other stainless steel profiles you need. Call us at our Gardena, Los Angeles location at 310-327-9011, or contact M & K Metal for more information.