Core

Stainless steels for corrosive environments

Browse Core range specifications. Visit Stainless Steel Finder

Our Core range contains austenitic and ferritic stainless steel products for medium corrosive environments. The range is suitable for a wide variety of applications that require good formability and weldability.

Value to our customers

Contact us to get more information about our products 

Find your nearest location

Subscribe for the latest product news

Core

The Core range contains austenitic and ferritic stainless steels grades for mild to medium corrosive environments in PRE range 17 – 22. 

The most widely used austenitic stainless grade, Core 304L/4307 (EN 1.4307), defines the overall landscape of the Core range. The Core range is complemented by modern stabilized nickel-free 18 – 21% chromium ferritic stainless steels, like Core 441/4509 (EN 1.4509), and low-nickel austenitic alternatives.

The latest Core range addition is the stabilized 21% chromium ferritic stainless steel, Core 4622 (EN 1.4622). Nickel-free Core 4622 offers similar corrosion resistance, weldability and better heat transfer, machinability and deep-drawability compared to 304L.

Core range Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steels have good corrosion resistance, welding and forming, especially stretch-forming characteristics. Austenitic steels exhibit very high ductility also down to cryogenic temperatures. Due to the higher toughness and work hardening nature of the austenitic stainless steels, special attention may be needed during forming and machining operations compared to ferritic stainless or carbon steels. 

Modern Core range stabilized ferritic stainless steels have good corrosion resistance, welding and deep-drawing properties. Thanks to phase structure, nickel-free ferritic stainless steels grades have excellent resistances to chloride-induced stress-corrosion cracking. Ferritics have good heat transfer properties that can be utilized in applications where uniform and fast heat transfer is preferred. Good heat transfer with lower thermal expansion eases weldability via smaller weld distortion and buckling behavior than austenitics. In addition, ferritics have similar machinability as carbon streels, due to low work hardening characteristics.

Core range grades can be used in a wide range of applications supported with a broad selection of surface finishes from mills and service centers.

See the full list of Core grades below

Outokumpu Core grades

Core 304/4301

Core 304/4301 is a classic 18% chromium, 8% nickel austenitic stainless steel. It’s an all-purpose product with good corrosion resistance and is suitable for a wide variety of applications that require good formability and weldability. Core 304/4301 can be delivered with a variety of surface finishes.

EN 1.4301

ASTM type 304

ASTM UNS S30400

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Household appliances and consumer goods
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Indoor and outdoor cladding, handrails and window frames
  • Food and beverage industry equipment
  • Storage tanks
  • Flanges and valves

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechnanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.04

Cr 18.1

Ni 8.1

Mo -

N -

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 304L/4307

Core 304L/4307 is a low-carbon alternative to Core 304/4301. The lower carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation as a result of heat input, for example during welding, giving improved resistance against intergranular corrosion. Core 304L/4307 is suitable for a wide variety of applications that require good formability and weldability, and can be delivered with a variety of surface finishes.

EN 1.4307

ASTM type 304L

ASTM UNS S30403

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Food and beverage industry equipment
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical industry equipment (mild to medium corrosive environments)
  • Heat exchangers
  • Storage tanks
  • Tank containers
  • Pipes and tubes
  • Flanges and valves

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition,% by mass

C 0.02

Cr 18.1

Ni 8.1

Mo -

N -

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 304LN/4311

A low-carbon, higher nickel and nitrogen alloyed alternative to Core 304L/4307 with improved strength and low-temperature toughness. Suitable for applications that require high tensile strength.

EN 1.4311

ASTM type 304L

ASTM UNS S30453

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Railroad cars
  • Pressure vessels
  • Chemical plant equipment (mild to medium corrosive environments)
  • Flanges and valves

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.02

Cr 18.5

Ni 9.2

Mo -

N 0.14

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 304L/4306

A higher nickel alternative to Core 304L/4307 with improved formability and deep drawability.

EN 1.4306

ASTM type 304L

ASTM UNS S30403

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Chemical and pharmaceutical plant equipment (mild to medium corrosive environments)
  • Flanges and valves

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.02

Cr 18.2

Ni 10.1

Mo -

N -

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 305/4303

A high-nickel alternative to Core 304/4301 with reduced strain hardening and excellent cold-forming properties. Ideal for parts that require high degree of deformation. 

EN 1.4303

ASTM type 305

ASTM UNS S30500

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Industrial parts with complex shapes
  • Sinks and other deep-drawn products
  • Complex stamping processes
  • Re-rollers producing very thin-gauge coils

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.04

Cr 17.7

Ni 12.5

Mo -

N -

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 321/4541

A titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel with improved intergranular corrosion resistance for an extended temperature range.

EN 1.4541

ASTM type 321

ASTM UNS S32100

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Anneailing covers
  • Stack liners
  • Automotive exhaust systems
  • Welded pressure vessels
  • Flanges and valves

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composotion, % by mass

C 0.04

Cr 17.3

Ni 9.1

Mo -

N -

Others Ti

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 347/4550

Core 347/4550 is a niobium stabilized alternative to Core 321/4541 with improved intergranular corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties at high temperatures. Core 347/4550 is particularly useful in applications with intermittent heating in the range 400–900 °C/750–1650 °F.

EN 1.4550

ASTM type 347

ASTM UNS S34700

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • High temperature gaskets
  • Rocket engine parts
  • Expansion joints
  • Aircraft collector rings
  • Exhaust manifolds
  • Chemical production equipment
  • Flanges and valves

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.05

Cr 17.5

Ni

9.5

Mo -

N -

Others Nb

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 301LN/4318

A low-carbon, nitrogen alloyed alternative to Core 301/4310 with elevated strength, making it particularly suitable for lightweight construction.

EN 1.4318

ASTM type 301LN

ASTM UNS S30153

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

• Automotive applications, especially vehicles chassis
• Railroad cars

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.02

Cr 17.7

Ni 6.5

Mo -

N 0.14

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 301/4310

A lower chromium and nickel alternative to Core 304/4301 with high work hardening capacity, this is a good choice for applications subjected to high mechanical loading

EN 1.4310

ASTM type 301

ASTM UNS S30100

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Springs
  • Press plates
  • Conveyor chains
  • Mixer blades
  • Sinks

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, by mass %

C 0.10

Cr 17.0

Ni 7.0

Mo -

N -

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 201/4372

This low-nickel stainless steel has properties approaching Core 301/4310 but with a higher work hardening coefficient. Grade is available from Outokumpu Americas.

EN 1.4372

ASTM type 201

ASTM UNS S20100

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Household appliances
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Sinks
  • Doors and windows
  • Railroad cars

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.05

Cr 16.1

Ni 3.6

Mo -

N 0.08

Others 7Mn

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 201LN/4372

This low-nickel stainless steel also has properties approaching Core 301/4310, but has a higher strength than Core 201/4372. It hardens more quickly due to its higher work hardening coefficient. Grade is available from Outokumpu Americas.

EN 1.4372

ASTM type 201LN

ASTM UNS S20153

Microstructure Austenitic

Typical applications

  • Railroad freight cars
  • Truck trailers
  • Coal handling
  • Bulk transport equipment

Datasheet

Download Outokumpu_Core_datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.03

Cr 16.2

Ni 4.0

Mo -

N 0.20

Others Cu, 6.5Mn

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 441/4509

A nickel-free 17% chromium ferritic stainless steel grade with good corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength was originally designed for exhaust systems. Core 441/4509 is available with single (niobium) or dual (niobium and titanium) stabilization. Due to good formability and weldability it is often a suitable replacement for Core 301/4310.

EN 1.4509

ASTM type -

ASTM UNS S43940

Microstructure Ferritic

Usage

  • Indoor claddings
  • Restaurant equipment and appliances
  • Tubes
  • Heat exchangers

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.02

Cr 17.6

Ni -

Mo -

N

-

 

Others Nb, Ti 

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 4622

A nickel-free, high-chromium (21Cr) ferritic stainless steel with equal corrosion resistance to Core 304/4301. Core 4622 has excellent deep drawability and is almost ridging free, meaning it is easier to polish and has a lower overall production cost.

EN 1.4622

ASTM type -

ASTM UNS S44330

Microstructure Ferritic

Typical applications

  • Household, catering and architectural applications (indoor and outdoor)
  • Tubular products for automotive and process industries
  • Building facades
  • Tanks and process equipment

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.02

Cr 21.0

Ni -

Mo -

N -

Others Nb,Ti,Cu

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Core 434/4113

A molybdenum-alloyed ferritic stainless steel that offers improved corrosion resistance. This grade is available from Outokumpu Americas.

EN 1.4113

ASTM type 434

ASTM UNS S43400

Microstructure Ferritic

Typical applications

  • Automotive trim and fittings

Datasheet

Download Core range datasheet for more information on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, physical properties and fabrication.

Typical chemical composition, % by mass

C 0.04

Cr 16.5

Ni -

Mo 1.0

N -

Others -

Please remove item from comparison before you can add another one

Go directly to Outokumpu Core grades

Standards and approvals for Core range

EN ISO 18286 Hot-rolled stainless steel plates – Tolerances on dimensions and shape
EN 10051
Hot-rolled steel strip.
EN 10088-1
Stainless steels – list of stainless steels
ISO 15510
Stainless steels – chemical composition
EN ISO 9445
Cold-rolled stainless narrow strip, wide strip, plate/sheet and cut lengths.
ASTM A 480
General requirements for flat-rolled stainless and heat resisting steel
ASTM A 959
Harmonized standard grade compositions for wrought stainless steels
ASME IID
Materials – Physical properties tables

The most commonly used international product standards are given here. For a list of standards by product, go to Stainless Steel Finder.

EN 10028-7 Flat products for pressure purposes – Stainless steels
EN 10088-2
Stainless steels – sheet/plate and strip for general purposes
EN 10088-3
Stainless steels – semi-finished products, bars, rods sections for general purposes
EN 10088-4
Technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate and strip
EN 10095
Heat resisting steels and nickel alloys
EN 10151
Stainless steel strip for springs
EN 10217-7
Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – Stainless steel tubes
EN 10296-2
Welded circular steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes – Stainless Steel tubes
EN 10302
Creep resisting steels, nickel and cobalt alloys
ASTM A 167
Stainless and heat-resisting Cr-Ni steel plate, sheet, and strip
ASTM A 176
Stainless and heat-resisting Cr steel plate, sheet, and strip
ASTM A182/ ASME SA-182
Stainless steel and heat resisting steel bars and shapes
ASTM A 240
Cr and Cr-Ni stainless steel plate, sheet and strip for pressure vessels
ASTM A276
Stainless steel and heat-resisting steel rod and wire for cold heading and forging
ASTM A479/ ASME SA-479
General requirements for stainless and heat resistant steel wire and wire rod
ASTM A 666
Austenitic stainless steel sheet, strip, plate, bar for structural and architectural applications
ASME IIA Materials. Part A –
Ferrous Material Specifications
Eurocode 3 / EN 1993-1-4
Design of steel structures – Part 1-4: General rules – Supplementary rules for stainless steels

The most commonly used international product standards are given here. For a list of standards by product, go to Stainless Steel Finder.

Outokumpu meets the most common certifications and approvals, including:

  • AD 2000 Merkblatt
  • Approval of Material Manufacturers
  • Factory Production Control Certificate
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 50001
  • ISO/TS 16949
  • NORSOK
  • OHSAS 18001
  • Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)


The most commonly used international product standards are given here. For a list of standards by product, go to Stainless Steel Finder.

Cases

Article

Reducing embodied carbon in buildings - Sustainable stainless steel attracts growi...

Article

The global megatrends of urbanization and sustainability are driving new solutions...

Technical article

High alloyed 654 SMO stainless steel closes the gap to titanium

Article

Customer education key to adoption of duplex grades

Case Sodertalje bridge

Bridging the way to a more sustainable and economical future

Article

Achieving material cost predictability in the pulp and paper industry with lean du...

Article

Stainless steel stacks up for fuel cell bipolar plates

Case DA Christie barbeques

Stainless steel central to the success of Australian public barbecues

Case Metalis waste bins

Rotterdam wastes no opportunity for sustainability

Interested in the world of stainless steel? 

Keep up to date with our monthly newsletter providing you with the latest news, articles, webinars and insights.

Subscribe