Can stainless steel be used at low temperatures?

All stainless steels could be used at low temperatures, but the actual requirement of a given application will decide which grade is most appropriate i.e. strength required at a particular temperature.

The mechanical properties of stainless steels may change at lower temperatures. For ferritic, duplex and martensitic grades, their toughness will drop significantly at a certain temperature. Below this ‘transition temperature’, they no longer ductile fracture upon impact but brittle fracture. Toughness is the ability of a material to absorb energy in an impact, so tough materials are seen as more robust in service. Therefore, if higher levels of toughness at lower temperatures are a requirement of the application then austenitic stainless steels must be considered. Other stainless steel grades may be considered depending upon the specific requirement.

Got any questions? Get in Touch

If you have any questions regarding the use of stainless steel at low temperatures, please contact us today.