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As an important metal material,Stainless steelhas been widely used in daily life and industrial production because of its excellent corrosion resistance andmechanical properties. However, in the face of a plethora of stainless steel products on the market, we often see labels like 18/8, 18/10, 18/0. What do these numbers represent? What material characteristics and usage differences lie behind it? This article aims to dig deep into18/8, 18/10, 18/0 stainless steeland reveal the material secrets behind these figures to meet the demand for stainless steel materials in different fields.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a special alloy steel consisting mainly of iron (Fe) with chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and other possible alloying elements (e.g. molybdenum Mo, titanium Ti, copper, Cu, etc.) added to improve its properties. With the addition of these alloying elements, stainless steel has unique corrosion resistance, high strength, aesthetics and a certain heat resistance. Since stainless steel is resistant to most oxidizing and organic acids corrosion, it performs well in a variety of environments. In addition, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, and can maintain its luster and beauty for a long time. Based on these characteristics, stainless steel is widely used in various fields such as building, kitchen equipment, machinery, chemical engineering, such as making doors and windows, railings, curtain walls, kitchen utensils and tableware,transmission components, etc.
What are 18/8, 18/10, and 18/0 stainless steel?
18/8, 18/10 and 18/0 are common markers in stainless steel and represent the chromium/nickel ratio in stainless steel. Here's a closer look at the three stainless steel options:
1. 18/8 stainless steel:
- 18/8 Stainless steel means stainless steel with 18% chromium and 8%% nickel.
- Also known as304 stainless steel, it is a common austenitic stainless steel.
- 18/8 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance and mechanical properties, suitable for all environments.
- As 18/8 stainless steel has excellent comprehensive performance, it is widely used in kitchen equipment, food processing equipment, medical devices and other fields.
2. 18/10 Stainless Steel:
- 18/10 stainless steel is stainless steel with 18% chromium and 10%% nickel.
- It is commonly considered a type of316 stainless steel(although the standard composition of 316 stainless steel may vary slightly, 18/10 is often used as an approximate identifier for 316 series stainless steel).
- 18/10 stainless steel has more nickel, better corrosion resistance and higher strength than 18/8 stainless steel.
- 18/10 stainless steel is commonly used in applications that require high corrosion resistance and strength, such as marine engineering and chemical equipment.
3. 18/0 Stainless Steel：
- 18/0 stainless steel is a stainless steel material with 18% chromium but is essentially nickel free.
- Also known as 430 Stainless Steel, it is a ferritic stainless steel.
- Compared to 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel, 18/0 stainless steel is slightly less corrosion resistance and mechanical, but more affordable.
- 18/0 stainless steel is commonly used in applications with low corrosion resistance and mechanical performance requirements, such as building decoration,household appliances, etc.
Which type is most suitable for different cooking utensils?
1. 18/8 stainless steel (304 stainless steel):
- Features: Excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance, easy to clean, good antioxidant and corrosion resistance in daily life.
- Applicability: It's versatile and affordable, making it ideal for everyday cooking utensils such as pots, pans and ovens. These cooking utensils are easy to clean and maintain while maintaining the original flavor of the food.
- Note:Chronic exposure to chlorides (e.g. seawater and salted foods) may lead to spotting. In addition, since it does not contain magnetism, it is not suitable for induction cookers.
2. 18/10 Stainless Steel:
- Features: nickel content is higher than 18/8 stainless steel, corrosion resistance and strength. It also has good glossiness and work hardening, making the cooker more durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Scope of application: 18/10 stainless steel is commonly used to produce high-end kitchen utensils, such as professional kitchen utensils, high-end tableware, etc.. It provides better heat resistance and corrosion resistance. In addition, due to the high nickel content, it has good rust resistance.
- Note:18/10 stainless steel is usually more expensive than 18/8. It made therefore necessary to weigh budget and requirements in the selection process.
3. 18/0 Stainless Steel (430 Stainless Steel):
- Features: 18% chromium, mostly nickel free. It is relatively less corrosion resistance and heat resistance, but more affordable. In addition, 18/0 stainless steel is magnetic and suitable for induction cookers.
- Applicability: Due to its rust resistance and limited heat resistance, it is often not suitable for cooking. Only after being confirmed as special heat resistant steel (non-standard material) can it be used forindustrial grade oven fittings.
- Note:Most the 18/0 labels on the market are fake and may actually be cheap ferritic steel (e.g. 430) that rusts easily and is not durable. At the same time, it contains magnetism and is therefore not suitable for use in non-magnetic stoves.
What are the advantages of 18/10 stainless steel pans compared to other stainless steel pots (such as 18/8 or 18/0)?
1. corrosion resistance:18/10 stainless steel pans with ahigh nickel content(up to 10%) can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, especially salt, acid and chloride corrosion resistance.
2. High strength and durability:The 18/10 stainless steel pans can withstand greatermechanical and thermal stressthanks to its nickel reinforcement. This makes it difficult to deform or damage during long-term use and extends the life of the cooker.
3.More extensive applicability:Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and strength, it is better suited to manufacturing high-end kitchen appliances,medical devicesand other scenarios that require high durability and safety.
What are the main factors contributing to the price difference of 18/10 stainless steel pans?
1. Raw material costs:
- nickel content is high: 18/10 stainless steel pans a nickel (Ni) content up to 10% more nickel than 18/8 stainless steel pans, directly affecting the price of basic materials.
- Ultra-low carbon requirement: 18/10 ≤ 0.03% carbon content, require to stricter smelting process control to further improve production costs.
2. Production process complexity:
- Precision machining technology: 18/10 stainless steel pans require cold rolling, polishing,weldingand other processes to ensure corrosion resistance and surface smoothness, making them more difficult to process than ordinary 18/8 products.
- Welding stability:Ultra-low carbon design requires a reduction in the risk of intergranular corrosion during welding and requires specialized equipment and process support.
3. Brand and value added:
- High-end brand positioning: Renowned brands will increase product prices through R & D investment, design patents, quality certifications (e.g. FDA, 304L certifications), and more.
- Bonus: 18/10 stainless steel cookware with double insulation and vacuum sealing will add to the cost. Lab-grade ormedical-appliance pansmust meet ultra-high cleaning standards and be expensive.
What is the difference between 18/8, 18/10, and 18/0 stainless steel?
Here is a comparison of the composition, performance and application of three stainless steel products:
| Characteristics | 18/8 stainless steel (304) | 18/10 stainless steel (304L) | 18/0 stainless steel (non-standard/ferritic) |
| Chromium (Cr) content | ≈18% | ≈18% | ≈18% |
| Nickel (Ni) content | 8% | 10% | 0% (or false labeling) |
| Carbon (C) content | ≤0.08% | ≤0.03% | Higher (characteristic of ferritic steel) |
| Corresponding international brand | 304 (such as SUS304) | 304L (ultra-low carbon) | Non standard (possibly 430 series ferrite) |
| Corrosion resistance | Moderate (resistant to weak acids/bases) | High (resistant to chloride ion corrosion) | Extremely low (easy to rust, not suitable for cooking utensils) |
| Typical use | Daily tableware and ordinary cookware | High end kitchenware andmedical equipment | Not applicable in theory (requires careful verification) |
| Price Trend | Mid to low end | High-end | Low price trap (possibly counterfeit) |
| Is it austenitic steel | correct | correct | No (actually ferritic steel) |
What are the practical application scenarios of 18/8, 18/10, and 18/0 stainless steel?
1. 18/8 stainless steel (304)
- Cutlery and kitchen utensils:18/8 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and cleanliness and is widely used in the manufacture of cutlery (such as knives, forks, spoons, bowls, plates, etc.) and kitchen utensils (such as pots, shovels, spoons, etc.).It doesn't react with food.
- Industrial applications:18/8 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance.It is widely used in chemical industry, petroleum industry, electricity industry and so on.
2. 18/10 Stainless Steel
- High quality tableware and Kitchenware:18/10 stainless steel has higher corrosion resistance and strength than 18/8 stainless steel and is better suited to making high-end cutlery and kitchen utensils such as high-end pans, pans, baking pans, wine glasses and more.
- Medical Devices: 18/10 stainless steel has good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance in medical devices.
3. 18/0 Stainless Steel (430 Stainless Steel)
- Auto parts:18/0 stainless steel can also be used in some parts of the car, such as exhaust pipes, due to its low cost and corrosion resistance.
- Home appliances:In some household appliances, such as washing machines and fridges, 18/0 stainless steel is also used as an internal component or shell material.
What technology is stainless steel generally used for in LS enterprises?
- Corrosion resistant components: such as medical equipment (surgical instruments), chemical pipelines, ship equipment, etc., requiring long-term corrosion resistance to acid and alkali.
- High-strength structural components: automotive components (brackets, connecting rods),aerospace fastenersand other components requiring high rigidity and fatigue resistance.
2.Metal 3D printing(additive manufacturing)
- Complex geometry: the useSLM (selective laser melting)or EBM (electron beam melting) techniques to create lightweight, hollowed out precision components such as turbine blades and medical device implants.
- Functional prototypes: Rapid verification of assembly performance in high temperature or high pressure environments (e.g. heat exchangers, aerospace components).
3.Rapid prototypingandsmall batch production
- Iterative development: Production of low-cost, high-fidelity stainless steel prototypes during product development to test mechanical performance or user experience.
- Customization requirements: such as art sculptures, high-end consumer goods (watches, jewelry), usingCNCor 3D printing to achieve personalized design.
Summary
The true meaning of 18/8, 18/10 and 18/0 stainless steel is that theiralloy compositionscontains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, 18% chromium and 10% nickel, respectively, and 18% chromium and almost no nickel (0% nickel usually replaces 430 stainless steel). These ratios directly determine their respective corrosion resistance, glossiness and cost-effectiveness, making 18/8 stainless steel a common ingredient in food-grade standards. 18/10 stainless steel is suitable for high-end applications with high corrosion resistance and polish, while 18/0 stainless steel is widely used for specific applications due to its low cost. In general, these three stainless steels have different properties and applications due to varying proportions of chromium and nickel. When choosing, it is necessary to weigh specific needs against the context in which they are used.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is for reference only.LSdoes not make any express or implied representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or validity of the information. No performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, material quality and type or workmanship should be inferred as to what a third party supplier or manufacturer will deliver through the Longsheng Network. It is the responsibility of the buyerseeking a quote for partsto determine the specific requirements for those parts.Pleasecontact usfor moreinformation.
LS Team
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FAQs
1. 18/10 How do stainless steel pans last longer?
The key is to clean thoroughly before the first use, to avoid empty heat and overheating, and to use the right cooking tools to avoid scratching the surface of the pan. After cooking, rinse with warm water and a soft cloth in a timely manner. Avoid harsh cleaning tools or corrosive cleaning agents. Keep the pan dry and store in a well-ventilated area. Be careful not to sprinkle salt directly on the empty pan to avoid corrosion.
2. How should nickel allergy sufferers choose?
Preference should be given to 18/0 stainless steel ceramic coated pots. This is because 18/0 stainless steel is extremely low nickel content. Therefore, choosing an 18/0 stainless steel cookware extremely low nickel content is a safer option. At the same time, product specifications and labels should be taken into account when purchasing to ensure that the selected cookware meets low or no nickel requirements.
3. Why high-end kitchen utensils usually use 18/10 stainless steel？
8/10 (304L) has high nickel content, high salt fog and acid base resistance, low carbon content, better welding stability and is suitable for professional baking molds or long-term high corrosion environments (e.g. coastal areas).
4. Does 18/0 stainless steel really exist?
Almost nonexistent. Traditional stainless steel requires nickel ≥ 8% to maintain its austenitic structure, whereas 18/0 is mainly made of rust-prone ferritic steel such as 430 series. Material proof is required at the time of purchase.
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