Austenitic stainless steels make up about 60% of the world’s stainless steel production. They contain a maximum of 0.15% carbon (C), a minimum of 16% chromium (Cr), and sufficient amounts of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) to stabilize the austenitic phase structure. The most well-known grade is AISI 304. Due to their phase structure, they are non-magnetic and cannot be heat-treated. They exhibit high ductility and can be hardened by rolling processes. Their corrosion resistance is excellent, and they are machinable and weldable. They have an FCC (Face Centered Cubic) crystal structure. It is difficult to draw sharp boundaries for their applications as they are used in a wide range of fields, from durable consumer goods like white goods to the petrochemical industry. Super-austenitic stainless steels, due to their high alloy composition, come with very high costs.

Common Austenitic grades include:
AISI 303 (1.4305), AISI 304 (1.4301), AISI 304L (1.4307), AISI 316 (1.4401), AISI 316L (1.4404), AISI 316Ti (1.4571), AISI 321 (1.4541), AISI 310/310S (1.4845), AISI 316LMo (1.4435)

Super Austenitic grade:
AISI 904L (1.4439)