Metallurgy Interview Question:

What is the difference between Stainless steel and Alloy Steel?

Submitted by: Administrator

Stainless steels have at least 11 to 12% chromium in the alloy. Why 11 to 12% minimum you might ask? That much is required to provide a continuous layer of protective chromium oxide on the surface. Alloy steel just means that there are additional elements added to the iron-carbon. So to answer your second question; Yes, stainless steels are by definition alloy steels.
Submitted by: Administrator