It is the quality with the best malleability feature among the austenitics. Its malleability capability is around 78% and it is named as the automat of stainless steel. Although the sulfur (S) addition improves its malleability, it also reduces corrosion resistance (lower than 304) and weakens its formability, it is especially not suitable for straight bending. Despite sulfur, its toughness degree is the same as 304
420 quality stainless steel can be hardened by many heat treatments like high carbon steel. It contains at least 12% chromium (Cr) and this alloy is sufficient for corrosion resistance. It has good softness in annealed condition, but it has the ability to get 50 Rockwell hardness by heat treatment. For best corrosion resistance it must be hardened and gets it surface cleaned or polished.
304 quality is the most commonly, and in a versatile way, used stainless steel in the world. It has ability to be perfectly shaped and welding capability. Austenitic structure of 304 provides to perform deep drawing without intermediate annealing, and therefore, it is preferred in manufacturing which requires deep drawing such as sink, natural gas chimneys and saucepan. It can be used for various purposes in sectors such as industry, architecture, transportation.