What types of stainless steel are used for automobile trim and cutlery?

In the context of chromium processing and the manufacture of stainless steel, specific grades are utilized for automobile trim and cutlery based on their metallurgical properties:

• Automobile Trim: Ferritic stainless steels are typically used for automotive trim. These nickel-free alloys generally contain between 10.5 and 27 percent chromium, with specific varieties containing 17 to 18 percent chromium being common for this application. Because of their low carbon content, they are not hardenable by heat treatment and are valued for their corrosion resistance in these less critical applications.12

• Cutlery: Martensitic stainless steels are the primary choice for cutlery, including table and trade knives. These steels typically contain 11.5 to 18 percent chromium and up to 1.2 percent carbon. The higher carbon content allows the steel to be hardened by heat treatment, which is essential for achieving and retaining a sharp cutting edge.1342