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Austenitic steels are a category of stainless steel characterized by their high corrosion resistance, primarily due to the presence of 16-26% chromium and up to 35% nickel. These steels have a face-centered cubic crystal structure known as austenite, which is formed when iron is heated above 910°C (1,670°F).12

Key properties of austenitic steels include:
* High Corrosion Resistance: They are the most resistant to corrosion among stainless steel types.13
* Non-magnetic: They do not respond to magnetic fields.13
* Not Hardenable by Heat Treatment: Their hardness cannot be increased through typical heat treatment processes.1

The most common grade is 18/8 (or 304), containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Austenitic steels are widely used in applications such as aircraft components, and in the dairy and food-processing industries. Some specialized austenitic steels, containing high levels of carbon and manganese, exhibit exceptional wear resistance due to their ability to work-harden significantly under impact.14

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