Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

What is the designation for stainless steel that contains nickel and chromium?

1. Martensitic stainless steel

2. Austenitic stainless steel

3. Ferritic stainless steel

4. Duplex stainless steel

The correct answer is: Austenitic stainless steel

The designation for stainless steel that contains nickel and chromium is austenitic stainless steel. This type of stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and is characterized by its high nickel content, which enhances its ductility and formability. The presence of chromium provides a protective layer that helps resist oxidation and corrosion in various environments. Austenitic stainless steels typically have a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which contributes to their toughness and stability at both low and high temperatures. This structure allows for significant cold working capabilities, making austenitic grades ideal for a wide variety of applications in the food, chemical, and medical industries, among others. Other types of stainless steel, such as martensitic, ferritic, and duplex, have different compositions and properties. Martensitic stainless steels primarily contain higher levels of carbon and are known for their high strength and hardness; they may not have the same level of corrosion resistance as austenitic types. Ferritic stainless steels generally have lower nickel content and are characterized by their magnetic properties and better resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Duplex stainless steels have a mixed microstructure of both austenitic and ferritic phases, which gives them a combination of the beneficial properties of both types but still differs from the