Contents
18/0 Stainless Steel: Definition, Composition, Properties, Pros & Cons, Applications and More
- John
What Is 18/0 Stainless Steel?
18/0 stainless steel (also known as 430) is a ferritic stainless steel grade with a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure, primarily composed of 18% chromium and 0% nickel. This steel conforms to the ASTM A240 standard and is equivalent to 430 (AISI) and 1.4016 (EN). It has good oxidation and corrosion resistance, particularly in mildly corrosive environments. It is widely used in kitchen utensils, sinks, and appliances. 18/0 stainless steel can be processed through hot-rolling and cold-rolling.
What Does 18/10 Stainless Steel Mean?
18/0 stainless steel refers to a type of stainless steel alloy that contains 18% chromium and 0% nickel. Inox 18/0 refers to the same material—”Inox” is short for “inoxydable,” derived from the French (meaning “non-oxidizing”), the same as stainless steel.
Chemical Composition of 18/0 Stainless Steel
Check the table below for the chemical composition of 18/0 stainless steel:
| Iron, Fe | Chromium, Cr | Manganese, Mn | Silicon, Si | Carbon, C | Phosphorus, P | Sulfur, S | Nickel, Ni |
| Balance | 16-18% | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 0.12% | ≤ 0.04% | ≤ 0.03% | 0% |
How Is 18/0 Stainless Steel Manufactured?
18/0 stainless steel is produced by melting iron ore, chromium, and carbon in a furnace. This molten mixture is cast into slabs, which are then reheated and hot rolled to reduce thickness. The steel is annealed by slowly heating and cooling it to make it softer and more workable. After annealing, it is cold-rolled to reduce thickness further and improve the surface finish. Finally, the steel undergoes pickling to remove impurities. These core steps produce high-quality 18/0 stainless steel suitable for various applications. Optional polishing and coating can enhance the final product.
Hard to Weld
18/0 stainless steel is hard to weld because it does not contain nickel, which is important for ductility and corrosion resistance. This makes it less flexible and more likely to crack under heat.
In contrast, 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel have higher nickel content. This makes them easier to weld. They are more resistant to heat and less likely to crack. The added nickel also improves their overall performance and durability in welded joints.
Not Hardenable by Heat Treatment
18/0 is a type of ferritic stainless steel that has a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. This structure is stable and does not form hardening phases during heat treatment as that occurs in martensitic stainless steel. Instead, 18/0 stainless steel achieves its hardness and strength from cold working. This means it’s strengthened through mechanical processing like rolling or forging at room temperature.
Very low levels of carbon are another reason why 18/0 cannot be hardened through heat treatment. Carbon is a crucial element for hardening in many steels, as it forms hardening phases such as carbides or martensite. The steel typically needs to contain above 0.3% carbon content to form martensite when rapidly quenched from a high temperature. 18/0 stainless steel, with a maximum carbon content of 0.12%, lacks the components necessary for these transformations.
Properties of 18/0 Stainless Steel
Here are three major reasons that make 18/0 stainless steel unique:
- Magnetic due to its high iron content.
- Offers good resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for kitchenware.
- Easily formable and can be shaped into various products without losing its strength.
Physical Properties
Check the table below for the core physical properties of 18/0 stainless steel:
| Property | Typical Value | Performance |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³) | High density, providing good structural strength |
| Melting Point | 1425 – 1510 °C (2600-2750°F) | High melting point, offering excellent heat resistance |
| Thermal Conductivity (100°C) | 26.1 W/m·K (15.08 BTU/hr·ft·°F) | Moderate thermal conductivity, suitable for kitchenware |
| CTE, Linear (20℃) | 10.4 µm/m·°C (5.78 µin/in·°F) | Low thermal expansion, ensuring dimensional stability |
| Specific Heat Capacity (0-100°C) | 460 J/kg·K (0.11 BTU/lb·°F) | Moderate; potential for temperature regulation, not as good in rapid heating or cooling processes compared to other materials |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.4 % IACS | Low electrical conductivity, typical for stainless steel |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic | Magnetic, useful in certain applications |
Mechanical Properties
Check the table below for the core mechanical properties of 18/0 stainless steel:
| Mechanical Property | 18/0 | Performance |
| Tensile Strength | 517 MPa (75 ksi) | Sufficient strength for kitchenware and appliances; not as strong as higher-grade stainless steel |
| Yield Strength | 345 MPa (50 ksi) | Moderate flexibility; suitable for general forming and bending applications |
| Brinell Hardness | 185 HB | Adequate hardness; resists surface wear in everyday use |
| Rockwell Hardness | 85 HRB | |
| Vickers Hardness | 200 HV | |
| Elongation at Break | 20-30% | Good ductility; allows for shaping into various forms without cracking |
| Young’s Modulus | 200 GPa (29 msi) | High stiffness; maintains shape and structural integrity under load |
Chemical Properties
Check the table below for the core chemical properties of 18/0 stainless steel:
| Chemical Property | Description | Performance |
| Corrosion Resistance | Ability to withstand damage caused by oxidation or other chemical reactions | Moderate; less resistant than 304 stainless steel |
| pH Sensitivity | Measure of how the material reacts to different pH levels | Low; stable in neutral and mild environments |
| Reactivity | Tendency of the material to undergo chemical reactions | Low; does not react easily |
| Oxidation Resistance | Ability to resist being oxidized or reacting with oxygen | Moderate; less resistant than 304 stainless steel |
| Passivation | Formation of a protective layer to prevent further corrosion | Moderate; passivation is less effective than 304 |
| Combustibility | Ability to catch fire and burn | Non-combustible |
| Flammability | Measure of how easily the material ignites and sustains a flame | Non-flammable |
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of 18/0 Stainless Steel?
Here are the advantages and benefits of 18/0 stainless steel:
- No nickel content, beneficial for individuals with nickel allergies.
- Cost-effective, generally less expensive than other types.
- Offers decent corrosion resistance, especially in dry environments.
- Magnetic, useful for certain applications like magnetic knife holders.
- The aesthetic appeal provides a sleek and modern look with a high-quality finish.
The disadvantages and limitations of 18/0 stainless steel are listed below:
- Lower Corrosion Resistance than 18/8 or 18/10, especially in wet or salty environments.
- Less durable and more prone to scratching and denting than higher-grade stainless steel.
- Limited applications, not suitable for heavy-duty or high-moisture environments.
- May lose its shine and aesthetic appeal faster than other stainless steel types.
- Become brittle and less reliable in very low-temperature conditions.
Common Applications of 18/0 Stainless Steel
18/0 stainless steel is widely used in household items due to its affordability and practicality. It is common in flatware like forks, knives, and spoons, as well as kitchenware such as ladles, slotted spoons, and serving tongs. Baking sheets and trays benefit from its ability to handle dry environments. Its magnetic properties make it ideal for magnetic knife holders and other kitchen accessories, making it a versatile choice in many kitchens.
Can You Cook With 18/0 Stainless Steel?
While 18/0 stainless steel can be used for cooking, it’s better suited for flatware and bakeware due to its lower corrosion resistance and durability. It is generally safe for cooking under normal conditions, but in high-heat or acidic environments, small amounts of chromium and nickel might leach into food. Higher grades like 18/8 or 18/10 are preferred for better corrosion resistance and safety.
Is 18/0 the Best Grade of Stainless Steel for Flatware?
No, 18/0 is not the best grade for flatware; higher grades like 18/8 or 18/10 offer better corrosion resistance and durability.
Can 18/0 Stainless Steel Go in the Dishwasher?
Yes, 18/0 stainless steel can go in the dishwasher, but it may lose its shine over time.
Comparison Between 18/0 vs 18/8 vs 18/10 Stainless Steel
Check the table below for a quick comparison between the three:
| Property | 18/0 | 18/8 | 18/10 |
| Type | Ferritic | Austenitic | Austenitic |
| Crystal Structure | BCC (Body-Centered Cubic) | FCC (Face-Centered Cubic) | FCC (Face-Centered Cubic) |
| Chemical Composition | Cr: 16-18%, Ni: ≤0.5% | Cr: 18-20%, Ni: 8-10.5% | Cr: ≤18%, Mo: ≤3%, Ni: ≤14% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Low | Moderate | High |
| Strength | Moderate | High | Higher |
| Hardness | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Weldability | Poor | Good | Good |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic | Non-magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Applications | Basic kitchen utensils, sinks, appliances | Cookware, general kitchen equipment | High-end cookware, surgical tools, premium kitchenware |
What You Might Also Concern
Now that you have a deeper understanding of 18/0 stainless steel, there are still some common issues that deserve your attention：
Is 18/0 Stainless Steel Good?
Yes, 18/0 stainless steel is durable and resistant to rust, but it lacks nickel, so it may be less corrosion-resistant and not as shiny compared to 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel. It’s commonly used for budget-friendly flatware.
Which Is Better? 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10?
18/10 (316) stainless steel is generally the best choice as it is the most durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, with a long-lasting polished finish. 18/8 (304) Stainless Steel is a more economical alternative to 18/10 that balances performance and price. While 18/0 (430) stainless steel is the least durable and least expensive of the three, its magnetic properties make it useful for certain applications.
Related Reading
18/0 vs 18/10 Stainless Steel
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel (18/8 vs 18/10)
Does 18/0 Flatware Rust?
Yes, 18/0 flatware can rust over time, particularly when exposed to moisture or salty environments, due to its lack of nickel content, which affects its corrosion resistance.
Related Reading
Will Stainless Steel Rust and How Can You Solve It?
Is 18/0 Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Yes, 18/0 stainless steel is magnetic because it doesn’t contain nickel and has a ferritic structure.
In simpler terms, the ferritic structure, which is mainly composed of iron atoms, allows the material to be magnetic. Nickel, typically found in other types of stainless steel like 18/8, alters the atomic structure into an austenitic, non-magnetic structure. Since 18/0 stainless steel has no nickel, it keeps its magnetic properties.
Related Reading
Is Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Is 18/0 Stainless Steel Safe?
Yes, 18/0 stainless steel is generally safe for use in cookware and utensils. It contains no nickel, which makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, it may be more prone to corrosion compared to other grades like 18/8 or 18/10.
How Do You Clean 18/0 Stainless Steel?
Use mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly to prevent rust. For stubborn stains, apply a baking soda paste or use a stainless steel cleaner. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Regular cleaning and prompt drying can help maintain the appearance and prevent rusting.
Related Reading
How to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel?
Summary & Furthermore
This article briefly explains the definition, composition, properties, advantages and disadvantages, applications, and other important aspects of 18/0 stainless steel. To learn more about stainless steel or other steel types, check out our blog or contact our metal experts.
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