Proof strength
Rp0.2 or yield strength establishes the onset of permanent deformation under the stated method.
Technical guide
Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties Chart
Mechanical properties belong to a specific grade, product form, thickness, condition and test direction. Use a chart to screen options, then purchase against the governing product standard and certificate.
Core valuesProof strength, tensile strength, elongation
Critical contextProduct and condition
Acceptance proofStandard plus MTC
Decision summary
Read every value with its material condition
The same grade name can cover annealed sheet, cold-worked strip, bar or welded pipe with different property requirements.
Tensile strength
Rm is the maximum engineering stress in the tensile test, not a design allowable.
Elongation
Depends on gauge length, specimen geometry, thickness and orientation.
Hardness
Can support condition checks, but the scale and test method must be stated.
Cold work
Usually raises strength and lowers ductility; the delivered temper must be controlled.
Temperature
Room-temperature values do not establish cryogenic or elevated-temperature performance.
Reference table
Selected room-temperature flat-product properties
These are compact screening values from cited EN-oriented technical tables. Thickness ranges, orientation, finish and standard footnotes apply.
| Grade / EN number | Condition basis | 0.2% proof strength MPa min. | Tensile strength MPa | Elongation % min. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304L / 1.4307 | Solution annealed flat product | 200 | 500-700 | 45 |
| 316L / 1.4404 | Solution annealed flat product | 200 | 500-700 | 40 |
| 321 / 1.4541 | Solution annealed flat product | 200 | 500-700 | 40 |
| 430 / 1.4016 | Annealed flat product | 260 | 450-600 | 20 |
| 2205 / 1.4462 | Solution annealed duplex flat product | 460 | 640-840 | 25 |
| 2507 / 1.4410 | Solution annealed super duplex flat product | 550 | 750-930 | 25 |
The cited source tables are for flat products and selected thickness ranges. They must not be copied to bar, pipe, tube, castings or cold-worked tempers without checking the applicable product specification.
Working method
Turn a property chart into a purchase requirement
The property number becomes auditable only when its scope and test basis are defined.
Fix grade and product standard
State designation system, product form, standard and edition.
Define condition and geometry
Specify annealed, solution annealed, cold-worked or heat-treated condition plus thickness.
Set test details
Identify method, direction, specimen, temperature, sampling and retest rules.
Require traceable results
Tie chemistry and mechanical results to heat, lot and material markings on the MTC.
Limits and escalation
Avoid false grade comparisons
Minimum is not typical
A specification minimum is an acceptance threshold, not the expected result for every heat.
Strength is not allowable stress
Design codes apply factors, temperature data, weld effects and service rules.
Product forms differ
A sheet property table cannot automatically qualify bar or pipe.
Ductility needs context
Elongation changes with specimen dimensions, direction and gauge length.
Interactive planning aid
Compare a selected grade profile
Select a grade to display the compact flat-product screening values. Confirm the actual standard and thickness range before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Stainless steel mechanical properties FAQ
No. Product form, thickness, standard, condition and test direction can change requirements and results.
Proof or yield strength marks the onset of permanent deformation; tensile strength is the maximum engineering stress reached in the tensile test.
No. Use the governing design code and its temperature-dependent allowable values and factors.
Cold deformation increases dislocation density and strength, usually while reducing ductility. The exact temper must be specified.
Method, sources and review
Traceable sources and review status
Industry-hosted chemical, physical and mechanical tables for selected stainless flat products.
Industry overview and links to flat-product property tables.
Producer data for common austenitic and ferritic grades.
Producer information for duplex and high-strength stainless grades.
Values are a screening extract, not a certificate or universal specification. The ordered product standard, edition, dimensions, condition and test report govern acceptance.
Mechanical property context
Read the property value with the test method and material condition.
Mechanical properties depend on grade, product form, heat treatment, direction, test temperature and the governing specification. A chart does not replace the required acceptance basis.
- Material condition
- Test method
- Acceptance range
Visual process context
Make the tested form and the acceptance evidence visible together.
Reserve one image for the material or specimen condition and another for the relevant test or inspection record.
Engineering and sourcing support
Request stainless with mechanical requirements traceable
Send grade, product standard, form, thickness, condition, required properties, test direction, MTC type, quantity and destination.