Automotive

Stainless steel in vehicles falls into two groups: heat-resistant (exhaust) and decorative. Grade systems and acceptance criteria differ. Mixing them up costs you either money or failure.

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Typical Parts and Material Selection

Part	Grade	Surface / Size	Key Considerations
Exhaust Manifold / Downpipe	409 / 441	2B / 1D, 1.2–2.0 mm	High-temperature oxidation, thermal fatigue
Exhaust Pipe / Tailpipe	409 / 436L	8–1.5 mm	Condensate corrosion
Trim / Bright Forming	304 / 430	BA / 8K, 0.3–0.8 mm	Surface grade, no cracking on bending
Fuel Tank / Brackets	304 / 441	0–2.0 mm	Formability, spot weldability
Seat Frame	301 / 304	High-strength sheet 0.5–1.2 mm	Yield ratio, fatigue

These are typical configurations.Actual selection depends on the medium, temperature, and welding method.— The same part may shift from 304 to 316L or 2205; describing the service conditions is far more useful than naming a grade.

Three Practical Limits in This Industry

Exhaust Is Not "the More Expensive, the Better"

409 is titanium-stabilized, inexpensive, and sufficient; 441 adds Nb+Ti for higher heat resistance. Two common mistakes: 304 in exhaust cracks at welds due to thermal expansion, and 409 scales in hot sections.

Formability Depends on the r Value, Not Hardness

Trim parts need high r and low Δr. The same grade from different rolling schedules behaves very differently — always run a trial forming before production lots. Don't rely on the mill certificate alone.

Electrode Life Sets the Takt Time

Stainless steel has high resistance and low conductivity, so spot welding electrodes wear quickly. Plan electrode changes by weld count, and control oil film and incoming material roughness.