Stainless steel are magnetic like carbon steel. They are problematic to weld due to grain growth in the heat affected zone which reduces ductility and may result in cracks. Increasing chromium and molybdenum contents increase corrosion resistance as it does for austenitic stainless steels, however, this high alloying results in the precipitation of embrittling intermetallic phase upon welding. These microstructural problems due to welding restrict the use of ferritic stainless steels to very thin thicknesses and thus are not used in the construction of large heavy walled vessels and tanks, and structures like austenitic stainless steels. Common ferritic grades are: Type AISI
Corrugated stainless steel tubing and FAC tubing does not have a plastic sheath. On FAC tubing the corrugations are visible. CSST’s plastic sheath covers its corrugations. CSST is used as an alternative to the older standard “black iron” (steel) gas pipe. The inner stainless steel layer of typical residential CSST is .2 to .3 mm thick while the wall thickness of typical residential “black iron” gas pipe is 3 to 4 mm thick. CSST is more expensive than “black iron” gas pipe. However, CSST requires fewer joints, may be safer during earthquakes, and may be easier to install. CSST is alleged to have an