The aerospace industry demands materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, high pressures, and corrosive environments—all while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing weight. Among the metals used in aviation and space applications, stainless steel holds a critical position due to its unique balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and formability.
In this article, we’ll explore the properties and advantages of stainless steel in aerospace, its typical applications, and why engineers continue to rely on it for safety-critical systems. Presented by sasaalloy, your dependable source for high-performance stainless steel alloys engineered for aerospace excellence.
Stainless steel is an alloy primarily made of iron, chromium (minimum 10.5%), and other elements like nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. This composition allows the material to form a passive layer that protects it from oxidation and corrosion, even under harsh environmental conditions.
For aerospace, stainless steel offers a rare combination of the following:
High tensile strength
Resistance to corrosion and heat
Fatigue and creep resistance
Workability and weldability
Fire and oxidation resistance
These properties make stainless steel an ideal choice for both structural and non-structural aerospace applications.
Aircraft components experience repeated cycles of stress and vibration. Stainless steel’s high yield strength and fatigue resistance make it suitable for load-bearing applications like landing gear, engine parts, and fasteners.
At high altitudes and in space, materials face moisture, de-icing fluids, salt air, and harsh chemicals. Stainless steel is highly resistant to both general and localized corrosion (pitting and crevice), which ensures long-term reliability.
Jet engines and hypersonic applications generate extreme heat. Austenitic stainless steels, such as 304, 316, and 321, maintain strength and oxidation resistance even above 600°C. Precipitation-hardened grades like 17-4PH perform exceptionally well under both heat and stress.
Stainless steel is easily machined, welded, and formed, allowing for complex shapes and custom designs. This is crucial in aerospace, where parts must meet tight tolerances and performance standards.
Unlike many lightweight alloys, stainless steel can resist deformation (creep) and retain strength under prolonged heat exposure, making it suitable for fire-critical components.
Several stainless steel grades are favored in aerospace for their specific performance characteristics:
304/316: General corrosion resistance, used in interiors and low-stress parts
321: Stabilized with titanium to resist intergranular corrosion at high temperatures
347: Similar to 321 but stabilized with niobium
17-4PH (AISI 630): Precipitation-hardened stainless steel with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance
15-5PH: High-strength alternative to 17-4PH with better toughness
A286: Iron-nickel-chromium alloy with excellent oxidation resistance up to 700°C
At sasaalloy, we stock and supply aerospace-approved stainless steel grades with full traceability and certification for critical applications.
Stainless steel is used in:
Turbine blades
Combustion chambers
Exhaust ducts
Seals and heat shields
These components operate under extreme heat and pressure, making stainless steel’s thermal and fatigue resistance essential.
Landing gear
Hydraulic tubing
Brackets and support frames
Stainless steel’s combination of strength and impact resistance enhances structural safety during takeoff, flight, and landing.
Stainless steel fasteners maintain integrity under stress and temperature changes, while springs made from stainless steel offer long-lasting elasticity and corrosion resistance.
Due to its chemical resistance, stainless steel is used in:
Fuel tanks and pipes
Hydraulic lines
Connectors and valves
These parts must operate safely under both pressure and chemical exposure.
Stainless steel is also used in interior panels, seat frames, tray tables, and galleys for hygiene, fire safety, and aesthetic appeal.
Reliability: Withstands mechanical, thermal, and chemical stress
Longevity: Durable and corrosion-resistant in demanding conditions
Weight Optimization: Though heavier than aluminum or titanium, high-strength stainless grades allow for thinner, lighter designs
Fire Safety: Does not ignite or propagate flames, essential for cabin safety
Recyclability: Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, supporting sustainable aerospace practices
These benefits make stainless steel a trusted material in every generation of aircraft design.
As aerospace technology evolves—especially with the rise of space exploration, electric aircraft, and hypersonic travel—the role of stainless steel is expected to expand. Engineers are now developing next-generation stainless alloys with improved creep resistance, weldability, and strength-to-weight ratios to meet these future challenges.
At sasaalloy, we work closely with aerospace manufacturers and R&D teams to provide customized stainless solutions for both traditional and emerging aerospace technologies.
From high-pressure turbines to interior finishes, stainless steel remains a cornerstone material in the aerospace industry. Its unmatched combination of mechanical strength, heat resistance, and corrosion durability ensures safety, efficiency, and performance at every altitude.
Whether you need aerospace-grade stainless sheets, rods, tubes, or fasteners, sasaalloy delivers precision-engineered materials backed by certifications and expert technical support. Trust sasaalloy to keep your aerospace project flying high—safely, reliably, and efficiently.