Description / Abstract: Material Description. The material described in this specification includes both ferritic and austenitic grades of stainless steel for use in automotive trim. Stainless steels are selected primarily for their resistance to cosmetic corrosion. This corrosion may come in multiple forms: General (surface becomes brown-appearing overall or in stained areas, and can be cleaned with polish), or Pitting (highly localized small spots, often surrounded by rust "bulls-eye", and cannot be permanently cleaned by polish). Also, intergranular corrosion may affect structural integrity with only minor visible change. Resistance to general corrosion is proportional to the percent chromium content. Resistance to pitting corrosion is proportional not only to chromium but also (more strongly) to percent molybdenum content. Intergranular corrosion only occurs in weld heat affected zones and is reduced when carbon content is reduced; thus, only "L" (low carbon) grade material may be used for welded applications. Stainless types that are titanium–stabilized for intergranular corrosion resistance will have visible dark spots/streaks and are not recommended for the cosmetic applications covered by this specification.

Applicability. Interior or exterior bright metal trim.

Remarks. Refer to Table 1 for material identification.