The main characteristics of precipitation hardening stainless specifications are the combination of the corrosion resistance of an austenitic stainless with the hardenability of a martensitic stainless.

High contents of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and nitrogen give high alloyed austenitic stainless steel grades different characteristics to those of standard austenitic specifications. 904L has similar mechanical properties to the more common austenitic grades but has superior resistance to uniform corrosion. UNS S31254 provides exceptionally good resistance to uniform corrosion combined with higher strength and mechanical properties than the more common austenitic grades.

With the average chromium content of 18% and nickel content of 8% austenitic stainless steels are sometimes referred to as 18/8 (although the actual chromium and nickel content can vary from these figures). Austenitic stainless steels are non magnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment, though they can strain harden rapidly when cold worked.

Duplex and Super Duplex stainless steel grades offer resistance to stress corrosion and crevice corrosion. They are higher strength grades than standard austenitic stainless steel specifications.