British Stainless Steel Gauge (4)

Stainless steels are the most widely used and versatile materials in today’s industrial scene. Developed in Europe, they are today used in all the countries of the world in a wide range of applications.

Stainless steels are defined as ferrous alloys that contain a minimum of 10-1/2 percent Chrome (Cr) and a maximum of 1-1/2 percent Carbon (C). Most alloys also contain a combination of other elements, such as Nickel (Ni) and Molybdenum (Mo). Chromium, the element that makes stainless steel stainless, increases its corrosion resistance, strength, and ductility.

There are several grades of stainless steels, based on their composition of elements and their properties. The most commonly used grades are austenitic types such as 302, 304 and 316. Austenitic grades are used for their corrosion resistance, but may also be given increased strength and ductility with other additions such as nitrogen. Over time, the chrome in the steel is depleted and the material becomes less corrosion resistant.

Ferritic stainless steels provide mechanical properties similar to carbon steels, but with more corrosion resistance. They are magnetic and are used in applications such as low cost cookware, washing machines and racing exhaust systems. Martensitic stainless steels are hardenable and strong, with good abrasion and corrosion resistance. They can be formed at room temperature and don’t require heat treatments.

Stainless steel is also used in a variety of applications where no other material can match its combination of properties. These applications include structural components, food processing equipment, kitchen sinks, environmental protection equipment and medical instruments.

Stainless steels also have excellent welding properties, which makes them ideal for a variety of products, such as furnaces and boilers, catalytic converters, bridge and building structures, furniture, offshore oil platforms and chemical plants.

Due to their numerous advantages, stainless steels are used in a wide range of settings. From appliances to medical instruments, they are indispensable. Furthermore, they have a place in the future of manufacturing and engineering, as new applications and grades of stainless steels are developed to meet growing demands. Thus, stainless steels are among the most versatile and useful materials available, both today and in the future.

Stainless Steel is an alloy of steel and chromium which, when exposed to oxygen, forms an acid-resistant chromium-rich film on its surface which prevents it from further oxidation. This makes stainless steel a desirable material for many projects, especially those that are exposed to heat, humidity or other corrosive elements.

The most common stainless steel grades in the UK are the 304 and 316, known as the austenitic grades of stainless steel. Both of these grades are popular due to their excellent corrosion resistance, especially when exposed to a variety of environments. The main difference between 304 and 316 is the amount of carbon present. In 304, the amount of carbon is lower than in 316 and this results in a softer material that is also less resistant to corrosion.

The noted 422 grade of alloy steel is also used in the UK and is known for both its high corrosion resistance and high strength properties. Other grades such as 321 and 420 are also used for their good corrosion resistance and for specialised applications.

At present, the UK has adopted the European Standard (EN) for the designations of stainless steel grades. This gives the designation as either a number (eg. 304/1.4301) or a letter and number (eg. EN 316L/1.4404). This provides a reliable way for manufacturers to identify the grade and properties of each stainless steel grade.

In summary, stainless steel is a desirable material to work with due to its corrosion resistance and strength. The most common grades of stainless steel used in the UK are 304 and 316, along with the lesser-known 422 grade of alloy steel. All stainless steel grades are listed according to the European Standard, which provides an easy way to identify each grade.