Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a type of metal comprised of iron, chromium and other trace elements that has properties making it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. Commonly referred to as ‘18/8’ stainless steel, this type of metal is made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The alloy was invented in 1913 by English metallurgist Harry Brearley while investigating solutions to gun barrel erosion. His discovery of an alloy that displayed outstanding resistance to corrosion ultimately enabled the widespread use of stainless steel in a variety of different industries and applications.
Today, stainless steel is widely used in construction, automotive, medical, aerospace and the food and beverage industry. It is often chosen over other metal alloys due to its ability to stand up to corrosion, its resistance to heat, and its adaptability in a variety of manufacturing processes.
Stainless steel is composed of two primary alloying elements: chromium and nickel. By adding chromium to stainless steel, it weakens the metal and increases its corrosion resistance. The more chromium present in the alloy, the greater its corrosion resistance will be. Nickel is also added to stainless steel for the purpose of increasing corrosion resistance. When it is added to stainless steel, it increases its hardness, formability and weldability.
Stainless steel is available in various forms including sheet, plate, wire, and pipe. It is produced in grades ranging from the most common type, 316 stainless steel, to higher grade alloys such as 400, 405, and 410. The most common grades available are 304 and 316.
304 stainless steel is the most widely used grade when it comes to the fabrication of components. This is because it offers good ductility and formability, as well as good corrosion resistance and heat resistance. It also has a slightly lower strength than other grades, but it Is widely used in residential and commercial applications due to its good overall performance.
316 stainless steel is the preferred grade when it comes to caustic environments that are prone to corrosion. In addition, it is possess a high strength and has excellent weldability, making it suitable for the fabrication of purging vessels, tanks, and reactors.
Stainless steel is a versatile material that is essential to many industries and applications. The alloy is highly durable and extremely resistant to corrosion and rust, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Its formability and weldability is also highly desirable, making it the go-to material for a wide range of industries.
