Stainless steel is an iron alloy with a minimum chromium content of 10.5%. The chromium content produces a thin chromium oxide film on the steel’s surface called a passivation layer. This layer prevents corrosion from occurring on the steel surface; the greater the amount of chromium in the steel, the greater the corrosion resistance.

Once stainless steel is installed, it does not need to be treated, coated, or painted. Besides corrosion resistance, stainless steel is known for its:

Recyclability – Stainless steel is highly recyclable, with a recycling rate of over 90%. This eco-friendly characteristic reduces waste and conserves resources, making it a sustainable choice for various applications.

Low magnetic permeability – Stainless steel’s low magnetic permeability makes it suitable for use in sensitive electronic and medical equipment, as it does not interfere with magnetic fields.

Easy fabrication – Stainless steel’s malleability and formability simplify fabrication processes, allowing for intricate designs and versatile applications in the construction, architecture, and automotive industries.

Long life cycle – Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and durability contribute to its exceptionally long life cycle, reducing replacement and maintenance costs in infrastructure and machinery.

Visual appearance – Stainless steel’s polished and lustrous surface provides an attractive aesthetic, making it a favored material in architectural design, interior décor, and consumer products.

Durability – Stainless steel’s robustness ensures it can withstand harsh environments, from industrial settings to outdoor structures, maintaining its structural integrity and appearance over time.

Stainless steel also contains varied amounts of other elements, such as carbon, silicon and manganese. Other elements can be added to increase corrosion resistance (nickel) and formability (molybdenum). The exact composition is strictly measured and assessed throughout the alloying process to ensure the steel demonstrates the required qualities.

Types of Stainless Steel

There are more than 100 grades of stainless steel – most are classified into five groups in the family of stainless steel:

Austenitic – Austenitic stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic, making it suitable for applications like kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and medical devices due to its excellent formability and toughness.

Ferritic – Ferritic stainless steel is known for its magnetic properties and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for automotive exhaust systems, architectural trim, and kitchenware.

Martensitic – Martensitic stainless steel combines corrosion resistance with high strength and hardness, making it a choice for cutlery, knives, and aerospace components.

Duplex – Duplex stainless steel offers a balanced combination of corrosion resistance and strength, making it suitable for chemical processing, oil and gas, and marine applications.

Precipitation-hardening – Precipitation-hardening stainless steel can be strengthened through heat treatment, offering exceptional strength and durability, commonly used in aerospace, nuclear, and high-performance applications.

Stainless steel also comes in many different shapes and dimensions. You can have everything from stainless steel tubing and stainless steel pipes to a stainless steel bar and stainless steel sheet.

Depending on which grade or shape is being produced, a piece of stainless steel may undergo processing steps multiple times before reaching the desired appearance or characteristics. The most common procedures include hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing, descaling/pickling, cutting, and finishing.

Stainless Steel Applications

Unlike ordinary steel, stainless isn’t prone to corrosion, rusting or staining from water exposure – giving it many versatile applications.

Construction – Stainless steel is used for architectural elements, structural components, cladding, and roofing due to its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. A good quality piece of stainless steel is a buffer against the damaging effects of wind and water, maintaining safety and stability.

Kitchen Appliances – Sinks, cookware, refrigerators, and countertops benefit from stainless steel’s hygiene, durability, and easy-to-clean surface.

Medical Equipment – Surgical instruments, medical devices, and hospital infrastructure rely on stainless steel for its non-reactivity, corrosion resistance, and sterilization capabilities.

Transportation – Automotive parts, aircraft components, and marine equipment use stainless steel for its strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties.

Food Processing – Stainless steel is crucial for processing equipment, storage tanks, and utensils in the food industry due to its hygienic properties.

Energy and Utilities – Power plants, pipelines, and oil refineries use stainless steel for its resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Chemical Processing – Stainless steel vessels, pipes, and fittings are essential for handling corrosive chemicals safely and efficiently.

Pharmaceuticals – Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment requires stainless steel for its sanitary properties and resistance to contamination.

Automotive – Exhaust systems, decorative trim, and structural components in automobiles benefit from stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and strength.

Aerospace – Aircraft parts, such as engine components and structural elements, rely on stainless steel for its high strength-to-weight ratio.

Marine – Boats, shipbuilding, and offshore platforms use stainless steel for its resistance to seawater corrosion.

Consumer Goods – Stainless steel materials are used in everyday items like cutlery, jewelry, watches, and eyeglass frames due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Architectural Design – Stainless steel is a favourite material for architectural features, sculptures, and building facades for its modern, clean look.

Renewable Energy – Solar panel frames, wind turbine components, and geothermal installations utilize stainless steel for its resistance to environmental exposure.

Water Treatment – Stainless steel is used for water tanks, pipes, and filtration systems in water treatment plants.

Defense – Since WW2, stainless steel has also played a key role in the defense sector. It is found everywhere, from the springs in tanks to the fuel lines carrying vehicle exhausts.

As stainless steel suppliers, our commitment is to provide top-quality stainless steel products that empower construction, healthcare, automotive, and countless other sectors to thrive. Shop stainless steel online or visit your closest Metal Supermarkets store.