What is stainless steel?

Stainless Steel are alloys that are made up of iron and generally contain around 11.5% chromium. The addition chromium allows the alloy to form a protective self-healing oxide film, thereby making them resistant to corrosion and oxidation even at extremely high temperatures. Stainless steel is used for making products across many fields due to this feature. For obtaining special properties, nickel and other elements can be added to this alloy.

Stainless steel does not promptly consume, rust or stain with water as ordinary steel does. It is not completely stain proof in low-oxygen, high-saltiness, or poor air-flow situations. There are distinctive evaluations and surface completions of stainless steel to suit the environment the amalgam must persevere. Stainless steel is utilized where both the properties of steel and corrosion resistance are required.

Various types or grades of Stainless steel are available as per different needs. These grades differ from each other by a few components. All of the grades, type 304 stainless steel is the most commonly used material which has application in making corrosive resistant pipes, in chemical plants, refineries, paper mills, and food processing industries. Similar to type 304, is another grade known as type 304L. The two are almost the same, except that 304L has 0.03% more carbon content.

The grade called as Type 318 is even better at protecting materials from pitting than other chromium nickel alloys. It is so, because it contains 2% to 3% molybdenum. This grade is highly useful at places where acids, sulphur water, seawater or halogen salts are encountered. Type 316 of Stainless steel is highly valuable and is used in the sulphite paper industry and for manufacturing chemical plant apparatus, photographic equipment, and plastics. Similar to Type 304L, type 316L holds a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. It is used in welded assemblies without the need of final heat treatment due to this.

Stainless steel is popular due to its excellent favourable properties such as:

Excellent resistance to corrosion-- The excellent capability of stainless steel to provide more resistance towards oxidation by water and biocides results in a longer life time.

Protection against corrosion -- Stainless steel does not need to have an internal and external coating or cathodic protection. As a result, system costs are highly reduced and it is more compatible with the environment.

Hygienic material- It is highly inert in water because of its very high passive film stability. This makes leaching of alloying elements (Cr and Ni) possible within safe limits and a result, they provide a better quality of drinking water.

Good strength and ductility – Stainless steel is much stronger and has higher mechanical properties when compared to carbon steel and cast iron pipes. Due to this, there is the reduction in the wall thickness of the pipe and in turn it reduces investment costs.

Ease of fabrication – Stainless steel is a highly adaptable material with ease of forming, machining and welding, combined with their good ductility that allows pipelines to be easily installed and modified.

Ease of maintenance – Stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and easy welding capability, thereby reducing water leaks drastically. This, in turn, results in higher cost savings.

Excellent durability – Due to its resistance against crevice corrosion and cavitations, Stainless steel wears off less in pure and polluted waters and even in the atmosphere. It is thus convenient and cost friendly material for long term use and is even eco-friendly.

Recyclable – Stainless steel can be easily recycled up to a 100% and a part of their initial cost can be recovered due to this process.

Due to an extremely high consumption of stainless steel all over the world, its demand is ever increasing. It is required in multiple industries including building and construction industry where stainless steel is used for its attractive appearance, corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and strength. Stainless steel does not need to be treated, coated or painted when put into service. Various other industries are considering using stainless steel for similar reasons as due to its low maintenance requirements.

Disclaimer: This article under industry news in KAMOR website is from the Internet and modified, the copyright of the article is copyrighted by the author. Please contact us to delete if there’s any questions related to the article! The content of the article belongs to the author's personal opinion and does not mean the website’s. The Kamor (this website) has the right to the final interpretation of this statement.