Many manufacturers can become so focused on their processes that they fail to recognize the incredible versatility of the materials they work with. This is especially true of stainless steel, one of the most adaptable and diverse metals on the planet. With so many alloys and grades on the market, there’s bound to be one that’s ideal for your specific application.
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy composed of iron and a minimum of 10.5% chromium. It’s highly resistant to corrosion, making it well suited for a variety of industrial applications such as medical equipment, automotive parts, kitchen appliances, and construction materials. Not only does it offer great strength and durability, but also aesthetic appeal with its glossy finish.Visit Marketsmartb2b for more information
Advantages of Selecting Stainless Steel for your Application
Stainless steel has several fantastic properties that have helped to make it one of the most popular metals in use today, which is why it can be found in so many different applications. The most obvious of these is its resistance to corrosion, which is how stainless steel got its name.
Not only does stainless steel resist rust naturally, but it also resists many other types of corrosion.
This is due to the addition of chrome, which bonds with oxygen in the air to form a protective film on its surface. Other materials, such as nickel, titanium, and molybdenum, can be added to certain grades to improve corrosion resistance even further.
Of course, stainless steel is extremely strong, as is all steel. Steel is made from iron reducing the metal’s natural ductility and increasing its strength and durability. Certain other alloying agents can be added to increase the strength even further. Nickel and manganese, for example, can increase tensile strength and stability, chromium increases hardness and melting point, and vanadium increases hardness and makes it less susceptible to metal fatigue.
Another advantage of stainless steel is its natural cleanliness. It is naturally resistant to bacteria and other pathogens and is one of the most hygienic materials available to manufacturers. Its smooth, durable surface is also easy to maintain, which is why it is so popular in applications requiring a high level of sanitation, such as the food and beverage and medical industries.
Similarly, stainless steel is well-known for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. Its sleek finish has not only made it popular among designers and architects, but it has also aided in the introduction of an entire movement known as Art Deco, which began in the 1930s.
Uses of Stainless Steel
When most people think of stainless steel, the first thing that comes to mind is cutlery. With good reason. However, in the food and beverage industry, stainless steel is used for more than just utensils. Stainless steel is ideal for plates, bowls, appliances, countertops, sinks, saucepans, and a variety of other kitchen items. Stainless steel can be found in homes for personal use, commercial kitchens and restaurants, and industrial factories and food processing plants.
Medical Industry
Similarly, the cleanliness and hygienic nature of stainless steel make it ideal for the medical industry. Steel is used in the manufacture of many medical instruments and surgical tools. Its corrosion resistance is critical, but its sheer surfaces are also easily sterilized. The metal is so valuable that it is frequently used in medical implants that are implanted within the body. Dental drills, medical trays, operating tables, hemostats, and MRI scanners are some other examples.
Architecture
As previously stated, stainless steel has been popular in construction and architecture since the 1930s due to its tremendous strength and pleasing aesthetic appearance. The most famous example of early stainless steel architecture is, of course, New York City’s Chrysler Building.
Construction Projects
While stainless steel may be considered too expensive for many construction projects, it quickly becomes worthwhile when corrosion resistance is a critical consideration. This is especially true in or near marine environments, but it also applies to other extreme environments where corrosive elements are a major concern. Because of this, stainless steel is used in deep-sea oil rigs, power plants, refineries, and other structures.
Automotive and Aerospace Industries
Because of its corrosion resistance, stainless steel has also become an essential material in the automotive and aerospace industries. It is typically used in areas where rust is a major concern, such as exhaust pipes, radiator grills, and automobile bodies. Another application for stainless steel is in the transportation of food, liquids, and chemicals, and it is commonly found in shipping containers, tankers, garbage trucks, and ships.
Petrochemical Industries
Stainless steel is also used in the energy and petrochemical industries, renewable energy, pulp and paper, and firearms. Jewelry, passenger rail cars, plumbing, microwaves, bridges, and 3D printers are just a few examples. Basically, any application that requires cleanliness or durability will benefit from stainless steel.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, stainless steel is an incredibly versatile material that can be used in many different ways. From industrial settings such as furniture, construction, and automotive to in home use like kitchen appliances and fixtures, stainless steel provides a wealth of benefits and won’t rust or corrode easily. It’s widely accepted as an eco-friendly material that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals so one can rest assured knowing they are utilizing a sustainable and healthy material. When the need to invest in metal arises, stainless steel stands out among the crowd for its durability and quality performance for years to come. Whether you’re renovating your home or manufacturing a product, adding the strength of stainless steel ensures you have a strong foundation and a lot of options for whatever you’re designing!
