Stainless steel is a ubiquitous material in our daily lives. From kitchen utensils to high-end electronics, from the structure of buildings to sophisticated medical equipment, stainless steel plays an important role. So what exactly is stainless steel? Why is it so important and widely used in various fields? Next, let’s explore the mystery of stainless steel!
what is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy material highly resistant to corrosion and wear. It is usually composed of elements such as iron, chromium, and nickel, and through specific processing techniques, stainless steel has excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
The element chromium in stainless steel is the key to its corrosion resistance. When stainless steel is exposed to the environment, chromium will form a dense oxide film on the surface, which can effectively prevent further oxidation from occurring, thus protecting stainless steel from corrosion. In addition, the nickel element in stainless steel can improve its strength and toughness, making it more durable.
In addition to corrosion resistance, stainless steel also has excellent wear resistance. Due to its increased hardness and strength, stainless steel can withstand various mechanical stresses and chemical corrosion and is therefore widely used in various fields.
Overall, stainless steel is a ferrous alloy material that is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, and its unique properties make it the material of choice in many fields.
types of stainless steel
Stainless steel can be categorized according to different classifications, common ones include:
- Structural stainless steel
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel
- High temperature stainless steel
- Stainless steel wear-resistant materials
- Hot Rolled
- Cold Rolled
- Normal Stainless Steel
- Deep Cold Processing Stainless Steel
- High temperature resistant stainless steel
- Hardened stainless steel
- Ferritic Stainless Steel
- Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Martensitic Stainless Steel
- Duplex Stainless Steel
ingredient of stainless steel
Below is a table of chemical compositions for some common stainless steel grades. Note that the compositions listed here are intended as examples of common grades only, and specific compositions may vary depending on the stainless steel manufacturer and product specifications.
304 (UNS S30400)
316 (UNS S31600)
430 (UNS S43000)
201 (UNS S20100)
SAF 2205
SAF 2507
Above are the chemical composition charts of several stainless steel grades we are hot selling. If you need more detailed information or MTC, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you.
properties of stainless steel
The most basic characteristic of stainless steel is its resistance to rust under atmospheric conditions and corrosion in various liquid media. This characteristic has a direct relationship with the chromium content in steel, the presence of chromium makes the steel surface generate an invisible film, which can prevent oxidation so that the material is “passivation” or corrosion resistance. The addition of other elements such as nickel or molybdenum increases corrosion resistance, strength, and temperature resistance.
Corrosion resistance increases with chromium content. When chromium content reaches 10.5% or more, this characteristic of steel undergoes an abrupt change, from rust-prone to rust-free, from non-corrosion-resistant to corrosion-resistant. The chromium content 10.5% later as the chromium content continues to improve, its rust resistance and corrosion resistance also continue to improve. The highest chromium content of general stainless steel is 26%, higher chromium content is no longer necessary.
conclusion
Stainless steel is an alloy material that is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, and its unique properties make it the material of choice in many fields. Through the introduction of the classification and characteristics of stainless steel, we can better understand its application scope and advantages, so that we can better utilize stainless steel to meet our needs. In conclusion, stainless steel is a very valuable material, and its application and development will bring more convenience and benefits to our lives and production.
