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About Stainless Steel
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• What is Stainless Steel?
In metallurgy stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5[1] or 11% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary steel (it stains less, but it is not stain-proof). It is also called corrosion-resistant steel or CRES when the alloy type and grade are not detailed, particularly in the aviation industry.
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• History of Stainless Steel
Harry Brearley of England invented stainless steel. It is believed that his interest in steel was initiated as a result of his father?s profession, which was melting steel. Brearley put in efforts night and day to become an expert in the analysis of steel and its production. In 1908, he set up the Brown Firth Laboratories. Four years later in 1912 he was asked to help solve the problems encountered by a small arms manufacturer. It was then that his search for a better type of steel began and led to the invention of stainless steel.
In the initial stages Brearley began his experimentation with steels containing chromium. This is because this form of steel was known to melt at a higher temperature in comparison to other metals. As per the recorded history of stainless steel the first authentic stainless steel was melted on 13th August 1913. This is said to have contained 0.24% carbon and 12.8% chromium
• Benefits of Stainless Steel
- Corrosion resistance
Lower alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments, while high-alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chlorine bearing environments, properties which are utilized in process plants.
- Fire & heat resistance
Special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades resist scaling and retain strength at high temperatures.
- Hygiene
The easy cleaning ability of stainless makes it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions, such as hospitals, kitchens, abattoirs and other food processing plants.
- Aesthetic appearance
The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance.
- Strength-to-weight advantage
The work-hardening property of austenitic grades, that results in a significant strengthening of the material from cold-working alone, and the high strength duplex grades, allow reduced material thickness over conventional grades, therefore cost savings.
- Ease of fabrication
Modern steel-making techniques mean that stainless can be cut, welded, formed, machined, and fabricated as readily as traditional steels.
- Impact resistance
The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness, from elevated temperatures to far below freezing, making these steels particularly suited to cryogenic applications.
- Long term value
When the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless is often the least expensive material option.
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