Stainless steel is used to make everything from tiny knickknacks in your home to the frame of your car or even your building. It is an essential alloy because of its strength, durability, and longevity. It is not naturally occurring; it is an industrial product that we depend on for our daily lives. This article will explore the basics of this unique material including what it is made from, its corrosion resistance, and how it is made.
Unlike most metals, stainless steel is not found naturally in nature. It is created by combining iron with other metals to form an alloy. The most common element used to create stainless steel is chromium. Chromium gives the steel its resistance to stains, tarnishing, and corrosion. Other elements may be added to improve specific properties such as heat resistance or hardenability. The type of stainless steel you choose will be determined by the needs of your application.
There are many grades of stainless steel, with each grade having different properties and characteristics. The most popular grade used for kitchen cookware is 304, which is commonly referred to as “food grade”. This grade has excellent performance in terms of strength and elongation as well as good corrosion resistance. Another popular grade is 316, which has superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and other strong acids. This makes it a better choice for food processing environments.
The chemistry behind stainless steel is that it is an iron-based alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. When exposed to air, oxygen molecules react with the chromium to form a protective layer that prevents oxidation. This is known as passivation. The oxide ions are very similar in size to the steel molecules, resulting in a strong bond. Other metallic oxides such as nickel, molybdenum and tungsten are also often added to the alloy to improve its corrosion resistance in specific environments.
Stainless steel is easy to clean using household non-toxic cleaners. Its low maintenance and long lifespan make it a cost-effective option in the long run. This is particularly true for commercial kitchens where the high usage of pots, pans, and other cooking equipment can wear down other materials over time. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic and can be safely used in medical devices such as surgical tools or trauma screws.
Stainless steel is formed into sheets, plates, bars, wire, tubing, and other shapes to suit a variety of applications. It can be further processed by grinding, polishing, etching, and machining to provide the desired surface appearance. Depending on the application, it can then be cut to size and packaged into rolls or coils for shipping and storage.