Big breakthroughs came in the late 19th & early 20th century, with iron-based metals increasingly produced commercially. Henry Bessemer introduced oxygen into molten iron to reduce carbon content, which led to various steel developments. This was when U.S. Steel Corporation came into existence in 1901. A French scientist, Leon Gillet, made Stainless Steel by developing a mix of different chemical elements in 1904. Its popularity increased due to its shiny surface and tremendous strength, modernizing transportation & medicine. These days, the word ‘stainless’ quickly hints at kitchen appliances or cutleries. However, today, it is widely used in oil & gas, chemical power plants & food processing mills for the reasons mentioned below.
Stainless Steel carries the most responsible role of hygienic storage & preparation of anything that we eat and drink. It finds application in the components of all modern vehicles like catalytic converters, airbag gas cylinders, exhausts and safety belt buckles.
The popularity of Stainless Steel lies in the unique ingredients that are strategically mixed to create the alloy. All sorts of elements are composed to form different grades and capabilities. Currently, more than 250 alloys of Stainless Steel can be produced. However, most of the production happens within a group of 10 alloys. The reason why Stainless Steel is quint-essential lies in its 7 properties :
1. CORROSION RESISTANCE
Historically known as ‘rustless steel’, chromium’s presence has become a key component in making stainless steel corrosion resistant against industrial acids and alkaline solutions. During its production, chrome mixes with oxygen in the air to create a layer over the metal that can repair itself quickly when damaged. Other elements like molybdenum, nickel & titanium enhance the rich corrosion—resistant trait of stainless steel.
2. FIRE AND HEAT RESISTANCE
Stainless Steel has proven to be a better choice of material than galvanised steel or aluminium regarding fire resistance, owing to Chromium. The different grades of stainless steel can withstand oxidation even at high temperatures quite effectively.
3. HYGIENE
The non-porous surface makes Stainless Steel immune to the growth of bacteria or other pathogens. It is easier to clean & sanitise with an all-purpose cleaner, making the material an excellent choice for kitchen utensils and household items. Hence, owing to low maintenance, stainless steel is extensively used in hospitals, laboratories, power plants, food mills, etc.
4. AESTHETIC APPEARANCE
Stainless Steel has a sleek metal appearance, making it modern and classic. To this day, many architecture, monuments, sculptures, skyscrapers have used Stainless Steel as their core material for building. The art deco skyscraper Chrysler Building in NYC was made using ‘Nirosta’, a stainless steel alloy in its architectural design of exterior ornaments, the needle, the crown and the window frames. To such an extent is it successful that the inspection committee cancelled the panel testing after it showed minimal deterioration. Another public sculpture, Cloud Gate, in Chicago, was specially designed in a bean-shaped structure using 168
stainless steel plates of 304 Grade welded together.
5. SUSTAINABILITY/RECYCLABILITY
Stainless Steel is created from 70% of scrap metal, making it highly recyclable, leading to less wastage. It does not leach toxic chemicals even during recycling, reducing the need for mining its chemical elements.
6. STRENGTH, IMPACT RESISTANCE & DURABILITY
Stainless Steel is a material that is extremely tough and durable, with the ability to retain shape even at extremely high or extremely low temperatures. At its melting point, stainless steel products can be fabricated and welded quite easily. Hence, it finds large-scale usage in balustrades manufacturing and cryogenic applications.
If you’re unsure of the metal to choose for your next project, you must definitely go for stainless steel. For all your ferrous requirements, Rico Steel will serve you in facilitating your next project. Contact us for your Stainless Steel needs today!
