While stainless steel is known for its strength and durability, it also has many other benefits that make it a highly versatile metal. This article will discuss some of those advantages and how they can be utilized in industrial applications.
One of the critical benefits of stainless steel is its corrosion resistance. This corrosion resistance is achieved by the alloy’s ability to create a passive film on the surface that acts as a barrier against oxidation from corrosive materials.
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel is a common material used in industrial applications. This is because it is resistant to corrosion and rust.
Despite its resistance, many factors can impact the corrosion properties of a stainless product or piece of metal. This includes the composition of the stainless, how it was fabricated, and how it is used in industrial environments.
The chromium added to stainless steel is responsible for its rust-resistant properties. This chromium forms a passive film that adheres firmly to the surface and prevents corrosive electrochemical reactions from occurring.
Various processes, including exposure to airborne salts or chlorides in the atmosphere, can destroy the passive layer. It also can be degraded by other types of corrosion, such as galvanic corrosion.
Strength
Stainless steel is a standard alloy that mixes iron, carbon, and chromium. The chromium component gives stainless steel its distinctive strength and corrosion resistance.
Unlike most other steels, stainless is resistant to oxidation at very high temperatures. This is because chromium bonds with oxygen to form a stable passivation layer of chromium oxide (Cr2O3).
Stainless steels with a higher carbon content can be hardened through heat treatment to create a martensitic microstructure. They can also be alloyed with elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, or titanium to increase their strength.
Aesthetics
Stainless steel is a popular material for industrial or marine applications, particularly in the construction and aerospace industries. Its advantages include strength, corrosion resistance, and a high-quality finish.
Selecting the correct grade for your application is essential, considering your environment and other requirements such as formability or weldability. Stainless steel is available in several families and steps, each providing different performance levels.
This ranges from the Austenitic family, characterized by its austenite microstructure and accounts for 70% of all stainless steel production, to duplex, precipitation hardening, and martensitic types.
In many applications, stainless steel makes cutlery, kitchenware, surgical instruments, major appliances, and vehicles. It’s also used for construction materials in large buildings and industrial equipment such as water treatment systems, storage tanks, boat stairs, and tankers for chemicals and food products.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the process of keeping equipment or machinery in good working order. It is a critical part of any technological organization.
Stainless steel is an excellent material for industrial applications because it provides many advantages regarding corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. It is a low-maintenance metal that is easy to clean and maintain.
In addition, it is very durable and can last for decades without any appearance deterioration or metal replacement. This makes it a valuable investment in industrial facilities.
It is also a high-quality, lightweight material that can reduce construction and transportation costs. This is especially important when building structures subjected to heavy loads and long-term exposure to the elements. It is ideal for heavy industries such as oil refineries, nuclear reactors, and wind towers.