Stainless steel is the generic term used for the corrosive resistant steel alloy that is found commonly in everyday life. Stainless steel is a versatile material that has a huge range of applications and an endless array of potential uses.
From our ever-evolving infrastructure to our kitchen appliances, stainless steel is used to hold everything together. Read on to find out more about the diverse world of stainless steel.
What is stainless steel?
All stainless steel is naturally corrosive resistant due to a thin film that forms over its surface, actively protecting itself from corrosion by oxygen. There are different types of stainless steel with various characteristics suitable for multiple uses. You can read more about stainless steel types and suppliers here.
Uses of stainless steel
Most often, stainless steel is used for applications requiring the unique properties of steel along with resistance to corrosion. Here are some of the common uses of stainless steel.
Cutlery and kitchenware: The most well-known and one of the very first applications of stainless steel is cutlery and kitchenware. Different grades of steel are used to undergo numerous shaping, buffing and grinding processes in order to create spoons, knives, forks and other kitchen appliances.
Chemical, processing, oil and gas: Probably the most demanding industries that use stainless steels are the chemical, processing and oil & gas industries. In this industry the non-corrosive benefits of stainless steel are taken advantage of, with the creation of tanks, pipes, pumps and valves. Special grades of stainless have been developed to have greater corrosion resistance at a broad range of different temperatures. These are used in desalination plants, sewage plants, offshore oil rigs, harbour supports and ships.
Renewable Energy: Steel is a critical material in all areas of renewable energy including biomass, solar, tidal, geothermal and wind power. Whatever the source, steel has a crucial role to play in producing and distributing energy as well as improving energy efficiency, however, stainless steel is especially important. You can read more about steel and renewable energy here.
Food production: Large amounts of stainless steel are used in food production and storage. An important reason fur using stainless steels not just the anti-corrosiveness, but also the fact that the use of stainless allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. Another great advantage of stainless steel is that it imparts no taste to the food that it comes into contact with.
Architecture, building and construction: Architecture, building and construction is a growing market as many modern buildings use stainless steels for cladding, roofing and facades. The low maintenance cost and anti-vandal characteristics of stainless steel provide a growing market in building and construction.
Medical Applications: Stainless steel is the most common metal used in manufacturing medical equipment. Sanitation and cleanliness stand out as major reasons, as well as its cost-effectiveness and anti-corrosiveness.
Automotives: Enduring quality and durability are core design elements and a prime factor in the automotive industry. So the use of varied stainless steel applications is prominent.
Few materials can compare with the strength, durability and versatility that you get from steel and with the correct surface treatment you will have a high quality, lasting product.
If you need quality steel that is fabricated to suit your unique needs, contact Steel Fabrication Services today. Our team of expert structural steel fabricators have the experience and knowledge to answer any of your questions and will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your needs. To contact us today, simply call, fax, email or drop by our Brookvale location.
