Do you know what stainless steel is?

Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy that is common in daily life.

Composition of stainless steel

Steel is an iron and carbon alloy. Stainless steel is also an iron alloy, but with chromium. It sometimes has corrosion resistant alloys of nickel and other metals (like molybdenum, titanium, niobium, manganese, etc.). These alloys can further improve its mechanical properties. Stainless steel must contain at least 10.5% chromium. However, the exact composition will vary depending on the grade of steel and its use. Stainless steel is widely used in industry. This is due to its corrosion resistance, high strength, and good looks.

Stainless steel can be recycled almost indefinitely. In the construction industry, the recovery rate of stainless steel is close to 100%. Stainless steel has a long life and meets sustainable construction needs. It does not release compounds that can alter it when it contacts water.

Stainless steel also has beauty, health, and easy upkeep. It is durable and widely used. So stainless steel can be seen everywhere in daily life. Such as: energy, transportation, construction, research, medicine, food industry and logistics.

Why is stainless steel not easy to rust?

Stainless steel usually touches oxygen. This forms a layer of chromium oxide on its surface. This passivation layer protects the material.

But how is stainless steel made?

To understand how stainless steel is made, we must first have a good understanding of its ingredients.

Stainless steel is an alloy. It has iron, carbon, and chromium. It also has nickel, manganese, molybdenum, nitrogen, sulfur, copper, silicon, and other elements. During melting, we measure the alloy's exact composition. We do this to ensure the steel has the desired quality.

Stainless steel may contain various elements. This gives it some traits that ordinary steel or other metals lack.

These traits include:

• High corrosion resistance

• Resistance to high and low temperatures

• Higher metal strength

• High weldability

• High formability

• And the ability to control magnetism.

But, stainless steel's composition alone is not the only factor. Its production method is the more important factor. Different steel grades' molding, processing, and finishing methods affect their appearance and performance.

Uniform steps

1. Melting - the specific temperature will vary according to the grade of steel produced;

2. Carbon is removed. This controls its amount to ensure proper mixing and final steel quality.

3. Adjust the mixture to the required standard;

4. Molding or casting;

Special steps

Will vary based on expected grade and final product or feature.

1. Hot rolling is done at temperatures higher than the steel's recrystallization temperature. This process slowly adjusts the steel's size through repeated rolling.

2. Cold rolling - make stainless steel produce a more beautiful and more uniform surface

3. Annealing - helps soften steel and relieve internal stress.

4. Descaling or pickling is needed when stainless steel is processed. A layer of scale often builds up on its surface. You can remove it with an acid bath (called pickling). Or, you can remove it with controlled heating and cooling in an oxygen-free space.

5. Cutting - depends on the grade of steel required and the shape required to deliver the product.

6. Finishing - Stainless steel has a variety of surface treatments, from matte to mirror. Techniques for surface treatment include acid etching and sand etching first. Next, sand blasting and belt grinding follow. Finally, belt polishing refines the surface.

General properties of stainless steel

Corrosion resistance

Stainless steel has at least 10.5% chromium. Chromium reacts with oxygen in air or water to form a layer of chromium oxide. This layer protects the metal surface. If a metal surface is scratched, chromium oxide regenerates itself. This property makes stainless steel resistant to corrosion.

Easy to clean

Stainless steel meets the needs of both decoration and cooking utensils. They must be cleaned often and well. It is easy to clean with soap or detergent. This will not harm the metal.

High temperature resistance

Stainless steel is the most fire resistant of all metals in structures. Its critical temperatures are above 800°C and it emits no toxic smoke.

Mechanical property

Stainless steel has strong mechanical properties at room temperature. This sets it apart from other synthetic metals. In particular, it combines ductility, elasticity and hardness, enabling it to be used in difficult metal forming modes (deep stamping, flat bending, extrusion, etc.), while resisting heavy wear (friction, wear, impact, elasticity, etc.). In particular, it has good mechanical properties at both low and high temperatures!

Recyclable

Stainless steel can theoretically be recycled indefinitely. It is eco-friendly and non-toxic when in contact with water. It does not leak compounds that could change it. This makes stainless steel ideal for exposed construction. It is great for areas with severe weather. This includes roofing, walls, rainwater systems, and water pipes. Stainless steel lasts as long as sustainable construction requires. Its low maintenance cost ensures users get a long service life. This life is unmatched compared to other metals.

Unique beauty

Stainless steel has many surface treatments. They can emboss or color it. This makes stainless steel a unique and beautiful material. It can be matte to bright. It includes brushed and carved. Architects often use stainless steel in building enclosures, interior design, and street furniture.