Stainless steel is an alloy that comprises distinct materials. Non-corrosive stainless steel contains nickel and molybdenum to meet special requirements. The following guide will help you to know about stainless steel uses and its application.
Properties and uses of stainless steel
Steel comprising 10.5% chromium in its chemical composition and other elements in different quantities is designated as stainless. Steel combines oxygen and chromium to form a sealed, thin, fixed adhering and chromium oxide layer that is known as a passive layer. This passive layer brings corrosion-resistant properties to stainless steel. Purchasing stainless steel from experienced and reputable stainless steel manufacturers such as Shalco Industries is always recommended.
Application of stainless steel
Now that you know the uses and properties of stainless steel, let us discuss the application of stainless steel in different industries and fields.
Transportation and automotive
Stainless steel was first introduced into the automotive industry in the early 1930s by Ford for manufacturing concept cars. Since then, this metal has been used for manufacturing different automotive parts like grills, trims, and exhaust systems. With rapid advancements taking place in the technology field, stainless steel is preferred by many manufacturers and business owners for manufacturing strong structural components. Stainless steel is a main requirement in the transportation industry, like freighting for creating shipping containers, refuse vehicles, and road tankers. It is resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is a perfect component for transporting liquid, food, and chemical products. Stainless steel requires low maintenance. Therefore, it is a cost-effective and easy metal to sustain and clean.
Medical technology
Today stainless steel is widely used in sterile and clean environments because this metal is easy to clean and also does not rust easily. Stainless steel has immense application in producing different types of medical equipment like dental and surgical instruments. It is used to build kidney dishes, operation tables, steam sterilizers, and MRI scanners. Most surgical implants, such as artificial hips and replacement joints, are manufactured using stainless steel and medical joining equipment, such as stainless steel plates and pins, to repair broken bones.
Building trade
Stainless steel has wide applications in the building industry because of its great resistance, flexibility, and strength. It is featured commonly in interior regions such as handrails, backsplashes, and countertops, as well as in the external regions in cladding to building high-impact building infrastructures. Modern architecture requires stainless steel because this metal has high weldability, an attractive finish, and easy maintenance. As the trend is moving towards eco-friendly and sustainable buildings, stainless steel forms a great recyclable metal that is preferable today in the construction industry because of their grain or polished finish. Stainless steel has an aesthetic property and look, so it helps to enhance the natural light in architecture and buildings.
Also Read : https://shalco.com/blog/what-is-pickling-of-stainless-steel/
Aircraft construction
Stainless steel is preferred greatly in the aviation sector, where it is used to construct airplane frames. It has the property to withstand great temperatures and high strength so that it can bear the weight of landing aircraft and forms an essential component of landing gear due to its rigidity and strength. It is also used to manufacture jet engines because it prevents rusting.
Food or catering industry
The food and catering industry uses stainless steel for manufacturing kitchen cookware, accessories, and cutlery. Kitchen utensils like knives are made with less ductile stainless steel grades. Higher ductile grades are used for manufacturing saucepans, sinks, cookers, and grills. In the food production industry, stainless steel forms an ideal component because it does not impact the food's flavor or taste and is corrosion-resistant in its properties. It can hold acidic drinks such as orange juice. Stainless steel is also easy to clean and prevents bacteria from harboring, so it is also used in food storage applications.
Can I use a stainless steel scrubber on cast iron?
You can use a stainless steel scrubber on cast iron if simple dry wiping doesn't work to remove the stuck-on residue. It is easy to sterilize and clean and requires slow maintenance.