Stainless steel: the advantages of stainless steel products
Stainless steel is present in the most diverse products we use every day.
This material is a common steel alloy with a layer composed of varying amounts of chromium, nickel and other chemical components. This layer is only present in stainless steel and is called the passive layer.
The Passive Layer is responsible for what is the main feature and advantage of stainless steel: corrosion resistance. This protects stainless steel from corrosion thanks to the presence of chrome.
The passive layer reacts to oxygen and forms a thin and resistant film that prevents oxidation of iron.
. Common steel alloy with a layer composed of varying amounts of chromium, nickel and. The passive layer protects stainless steel from corrosion thanks to the chromium chemical component. It reacts with oxygen and forms a thin and resist layer that prevents the oxidation of iron.
Different types of stainless steel
Despite the similarities in their composition there are different types of stainless steel. All these types have the passive layer, however, there are slight differences in the chemical composition and application of this material.
Taking into account these differences in chemical composition, several “families” of stainless steel were created:
- Austenic
It is the most used type of stainless steel. This is mainly due to its higher corrosion resistance.
- Ferritics
It is a type of low cost stainless steel with high hardness and strength. This is most commonly used in the food industry and allows a high quality surface finish.
- Martensitics
This is the toughest and toughest type of stainless steel, similar to carbon steel. Thanks to its high carbon composition, its resistance can be increased with heating.
- Others
Although these are the three main families of stainless steel, there are other types that have some variations in their composition. These are typically used on a smaller scale and for the production of parts and equipment with a specific composition.
Advantages of Stainless Products
There are numerous reasons for choosing stainless steel production equipment. This material is used in the manufacture of parts, utensils, equipment and structures for the following reasons:
- Physical strength equal to or greater than ordinary steel
- Cleaning facility
- Hygienic appearance
- Does not react on contact with other materials.
- High durability
- Modulation and welding ease
- Stability even at extreme temperatures
- Modern, clean and bright look
- Great value for money
- Low maintenance cost
- Recyclable material
It is these features and advantages that make stainless steel so common today. This material is used in a wide range of equipment, from household appliances to large industrial equipment.
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