Stainless Steel

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a generic term for a family of corrosion resistant alloy steels containing 10.5% or more chromium.

Benefits of Stainless Steel

Corrosion resistance
All stainless steels have a high resistance to corrosion. Low alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric conditions; highly alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chloride bearing environments, even at elevated temperatures and pressures.

High and low temperature resistance
Some grades will resist scaling and maintain high strength at very high temperatures, while others show exceptional toughness at cryogenic temperatures.

Ease of fabrication
The majority of stainless steels can be cut, welded, formed, machined and fabricated readily.

Strength
The cold work hardening properties of many stainless steels can be used in design to reduce material thicknesses and reduce weight and costs. Other stainless steels may be heat treated to make very high strength components.

Aesthetic appeal
Stainless steel is available in many surface finishes. It is easily and simply maintained resulting in a high quality, pleasing appearance.

Hygienic properties
The cleanability of stainless steel makes it the first choice in hospitals, kitchens, food and pharmaceutical processing facilities.

Life cycle characteristics
Stainless steel is a durable, low maintenance material and is often the least expensive choice in a life cycle cost comparison.

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Technical information

Stainless steel is an alloy with a minimum of 10.5% Chromium.

Chromium produces a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel known as the ‘passive layer’. This prevents any further corrosion of the surface. Increasing Chromium levels improves corrosion resistance. In addition to chromium, nickel, molybdenum, titanium and niobium, other elements may also be added to stainless steels in varying quantities to produce a range of grades, each with different properties, ultimately divided into five basic categories: Austenitic, Ferritic, Duplex, Martensitic and Precipitation Hardening.

Specialty Metals Stocklist

Our range of premium quality materials include corrosion-resistant, high-temperature super alloys, titanium, stainless steel and copper based alloys.
Materials like HAYNES® Alloy, HASTELLOY® Alloy, ULTIMET® Alloy, MONEL® Alloy, INCONEL® Alloy, INCOLOY® Alloy and many more.

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Specialty Metals

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