Sheet Metal
Stainless steel differs from ordinary carbon steel by the amount of chromium present, which may vary from about 10% in the most common 304 grade to about 30% in high-end knife steel. Chromium increases the strength of the steel and the chromium oxide that is generated acts as protection to steel. It also contains various degrees of Carbon, Silicon, and Manganese.
Compared to other materials, stainless steel has strong mechanical properties offering resistance to heavy wear such as friction, abrasion, and impact.
Vegetable cutter blade.
Forged knife blade and the matching Handle.
Toilet Camode.
Wall Tiles.
Garden Chair.
Stainless Steel comes in surface finishes, from matt to bright and brushed. It is easy to clean therefore used in products such as utensils, kitchen equipment, and catering equipment. In architecture, stainless steel is used as wall tiles and garden furniture. It is used transport industry as toilet commodes, medical equipment, and the like. It has exceptional strength, as seen in the example of the garden chair shown above. It is interesting to note the folds and bends incorporated in the design to make the chair rigid and stable.
There are very many grades of Stainless Steel. The most common are :
- Grade 304 is most common for many applications.
- Grade 316 has high-temperature resistance and is used in industrial applications.
- Grade 410 is a heat treatable stainless steel, commonly used in cutlery.
- Grade 430 is a low-cost alternative to series 300's grades, used in appliances.
However, it may be that it is not entirely corrosion-proof. In certain circumstances, corrosion can happen. It is ‘stain-less not ‘stain impossible. In a normal environment, it is stainless. Stainless Steel is more expensive than ordinary carbon steel. Designers choose the material balancing cost vs. performance and life.