Understanding Stainless Steel
When starting a new project, choosing the right material can be the difference between success and failure. Stainless steel, with its reputation for durability and versatility, is a popular choice across various industries. But is it the right choice for your project?
Simply put, Stainless steel is a metal that doesnβt rust or corrode easily. Itβs made from iron mixed with chromium, and it often includes nickle. This mix makes it strong, durable, and resistant to stains and rust. Because of this, it’s commonly used in things like kitchen appliances, tools, building materials and in other areas that need durable materials.
Not All Stainless Steel Is Made Equally
- Austenitic: Known for its excellent corrosion resistance. Commonly used in kitchen appliances and architectural structures.
- Ferritic: Offers good corrosion resistance and is generally less expensive. Often used in automotive parts and appliances.
- Martensitic: Known for its hardness and strength, making it suitable for cutlery and tools.
- Duplex: Combines properties of austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, providing high strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
The above stainless steel types are often given grades, for instance, Austenitic steel is referred to as grades, 304, 316 and 310. The most common grade seen is a martensitic stainless-steel grade, which is 440c. This is said to be the strongest stainless-steel grade.
Advantages of Stainless Steel
- Corrosion Resistance: One of the biggest selling points of stainless steel is its resistance to rust and corrosion. This makes it ideal for projects exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme environments.
- Durability: Stainless steel is incredibly strong and durable, which means it can withstand heavy loads and rough conditions without compromising its integrity.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike some materials that require regular upkeep, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, retaining its appearance and functionality over time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its sleek, modern look, stainless steel is often chosen for its aesthetic qualities. Itβs commonly used in architecture, interior design, and kitchenware to add a touch of sophistication.
- Recyclability: Stainless steel is 100% recyclable. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice, as it can be reused and repurposed, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Considerations When Choosing Stainless Steel
- Cost: Stainless steel is far more expensive than other materials, with aluminium being almost half the price (grade dependant). This being said, the extra durability and rust-proof nature of stainless steel, make it a long term investment.
- Workability: Stainless steel can be difficult to work with due to its hardness. When laser cutting stainless steel, you will need far more nitrogen than when laser cutting softer steel.
- Types and Grades: As stated above, not all stainless steels are created equal. Different grades offer varying levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. Itβs important that you pick the right grade to best suit your project.
Conclusion
Stainless steel is a robust and versatile material that offers numerous benefits for various projects. Its exceptional durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal make it a compelling choice for many and is the reason that so many industries use this robust steel.
At Propel Manufacturing, we are experts in stainless steel fabrication. Operating out of Dublin, Ireland, where we have a state-of-the-art steel manufacturing factory. On-site we have a designated design team, powder coating workshop, 5 welding workshops, laser cutting and steel folding machinery and more.
We have been operating for almost 30 years, working with some of the largest companies in the world. Our vast experience means that we can offer you a seamless and stress-free experience while we bring your project from vision to reality. See more about the steel manufacturing services we offer SEE HERE