Stainless Steel

Stainless steels are a group of steels that are resistant to corrosion through the addition of alloying elements.

The term stainless steel is used to describe a family of about 200 alloys of steel with remarkable heat and corrosion resistance properties. The carbon percentage can range from 0.03% to 1.2%.

Its distinguishing characteristic is the high amount of chromium. Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10.5% of chromium that improves its corrosion resistance and strength.

The chromium in the alloy creates a passive layer on oxidation when exposed to air. This layer acts as a shield against further corrosion essentially making the alloy rustproof. This mechanism allows for retaining a spotless appearance for long periods under normal working conditions.

Stainless steel is an exceedingly versatile material. It is preferred where the properties of steel and corrosion resistance are required in tandem.