The use of metals and alloys in various industries is commonplace. Stainless steel needs special mention here. Apart from being used extensively in the architectural, chemical and industrial sector, steel is also used for various kinds of consumer applications. Stainless steel is actually low-carbon steel in which chromium is present in 10.5% or more by weight. Apart from the weight factor, many qualities of stainless steel can be attributed to the presence of chromium.
Type 304 stainless steel – widely used variety
Among the different types and varieties of stainless steel available, type 304 is the most commonly used one. This is the basic chromium-nickel austenitic variety of stainless steel, which is used in wide range of applications including industrial and architectural work. This variety of stainless steel consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. For the composition, this stainless steel variant is also known as 18-8 stainless. Forming and fabricating this kind of steel is simple. Stainless steel plates manufactured with this steel variant are common in industrial usage. This steel variant is non-magnetic and cannot be hardened with application of heat treatment.
Reasons for popularity of stainless steel products
It is true that the initial costing of stainless steel products is quite high, but they are still high in demands in the industrial sector for their excellent qualities. Some of the most important ones are as follows:
- Highly impact resistant in nature – High toughness is provided by the austenitic microstructure of the 300 series of stainless steel. Right from highly elevated temperatures to extremely freezing temperatures, this variety of steel is resistant from high impact scenarios. Such steel products are highly suitable for cryogenic situations.
- Corrosion resistant–Corrosion is a common factor that affects metals directly. Steels with low alloy grades protect against corrosion in pure water and atmospheric environments. On the other hand, the higher grades of stainless steel are corrosion resistant to practically everything – alkaline solutions, acids, chlorine environments and so on. Application in alloy steel round bars is the perfect example in this regard.
- High ease of fabrication–This is one of the most common reasons which can be attributed to the popularity of stainless steel. With modern steel manufacturing and making process, it is evident that the alloy metal can be cut, formed, welded, fabricated and machined as per requirements. The alloy metal is highly flexible.
- Great strength and durability – Stainless steel products have great strength and are extremely durable in nature. Whether they are used in unequal angles or equal angles, they are tough and strong and can stand the test of time well. Infact the strength of steel is so high that the alloy is being used as a base material for many construction projects.
- Fire and heat resistant – Stainless steel, which has high chromium and nickel-alloy grades, are specially created for industrial setups. This steel remains protected from scaling. Even high temperatures cannot damage the steel and the strength of the same can be retained.
With all such benefits in place, stainless steel remains the main choice for industrial, commercial and architectural purposes.