Stainless Steel Features and Benefits from Just Manufacturing

What is Stainless Steel?

Used for many industrial, architectural, chemical and consumer applications for over half a century, stainless steel is essentially a low-carbon steel, which contains chromium at 10.5 percent or more by weight. It is this addition of chromium that gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion-resisting and enhanced mechanical properties.

The chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough, adherent, invisible corrosion-resisting chromium oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing, providing that oxygen, even in very small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased chromium content and the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel and nitrogen. Nickel also gives stainless steel a lustrous and brighter appearance which is less gray than steel that has no nickel.

Why Type 304 Stainless Matters?

Type 304 is the basic chromium-nickel austentic stainless steel and has been found suitable for the widest range of applications in all kinds of products and architectural work. As part of the 300 Series designation it is composed basically of 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel and is sometimes referred to as 18-8 stainless. It is nonmagnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment. It is readily available in a variety of forms. This type is easy to form and fabricate with excellent resistance to corrosion.

Features and Benefits

	The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness, making these steels particularly suited to Healthcare environments.
	Type 304 stainless steel is used extensively in hospital environments and in food processing environments (except possibly for high-temperature conditions involving high acid and chlorine contents). Is resists organic chemicals, dyestuffs, and a wide variety of organic chemicals. Type 304 L (low carbon) stainless steel resists nitric acid well and sulfuric acid at moderate temperature and concentrations.
	The hard metallic surface of stainless steel makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere and survive. Its easy clean ability makes it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions. Stainless steels mainly Type 304, have largely replaced traditional sink materials such as aluminum and plastic laminates as the can be kept scrupulously clean and withstand aggressive chemicals.
	Stainless steel is 100% recyclable. In fact, 50% of new stainless steel comes from old remelted stainless steel scrap, thereby completing the full life cycle.
	The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance.
	When the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless is often the least expensive material option.

The many unique values provided by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection. Engineers, specifiers and designers often underestimate or overlook these values because of what is viewed as the higher initial cost of stainless steel. However, over the total life of a project, stainless is often the best value option.