Stainless steel is used in every field in daily life. It is resistant to high temperatures and has increased resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is also commonly used in the fields of automotive industry heat exchanger. Low carbon versions are used in printing, dairy equipment and chemical industrial areas.
Stainless steel is used in the utensils of different kitchens, in the food industry, automotive and industrial areas and other areas where there is no very heavy load. Stainless steel is preferred because of its very good mechanical resistance and friction strength. Steel has many uses. It is resistant to temperatures up to 600 C, from petroleum chemical fields to steam boilers.
Cutlery and Kitchenware
The best-known stainless steels are probably for cutlery and kitchenware. The industry uses the best cutlery and grade 304 (18/8 stainless, 18% chromium 8% nickel) specially produced for spoons and forks 410 and 420. While the different grades used, such as 410/420, can be hardened and tempered so that the blades get a sharp edge, the more ductile 18/8 stainless steel is easier to work with and therefore a multitude of shaping, polishing and grinding operations can be done.
Industries that use stainless steels are likely the chemical, process, and oil and gas industries, which creates a large market for stainless steel tanks, pipes, pumps, and valves. One of the first major success stories for 304 stainless steel was that dilute nitric acid can be used in thinner sections and is stronger than other materials. Special grades of stainless steels with higher corrosion resistance over a wide range of temperatures have been developed. They are used in desalination plants, sewage plants, marine authorities, port supports and ship propellers.
Power Generation
Stainless steels and other corrosion resistant alloys are widely used in the power generation industry to combat corrosion, especially at high temperatures. Especially nickel alloys are used for high temperature strength and oxidation resistance in fossil fuel power plants. Nickel alloys and other stainless steels are also widely used in flue gas desulphurisation units. The nuclear power industry uses large quantities of stainless steel, often specified with a low cobalt content, for both electricity generation and radiation containment. Special louvered ventilation shafts designed to be used in emergencies have been made to contain plants for years when necessary. Steam and gas turbines use stainless steel because of its corrosion resistance and heat resistant qualities.
Food Production
Also, large quantities of stainless steel are used in food production and storage. The most commonly used grades are 304 and 316. In general, 304 is primarily workshop grade while 316 is used in harsh environments. Stainless steel is used mostly in kitchen dishes, cutlery and cookware. Harder grades of steel are used to make sharp-edged blades. Milder grades of steel are used for materials that need to be shaped, such as stoves, grills, sinks, and pots. Stainless steel is also used as a coating for refrigerators, freezers, countertops, and dishwashers. As some food and beverages such as orange juice can be acidic, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel is highly important. Stainless steel which also helps keep germs away is easy to clean. In addition, this material is highly valued as it’s possible to use strong antibacterial chemical cleaning products in ice cream production.
Architecture and construction
Architecture, building and construction are growing markets as many modern buildings use stainless steels for cladding, roofing and facades. Another thing is that stainless steel’s low maintenance costs and anti-vandal properties provide a growing market in public transport, ticket machines and street furniture. Stainless steels are also used for construction purposes. When reinforced concrete was first used, it was thought that the carbon steel would not rust, since cement, obviously derived from limestone, was alkaline. However, using sand salt continuously on bridges can make the PH acidic so it starts to rust and causes the concrete to expand and crack. The stainless steel reinforcing bar, though initially expensive, has proven to have very good lifetime costing properties.
Medical applications
It is mainly used for clean fused stainless medical implants and artificial hips. Many medical supplies such as orthopedic beds, cabinets and examination machines are manufactured as standard from stainless steel due to its hygienic and easy-to-clean qualities. Pharmaceutical companies use stainless steel in their pill funnels, tube creams and solutions.
Automotive
Automobiles are increasingly using stainless steel primarily for exhaust systems (class 409) and catalytic converters, but it is also used for structural purposes. The stainless steel market continues to improve as more attention is paid to lower long-term maintenance costs, less environmental impact, and more attention to life-cycle costs.