Stainless steel is alloyed steel, i.e. a metallic material that is characterized by its special degree of purity. Stainless steel can be made of iron, chromium, nickel, molybdenum or manganese. Steels that are free of rust are very often referred to as stainless steel.
The whole thing is divided into different steel groups, stainless steel being one of the high-purity steels. Stainless steel can be alloyed as well as unalloyed. Unalloyed stainless steel means that the stainless steel consists only of iron and a small part of carbon. In the case of alloyed stainless steel, further alloy elements can be present.
Appearance and properties of stainless steel
Stainless steel has many different properties. It is corrosion-resistant, temperature-resistant, durable, hygienic and conductive. The stainless steel also has a very thin passive layer on the surface. This can be renewed with the help of oxygen, the relative humidity and certain chromium content if it is slightly damaged. Stainless steel does not need any coatings for surface protection. Stainless steel is whitish-silver and often has a glossy surface, although this can also be matt-glossy due to different surface treatments. en19 steel is also a very popular form of stainless steel.
Processing methods of stainless steel
There are different types of surface treatment for stainless steel:
- Grinding and polishing
- Wobble
- to brush
If API 5L x42 is ground and polished, it is a mechanical form of processing. During this process, the material is removed. Carrier materials with hard abrasive particles are used for this. The whole thing can be used for different machines, such as finger grinders, belt grinders or angle grinders. Stainless steel is ground in order to remove surface layers such as tarnish or weld beads. For decorative reasons, the whole thing is then polished with a polishing agent for stainless steel. api 5l x65 is also very useful in different type of applications.
With the so-called buffing, the surface becomes shinier and smoother. Not much is removed from the surface. Pastes, polishing agents and various liquids are used to give shinning to steel products. The stainless steel with its shiny and smooth surface is often used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Another way to treat stainless steel is by brushing. Here, too, something is removed from the surface. The aim is to give the surface of the stainless steel a special structure. For this purpose hand pads, bands or disks are used.
Use of stainless steel
Stainless steel is used in a number of areas, here are a few examples:
- Furniture industry
- Food industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- architecture
- vehicle construction
- mechanical engineering
Stainless steel is used, among other things, in the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry or in architecture due to its corrosion resistance and acid resistance. Stainless steel is often used in the food industry because it is corrosion-resistant, hygienic and durable. It is also best in use because of its longer life and hardness.