Stainless steel is completely dominating all the other traditional materials like ceramic, stone, bricks, timber, copper, wood, etc., in the construction sector. It is highly admired, demanded, and used in the market. Every year, more than 50.9 million metric tons of steel are produced. The commendable aspect of steel is that it is 98% recyclable and can be easily molded into new products.
In addition to these advantages for the ecosystem, the material provided by a renowned stainless steel manufacturer is also very hygienic, easy to maintain, strong and durable, and offers a wide range of features.
As a result, stainless steel is used in numerous commonplace items. It also contributes significantly to various sectors, including power generation, shipping, construction, science and technology, healthcare, food, and logistics.
What Is Stainless Steel?
In simplest terms, stainless steel can be understood as any alloy of steel typically having 10 to 30 percent chromium elements. In combination with low carbon value, chromium offers exceptional heat and corrosion resistance qualities.
In some alloys, It is possible to add other elements, such as nickel, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, niobium, copper, nitrogen, sulfur, or selenium, to improve corrosion resistance in a particular environment, boost oxidation resistance, or to add some distinctive characteristics.
Due to the variation in the ratio of elements added to the steel alloy, the market offers more than a hundred grades of stainless steel. However, stainless steel’s most crucial and primary grades are austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation-hardening.
Why Should You Consider Stainless Steel Over Other Materials?
Since ancient times, people have used materials for various purposes like construction, aircraft manufacturing, building trade, automotive and transportation services, medicinal technology, and food and catering services. However, with advancements in scientific research, stainless steel is known to be a superior material.
Check out the various qualities of stainless steel that make it an extraordinary material.
It Is Highly Resistant To Corrosion
One of the most well-known facts about stainless steel is that it is immune to corrosion up to a great extent. So much so it is also popularly known as “rustless iron.” The addition of a chemical element, chromium, makes stainless steel corrosion-resistant.
Chromium is the revolutionary element that led to a phenomenal advancement in the properties of stainless steel. Such a property ensures that the material is free from rust and corrosion in environments with high moisture and water content.
It is ubiquitous for materials like wood to start accumulating molds or pests on exposure to moisture and material like iron to start rusting on exposure to atmospheric oxygen. However, stainless steel is a superior material to both wood and iron. It is highly resistant to molds, pests, and rust.
It Is Resistant To High-Temperatures & Fire
Another significant aspect of stainless steel is that it is exceptionally resistant to high temperatures and fires. The material retains its tensile strength and prevents itself from getting oxidized effectively in such conditions.
Chromium, again, is the unique factor that makes stainless steel such a sturdy and reliable material. One must note that the material is far superior to galvanized steel and even aluminum regarding fire-resistant properties. The material is extensively used in making appliances like boilers, heaters, valves, etc.
It Is Remarkably Sanitary
A feature of stainless steel that may not be obvious at first but is very substantial and real has to do with sanitation. Stainless steel is incredibly sanitary since it is so simple to disinfect. Its sleek, matte texture and non-porous surface make it difficult for contaminants like dust, filth, and microorganisms to take hold on its exterior.
When such contaminants occur on the surface, wiping them away with mild soap, detergent, nylon brush, or a wipe is relatively simple. Stainless steel is a fantastic material choice in settings where strict cleanliness is essential due to how simple it is to clean and maintain.
This is why stainless steel is almost solely used in professional kitchens and is widely used in clinics, hospitals, industries, etc.
It Is An Environment-Friendly Material
The fact that stainless steel is an ecologically friendly material is another advantage that receives little emphasis but is crucial from a global perspective. One must pay attention to the fact that about 70% of scrap materials obtained from steel are commonly used to make stainless steel, which means that it is built on unutilized materials.
It can also be reprocessed if its original purpose is no longer needed because it is 100% biodegradable in its original form. Because it won’t release harmful chemicals throughout the recycling process like some other materials, extracting the rare elements necessary to produce stainless steel can be done less frequently.
It Is Aesthetically Pleasing
Another excellent reason for choosing stainless steel over other materials is its attractive appearance, which is a little briefer but no less critical. Stainless steel has long been considered a sophisticated, alluring, and contemporary material.
Many consider it a substance with a brilliance that evokes a sense of freshness. It is a material that has endured decades and has grown in popularity as a practical and decorative option in homes and commercial buildings worldwide. Additionally, it is a material that blends in nicely with the majority of other substances, designs, and hues.
It Has High Functionality & Adaptability
The most remarkable fact about stainless steel is that it can be easily molded into any imaginable shape or size. Various innovative techniques like welding, forming, bending, or assembling can be carried out effortlessly. It can be molded into multiple creative, geometric shapes like hexagons, hollow circles, beams, L-shaped beams, C-channels, and many more.
Conclusion
Stainless steel is tremendously used for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. It is gaining enormous amounts of traction globally. If one evaluates the costs of stainless steel and considers its long-term functionality, the material is cheaper than other materials in the long run. With the help of the above-mentioned factors about stainless steel, one can easily decide which material will work best for their current and future projects.