Stainless steel is an alloy material with characteristics such as corrosion resistance, high strength, aesthetics, and ease of processing, widely used in industries such as construction, home furnishings, and healthcare. The following is a detailed analysis of its characteristics and applications:

1、 Main characteristics of stainless steel

Corrosion resistance

Core feature: Chromium content ≥ 10.5% forms a passive film, resistant to oxidation and acid-base corrosion.

Improvement factors: Molybdenum (Mo) enhances pitting corrosion resistance (such as 316 containing molybdenum), while nickel (Ni) improves acid and alkali resistance (such as 304 containing 8% -10% nickel).

High strength and wear resistance

Cold processing (such as cold rolling) can significantly improve strength, and some models (such as 440C) can achieve a hardness of HRC58, making them suitable for cutting tools.

High/low temperature resistance

Austenitic stainless steel (such as 310S) can withstand high temperatures of over 1000 ℃, while martensitic stainless steel (such as 410) is suitable for low-temperature environments.

Hygiene and easy cleaning

Smooth and pore free surface, inhibits bacterial growth, meets food grade (such as 304) and medical grade (such as 316L) standards.

Aesthetics

Diversified appearances can be achieved through processes such as polishing, drawing, and plating, which are commonly used in the field of decoration.

Environmental Protection and Recyclability

100% recyclable, with a long lifecycle, reducing resource waste.

2、 Common Classification and Typical Applications of Stainless Steel

3、 Application areas of stainless steel

Architecture and Decoration

Curtain wall/roof: 304 or 316 with strong weather resistance, such as stainless steel curtain wall of Shanghai center Building.

Decorative strips/sculptures: Surface treatment (such as mirror, colored coating) enhances aesthetics.

Home and kitchenware

Kitchenware: 304 food grade stainless steel is used for cookware and sinks (such as German stand up knives).

Furniture: brushed stainless steel frame (such as modern style tables and chairs).

Industry and Energy

Chemical equipment: 316L acid and alkali resistant reaction kettle, pipeline.

Energy: Dual phase steel is used for subsea oil and gas pipelines.

Medical and Food

Surgical instruments: 420 martensitic stainless steel (such as surgical knives).

Food processing: sanitary grade stainless steel conveyor belts, storage tanks.

Transportation and Communications

Automotive exhaust pipe: 409/439 ferritic stainless steel resistant to high temperature exhaust gas.

High speed rail components: 301 austenitic stainless steel is used for the body structure.

Emerging fields

3D printing: 17-4PH powder is used for the manufacturing of complex parts.

Environmental protection equipment: 310S high-temperature and corrosion-resistant waste incinerator.

4、 Processing and maintenance of stainless steel

Processing technology

Welding: Austenitic steel requires controlled heat input to avoid intergranular corrosion.

Stamping: 304 is suitable for deep drawing (such as insulated cups).

Surface treatment

Electrolytic polishing: Improve the surface smoothness of medical devices.

PVD coating: increases wear resistance (such as gold decorative parts).

Maintenance points

Avoid contact with chloride ions (such as prolonged immersion in salt water, which may cause pitting corrosion).

Regular cleaning (with neutral detergent and soft cloth) to prevent scratches.

5、 Material selection suggestions

Coastal environment: Priority should be given to 316 containing molybdenum.

High strength requirements: Consider 17-4PH or duplex steel 2205.

Cost sensitive: 430 ferritic stainless steel is suitable for exterior components of household appliances.

The diverse characteristics of stainless steel make it an indispensable material for modern industry, and proper selection and maintenance can maximize its performance advantages.