Stainless Steel: Why is it called a Miracle Metal?
Since its discovery 100 years ago, stainless steel bars and other forms of this metal have become an integral part of almost every application, either in the industrial sectors or in the domestic fronts. Be it any sector from automotive, construction, manufacturing of industrial heavy machines or domestic appliances to equipment and articles required for aesthetic purposes, aluminum is the choicest metal that suits all. Its highly favorable physical properties and versatility has earned it the name of ‘miracle metal’ that is used in every industrial sector dealing with operations varying from the minutest to the most critical.
What are The Physical Properties That Add Desirability to Stainless Steel Bars?
Although we all are aware of the varied applications where stainless steel in different forms is used on a daily basis, we often find it difficult to remember the physical properties of this metal that render it the usefulness. Take a look at the following properties that make stainless steel the metal it is:
- Corrosion Resistance: Its high oxidation resistance at ambient air temperatures makes it resist all forms of corrosion in adverse environment. Stainless steel comes with a thin yet impervious coating of chromium oxide that does not let water or air affect the metal beneath its layer and that makes the metal defy the effects of corrosion.
- Base Resistance: Stainless steel is known for its power to resist weak bases like ammonium hydroxide, even at high temperatures and high concentrations. However, the strength and performance of the alumni has to be of very high level to form resistance against strong bases in extreme conditions.
- Acid Resistance: Almost every type of aluminum is resistance to the effects of acid, although this property depends on the concentration of acid as well as the ambient temperature. However, one should know that stainless steel fails to resist hydrochloric acid and hence should keep away from it.
- Cryogenic Resistance: Stainless steel has the ability to withstand environments at sub-zero temperatures. The tensile strength and toughness of certain high-performance stainless steel bars can actually put to test in sub-zero or cryogenic temperatures. However, ferrite, martensitic and precipitation hardening should not advisably be used at sub-zero temperatures.
- Work Hardening: Stainless steel bars, wire and other fabricated forms can be provided with extra strength through a combination of cold working and annealing. Hence, stainless steel components can be work hardened to achieve specific strength for required applications. On the other hand, only annealing renders the required softness to the metal.
- Ductility and Strength: The ability of stainless steel to be drawn into the forms of wire is highly used by electric and energy sector. With high ductility, stainless steel is used for varied purposes and applications where wirings are required for electric connectivity and transition of energy. Besides, the tensile strength of stainless steel makes it a desirable metal for most critical industrial applications.
The miracle metal as it is commonly known, stainless steel with its above mentioned physical properties is hence used for varied industrial sectors and applications. These include kitchen an cutlery, domestic wares and appliances, chemical processing, oil and gas industry, automotive, construction and architecture industry, food processing, medical applications and power generations.
Alliant Metals is known as a leading nationwide distributor of 316 stainless steel bars that come in different varieties and configurations such as round, hex, flat and square. The company has gained reputation in providing a wide range of 316 L and 316 stainless steel bars useful for their easy manufacturability and flexibility.
