[Article]: What you should know about stainless steel?

One of the very important materials for the modern economy is stainless steel. Its primary property is corrosion resistance, but this is not the only feature of stainless steel that affects its popularity. It is a unique material with very numerous advantages, which works well in many industrial fields. Let's take a look at the advantages of this material.

1. What is stainless steel and what are its basic properties?
2. What is the main division of stainless steel?
3. X22CrMoV12 - what distinguishes this material?
4. What is the application of stainless steel?

Stainless steel is a very important material for modern industry. Let's get acquainted with information about it.

What is stainless steel and what are its basic properties?

Stainless steel is, as the name suggests, steel that is resistant to corrosion. More specifically, it is referred to as various grades of quality steels that contain at least 11% chromium in their composition. Other elements in the composition of stainless steel include magnesium, iron, silicon, carbon, among others. However, chromium is primarily responsible for the properties of stainless steel. As a result of its reaction with oxygen and moisture found in the air, it forms a protective layer on the surface of the material. As a result, it becomes resistant to corrosion. The situation is different for ordinary steel - it, in turn, reacts with water and oxygen to form an unstable iron oxide coating. It is worth noting that the protective coating of stainless steel can also renew itself.

The most important properties of stainless steel are:

• heat resistance,
• ease of processing,
• high ease of maintenance,
• bio tolerance,
• recyclability,
• aesthetic appearance.

So, as you can see, stainless steel is an extremely practical material that may prove crucial just in your business. Its positive properties contribute to its great popularity.

What is the main division of stainless steel?

In the past, steel was divided into stainless steel and acid-resistant steel. Today, however, the division is slightly different.

Thus, there are four basic types of stainless steel:

• Martensitic steel: it is obtained by hardening austenitic steel. It is a hard, strong material that has magnetic properties. It is also resistant to abrasion. However, it does not have high weldability. Martensitic steel is used primarily for blades and knives, and in the petroleum and chemical industries.
• Austenitic steel: it is not hardened in the production process. Its most important property is very high corrosion resistance and elongation capacity at a much higher level than ferritic steels. It is not magnetic. It is very good at cold strengthening and has a high yield strength when cold worked.
• Ferritic steel: is a very fracture-resistant and magnetic steel. It has lower thermal expansion than austenitic steels, but has better thermal conductivity than them. There is no nickel in its composition.
• Austenitic-ferritic steel: this is a highly resistant steel to erosion and abrasive wear, which also has high strength and tensile strength. For this reason, it is most often used in the chemical and marine industries. Otherwise known as duplex stainless steel or duplex steel.

X22CrMoV12 - what distinguishes this material?

X22CrMoV12 steel is a high-alloy structural steel that is also classified as heat-resistant steel. It is used to make parts, assemblies, steam turbine rotor parts, blade forgings and other components that are expected to operate at temperatures up to 600℃. It is used in the power, chemical, petrochemical and oil industries. It is worth noting that it is a hard-welded steel. Alloy steel 1.4923 is characterized by high resistance to corrosion, as well as to oxidation, thermal fatigue and resistance to high temperatures.

What is the application of stainless steel?

Stainless steel, due to its numerous positive properties, is widely used in many industries. Most likely, everyone has something of this material at home, such as good kitchen knives. Stainless steel is used primarily in the construction industry. It is not only part of entire structures, but also an important element of interior design. It is not only durable, but also very aesthetically pleasing. It therefore works great as a finishing touch. However, this is not the only industry in which stainless steel is used. It is an integral part of such industries as the chemical, transportation, food and energy industries, for example. 

Stainless steel is a very important part of the modern economy. It is thanks to it that various types of structures are possible, which can serve man even in difficult conditions. In addition, due to its high aesthetics, it can be a decorative element of the interior. It is worth considering this material when deciding on your constructions. However, be sure to always obtain it from trustworthy sources. A good manufacturer is a guarantee of high-quality material, which can later be used to create structural elements, construct machinery or buildings, and much more. 

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