Stainless steel is also known as inox or inox steel and is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11% chromium content by mass. Stainless Steel does not rust, corrode or stain as easily as ordinary steel. Stainless Steel is chosen where the properties of steel and resistance to corrosion are both requirements.
Austenitic, or 300 series, stainless steels make up over 70% of total stainless steel production. They contain a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium and sufficient nickel and/or manganese to retain an austenitic structure at all temperatures from the cryogenic region to the melting point of the alloy. A typical composition of 18% chromium and 10% nickel, commonly known as 18/10 stainless, is often used in flatware. The higher alloy content of superaustenitic steels makes them more expensive. Other steels can offer similar performance at lower cost and are preferred in certain applications. Low-carbon versions, for example 316L or 304L, are used to avoid corrosion problems caused by welding. The "L" means that the carbon content of the alloy is below 0.03%, which reduces the sensitization effect caused by the high temperatures involved in welding.
Ferritic stainless steels generally have better engineering properties than austenitic grades, but have reduced corrosion resistance, due to the lower chromium and nickel content. They are noramlly less expensive. They contain between 10.5% and 27% chromium and very little nickel, if any, but some types can contain lead. Most compositions include molybdenum; some, aluminium or titanium.
Martensitic stainless steels are not as corrosion-resistant as the other two classes but are extremely strong and tough, as well as highly machinable, and can be hardened by heat treatment. Martensitic stainless steel contains chromium (12 - 14%), molybdenum (0.2 - 1%), nickel (less than 2%), and carbon (about 0.1 - 1%) (giving it more hardness but making the material a bit more brittle). It is quenched and magnetic.
Stainless steels are used extensively in building applications. They are straightforward to form and weld. Stainless Steel comes in a range of different finishes depending on the form of the material. Stainless steel sheet for example is available in standard mill finish and also a range of different polished of brushed finishes. Brushed effect sheet is commonly used in architectural applications and is especially suitable for external applications where appearance is important. Stainless Steel sheet can also be mirror polished and is commonly used for signage the Savoy hotel in London being a good example of this. Stainless steel is also used extensively in the food, automotive, pharmaceutical, and aerospace industry.
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