Stainless Steel

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Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with a high amount of chromium, which gives it excellent resistance to corrosion and heat. In order to achieve other desirable qualities, it contains components like carbon, nonmetals and metals in addition to the minimum 11% chromium content. The chromium in stainless steel, which creates a passive layer that can shield the metal and self-heal in the presence of oxygen, is what gives the material its resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is a versatile material that can be tailored to different needs by varying its composition and processing methods. It is also a sustainable material that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality or performance.

Typical Applications for Stainless Steel

Numerous applications make use of the shine and corrosion resistance. Plates, bars and tubing can all be made of stainless steel. Cutlery, surgical tools, large appliances, automobile and aerospace frames, construction materials, industrial equipment, water treatment equipment and storage vessels are all examples of these. Having the same biological cleanability as glass, stainless steel is heavily used in pharmaceutical and food processing plants.

Stainless steel is exceptionally useful in medical equipment manufacturing. Stainless steel is biocompatible, which means it does not cause allergic reactions or infections when in contact with human tissue. It also has a smooth surface that prevents bacterial growth and facilitates cleaning and disinfection. It also has high durability and fatigue resistance, which means it can withstand repeated stress and strain without failing. Some examples of stainless steel products in medical equipment manufacturing are surgical instruments, implants, prosthetics, needles, syringes, and dental devices.

Another industry that benefits from stainless steel is chemical and pharmaceutical. Stainless steel is resistant to many corrosive chemicals and can maintain its integrity in harsh environments. It also has good thermal conductivity, which means it can transfer heat efficiently and evenly. This is important for processes that require precise temperature control, such as distillation, crystallization, and sterilization. Some examples of stainless steel products in chemical and pharmaceutical are reactors, vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, tubing, and instruments.

ADDere’s additive manufacturing can streamline the development and production process of large-scale components made from stainless steel. Contact us today and see if your manufacturing operations can benefit from ADDere’s additive manufacturing with stainless steel.