The stainless steel has become one of the most used materials in different types of industries and in our homes. The reason for the increase in its use has derived from the multiple benefits it can offer for human life and work.
However, as with almost all the materials we use in our day to day, there are myths that need to be known or debunked about this alloy. That is why today we will talk about the myths of stainless steel.
Remember that at Ulbrinox we are professionals in providing quality metallurgical products to different industries. Buy stainless steel and aluminum at the best price in Mexico, with the best quality standards in the entire market.
Myths in metals and stainless steel
Steel is not an element as such, like brass and bronze, which are also metals. This type of metal is really an alloy or a mixture of different materials. The basic compounds to achieve it are iron and carbon, although it is a common practice to add other elements to achieve specific objectives. Although durable, this material has a high propensity to rust.
In 1913, Harry Brearly discovered that steel could be made resistant to the effects of certain acids by adding a specific mixture of chromium. Chromium is added to standard steel, giving it extraordinary stain resistance.
Benefiting the creation of stainless steel, with unique properties in the industry and which has made it one of the main materials to be applied in different robust applications and for domestic use.
Know the 6 most famous myths of stainless steel
Stainless steel is the same in all its presentations
There are more than 100 grades of stainless steel, each classified in its own "family". The most ordinary type is the grade 304, part of the austenitic family, which contains between 15 and 30% chromium.
This alloy in a 304 grade contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and a mixture of other elements. This versatile material is less expensive than higher quality stainless steel, as it has less built-in chemical resistance.
The grade 316 has a higher proportion of nickel and the addition of molybdenum. This makes it resistant to chlorides, and they are extremely effective for areas exposed to aggressive chemicals, roads, or coastal environments.
Stainless steel lacks magnetism
Non-magnetic varieties of stainless steel include the austenitic variety. However, the vast majority of grades, including ferritic, martensitic, and duplex varieties, have magnetic properties.
When deformed, even austenitics exhibit some magnetic properties. An experiment can be performed by sticking a magnet to the edge of a stainless steel sink. In general terms, it is possible to detect some magnetic field.
This metal represents a much greater investment
The first thing we need to know is that stainless steel is more expensive than carbon alloys. Although the initial investment may be higher for this type of metal, the performance it offers is much superior, providing a longer lifespan and allowing the capital used to be recovered more quickly.
Even if carbon steels have the lowest initial installation cost, their advantage disappears the day they need to be repainted to protect them against corrosion. The daily cost in dollars of stainless steel over the course of the project will be significantly lower.
The best stainless steel for industry is the 18/10 variety
The reality is that both stainless steel 18/10 is very similar to 18/8. Common grades of austenitics contain between 20% chromium and 10% nickel. Europeans commonly refer to them as type 8/10 alloy, while the English-speaking world calls them 18/8 stainless steels.
There are slight variations in the compositions of standard stainless steel around the world, but the grades perform consistently well, regardless of where they are produced.
It is impossible for stainless steel to rust
The reality is that there are certain varieties and compositions of this metal that are more prone to oxidation and corrosion than others. A higher chromium content in an alloy gives it greater resistance to corrosion. The oxidation process "softens" the chromium. This creates an extremely thin layer that protects the surface from more of this type of wear.
Environmental considerations should also be made when choosing a particular steel or another. Most of this material deteriorates when exposed to chemicals, saltwater, and acid rain. However, stainless steel is much more resistant than carbon alloy.
At Ulbrinox we are proud to be the national supplier of stainless steel. Discover the quality of our products and request a quote on our website! We provide high-quality materials according to the needs of companies.
