Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials worldwide for various industries such as construction, dentistry or the automotive industry. This is mainly due to its multiple properties and benefits such as corrosion resistance.
Some types of stainless steel also contain other alloying elements, in fact the main ones are nickel and molybdenum. In addition, it is important to remember that stainless steel has a great affinity for oxygen and reacts with it forming a passive layer. This is how it prevents corrosion.
In this case, it is important to learn how to identify stainless steel to avoid problems with the structures where we want to use it. Also, this product is much more hygienic and has much more durability.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy that consists of two metals: iron and carbon. In this case, carbon is present in a percentage less than 2%. Like other ferrous metals, steel oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen, forming rust.
The easiest way to detect it is through the characteristic reddish color that we all know. Objects that are manufactured with this material deteriorate quickly and acquire an unattractive appearance that can negatively impact quality.
Therefore, to prevent ferrous rust from forming, it is necessary to add a new element to the mix: chromium. This material reacts with oxygen forming a layer of chromium oxide, this layer is known as the passive layer, mentioned earlier.
For this to be possible, chromium must have a presence in the mix of at least 10.5% and it is important that it contains other components, such as nickel, silicon or aluminum, which helps us create different types of stainless steel.
The main properties of stainless steel
While there are different types of stainless steel, they all share a series of characteristics that make them unique compared to other metals.
- High resistance. They have a high resistance to atmospheric corrosion and oxidation, in addition to being resistant to high temperatures and humidity.
- Durability. Stainless steel has a great ability to withstand the physical and chemical conditions to which it is exposed as it is a very durable material unlike steel which begins to deteriorate after 15 or 20 years.
- Hardness. Stainless steel is very resistant to abrasive agents, in addition to not scratching, the more carbon in the mix, the harder the material will be.
- Ductility. If we exert an adequate force, stainless steel can easily deform without breaking, which allows its uses in many modeling and finishes, hence its multiple uses.
- Toughness. Stainless steel is very resistant to blows, in cases of impact it can absorb an amount of energy before breaking.
- Sustainability. Stainless steels are recyclable and are very cost effective for companies and families due to their amounts of chromium and nickel. Almost always, modern stainless steels are manufactured with up to 60% recycled material.
- Hygienic. Due to the composition and low roughness, external agents such as dust and bacteria do not adhere to its surface, so it is easy to clean with traditional cleaning products.
- Aesthetic. Stainless steel always stands out for its modern and elegant finish, in fact it is used in many interior spaces.
How to identify stainless steel?
If you wonder how to identify stainless steel, here we have the answer. There are 6 key points to identify it and here we will tell you what they are. Remember that Ulbrinox is your best ally to find the best quality stainless steel and aluminum.
- The classic magnet myth. There is a myth that if we pass a magnet over a metallic surface and it does not try to "stick", it is probably stainless steel. This is false as the magnetism of stainless steel depends on the components of its alloy.
- A brighter appearance. While materials like brass and aluminum are also shiny, stainless steel presents a different intensity in shine, having a brighter, smoother, and silvery appearance.
- Greater resistance. You will have no problems modeling with this metal as its resistance allows it to be adapted to different shapes and sizes.
- The key test. If you want to prove that it is stainless steel, you can pass a key or punch over the surface of the piece to check it, if it leaves marks it is not stainless steel.
- Chemical test. There are different products that test metals, so you can use it to check if it is the metal they really say it is.
Learning to identify stainless steel is important as it has a great importance in the Mexican industry. Remember that Ulbrinox is your expert in metallurgical solutions, learn more about our products on our blog.
