Stainless steel is used across many industries to make demanding jobs easier. Its long service life and practical properties have made it the material of choice in a wide range of sectors. Stainless steel offers exceptionally high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and that resistance effectively eliminates the problem of rust.

Because rust is no longer an issue, stainless steel components stay in service for many years, sparing users the recurring cost of replacing worn-out parts. Lower costs translate directly into better margins for the companies that use it. While stainless steel is mostly used for functional purposes and in the manufacture of equipment and fixtures, it is also widely used decoratively, thanks to its attractive, bright finish.

To achieve that bright, appealing appearance, stainless steel goes through various finishing and polishing steps during production. Special decorative finishes can also be applied to meet customer requirements. Stainless steel is manufactured to consistent standards, yet it can be tailored with a variety of characteristics to suit each application. Dimensions, shape, and surface finish are the properties most commonly specified by customers, and this flexibility is one of the reasons stainless steel is used in so many different fields.

Where Is Stainless Steel Used?

Before using stainless steel, it is essential to analyze the environment in which it will be installed. Evaluating the application in advance ensures you get the most out of the material. Stainless steel grades are classified according to the operating temperature, pressure levels, and the liquids the material will come into contact with. With more than 150 grades available, the right stainless steel is selected based on the conditions described above.

Although there are more than 150 grades of stainless steel, around 15 of them account for the vast majority of industrial use. This is simply because certain grades are better known and more widely adopted by industry. The best-known families among them are austenitic stainless steels, ferritic stainless steels, and duplex stainless steels.