Stainless steel is the term used to identify a family of steels with a minimum chromium content of 11%, which thereby makes it highly resistant to corrosion.

Distributed homogeneously throughout the entire stainless steel structure, chromium - on making contact with oxygen - forms a fine, all-encompassing and resistant layer of oxide on the steel surface, protecting it against the corrosive attacks of nature.

Despite being invisible and very thin, this oxide film adheres extremely well to the stainless steel base, and its resistance increases as more chromium is added to the compound. Even when the steel is scratched, dented or cut, oxygen from the air immediately combines with the chromium to reform the protective layer.

Other elements added to stainless steel - nickel, molybdenum, vanadium and tungsten - also increase corrosion resistance, besides making steel suitable for multiple applications. The correct selection of the stainless steel type and of its surface finish are important in ensuring its long life.

The ABC of Stainless Steel

Main Characteristics of Stainless Steel

• High resistance to corrosion.
• High mechanical resistance.
• Easy cleansing / Low surface roughness.
• Hygienic appearance.
• Inert material.
• Easy conformability.
• Easy joining.
• It maintains its properties even when submitted to very high or low temperatures (cryogenic properties).
• Variety of surface finishes and forms.
• Strong visual appeal (modernity, lightness, prestige).
• Favorable cost/benefit relationship.
• Low maintenance costs.
• Recyclable material.

Important Considerations when Working with Stainless Steel

• Having a good knowledge of the material.
• Knowing about the families of material.
• Knowing the project in which stainless steel will be applied.
• Knowing about the available surface finishes.
• Maintaining organized and clean facilities.
• Maintaining the identification of the material.
• Adopting production planning.
• Apply the guidelines explained in the Acesita training courses and manuals.

What is Steel:

Steel is a metal alloy formed by several chemical elements, having iron and carbon as its main components.

What is Stainless Steel:

It is a type of steel with a chromium content of at least 11% and a balanced chemical composition which makes it highly corrosion-resistant.

What is Corrosion:

It is the natural enemy of metals. Common steels react with the oxygen in the air, forming a surface layer of iron oxide. This layer is extremely porous and allows for the continuous oxidation of the steel, causing corrosion, popularly known as "rust."

Passive layer:

This is an extremely fine, all-encompassing, stable and resistant layer formed on the surface of stainless steel by the combination of the oxygen in the air with the chromium contained in the steel alloy. This layer protects stainless steel against corrosive effects of nature.

Formation and Characteristics of the Passive Layer: The passive layer appears spontaneously in the presence of chromium and oxygen. The formation is instantaneous (chromium and oxygen have a high affinity). It is present on the entire surface of a piece of steel and is very stable. It will not come off. It is not porous and therefore blocks corrosion. It is also virtually invisible.

Stainless Steel's Main Families are:

Austenitic - Ferritic - Martensitic

When stainless steel is appropriately specified, the Return-on-Incurred-Costs rate is quite favorable.

Cleaning Routine:

The best friends of stainless steel are soap and gentle and/or neutral detergents and ammonia solutions diluted with lukewarm water. Apply with a soft cloth or a sponge of fine nylon, rinse well with water, and dry with a soft cloth.

For the Maintenance of stainless steel articles, always use the gentlest cleaning method possible. Be patient, and before turning to more severe cleaning methods, repeat the operation several times.