Stainless steel is one of the most well-known and commonly used metals in the world. The name refers to a group of ferrous alloys that are used for a multitude of purposes in all industries. Stainless steel has been in existence since 1798 and been consistently developed and improved upon since. The alloy can be altered by adding and changing the amounts of different elements to impact the traits and qualities of the steel. The versatility and pleasant appearance of stainless steel make it an incredibly useful and desirable metal. Below we take a closer look at stainless steel, its properties and its uses.
Properties and Composition of Stainless Steel
Much like other steels, stainless steel is made primarily from iron and carbon. The difference that makes this metal special is the addition of chromium. When chromium is added to steel, it forms chromium oxide which will protect the surface of the metal from air and moisture. It is air and moisture that causes rust and corrosion in the metal, so the film prevents this corrosion from occurring.
Different elements can be added to steel to alter the metal’s properties and uses. The elements that can be added include carbon, nitrogen, aluminium, titanium, copper and nickel, amongst others. It is stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and staining along with its low maintenance nature and attractive appearance that make it desirable.
Stainless steel is not only resistant to corrosion, but also to high and low temperatures. The metal is strong and durable and easily cleaned, making it a suitable choice for household and industrial appliances. It is incredibly long lasting and is therefore an environmentally friendly and reliable option for use in infrastructure.
Different Types of Stainless Steel
There are many types of stainless steel, four of which are the most commonly used. The different types use differing elements in varying amounts to manipulate the characteristics of the metal. Austenitic stainless steel is the most widely used. It is used to create housewares, piping and used in construction. Another popular kind of stainless steel is ferritic steel which is rather similar to mild steel. This steel is often found in washing machines and boilers.
Martensitic stainless steel is very hard and strong, but it is not as resistant to corrosion due to its composition. This type of stainless steel is commonly used in the manufacturing of knives and turbine blades. Duplex stainless steel is a composite of austenitic steel and ferritic steel. This mixture makes duplex steel both strong and flexible, making it useful in the production of paper, pulp, shipbuilding and petrochemical industries.
Recommendations
Tommy Hilfiger Women’s Stainless Steel Stud Earrings 2700259
These charming stud earrings from Tommy Hilfiger will make a great addition to any jewellery collection due to their simple, yet sparkly, design. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and staining, making these earrings a great option for everyday wear. They will retain their perfectly polished look for years to come. The earrings are round and engraved with the ‘Hilfiger’ logo. This engraving surrounds a beautiful cubic zirconia gemstone that is set at the centre of each earring to add a touch of sparkle to everyday accessorising. The earrings feature a post that is secured with a butterfly fastening.
Michel Herbelin Cap Camarat | Automatic | Blue Dial | Stainless Steel 1645/B15
Stainless steel is a popular choice in the design of watches due to its resilient and long-lasting nature. This watch exhibits both a high-quality stainless steel case and a stainless steel bracelet. These features make the watch sturdy and robust, ensuring it will be a staple in a watch collection for decades to come. The watch features a blue dial with a date aperture positioned at 6 o’clock, that is protected by sapphire crystal. The case measures 40.5mm in diameter and houses an automatic movement that powers the watch. This watch is water resistant up to 100 metres (10 bar), meaning that it can be worn for some swimming activities. The luxury French design of this timepiece makes it an eye-catching accessory.
Calvin Klein Stainless Steel Hook Bangle Medium KJ06CB01010M
It is the simplicity and minimalism of this Calvin Klein bracelet that make it so aesthetically pleasing. The bracelet is a simple, smooth bangle style that could be seamlessly paired with any other accessories and would be nicely complemented by jewellery in rose gold tones. The bracelet is engraved with the ‘ck Calvin Klein’ logo across the centre for a designer flourish. This bangle fastens with a hook to ensure that it remains secure on the wrist. After taking a closer look at stainless steel, it is apparent that the solid stainless steel design will ensure that this bracelet remains free from staining and corrosion for a very long time.
Seiko Women’s 140th Anniversary Edition SRZ539P1
Seiko is known for its high-precision and long-lasting timepieces. Stainless steel is an optimal choice for the creation of these quality watches as it is guaranteed to retain its brand-new look long into the future. This ladies’ watch features a stainless steel case that measures 29.5mm in diameter, with a matching stainless steel link bracelet to secure the watch on the wrist. This model features a gradient blue dial, with blue hands, that is protected by sapphire crystal. The dial is set with twelve crystals to denote hours. A quartz movement resides within the stainless steel case to ensure that this watch is precise and reliable.
Now that we have taken a closer look at stainless steel, what are your thoughts on the metal? Would you consider adding some stainless steel accessories to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
