Stainless steel is essential in all aspects of modern life. It is part of large skyscrapers and is used to make zippers. Its corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and strength make stainless steel ideal for various applications. Many industries prefer stainless steel products like tubing, pipes, sheets, or alloys which you can easily buy from Webcotube suppliers as they manufacture a wide variety of corrosion-resistant alloys in many sizes. Besides, stainless steel is 100 percent recyclable with a long life cycle. Stainless steel comes in more than 150 grades with just 15 commonly used in modern-day life.
Stainless steel is highly versatile to support various forms including bars, plates, sheets, tubing, coils, and more (https://fastmetals.com/pages/all-square-tube-products) for domestic and industrial use. In fact, various industries rely heavily on stainless steel for a range of applications as you’re about to discover.
Industries that rely heavily on stainless steel
Building and construction
The use of stainless steel became prominent in the construction industry in the art-deco period. Modern construction relies heavily on ASTM A36 stainless steel for its corrosion resistance, flexibility, and strength. Some of the applications of stainless steel in construction include cladding of the exterior of huge high-impact structures.
Additionally, other interiors use stainless steel for countertops, handrails, and backsplashes. Some famous projects constructed using stainless steel include the upper part of the Chrysler Building.
Architecture
Welding stainless steel is easy to create an attractive finish with low maintenance. The growth of eco-friendly living triggered the need to buy 321 stainless steel tube in architecture for being 100 percent recyclable. Grain finish or polishing restores the natural light into a structure with stainless steel to encourage low energy consumption. High profile architecture today with stainless steel include:
- New York’s One World Trade Center
- London’s Eurostar Terminal
- Singapore’s Helix Bridge
Automotive
The Ford Motor Company started the use of stainless steel in the automotive industry when it started making various cars in the 1930s with the material. This inspired other carmakers to begin using the same material up today.
Traditionally, stainless steel was for making trim, grills, and exhaust systems. However, environmental concerns and emission reduction guidelines are making car manufacturers consider recyclable stainless steel for structural components.
Transportation
The transport sector heavily uses stainless steel for road tankers, refuse vehicles, and shipping containers. Additionally, stainless steel is ideal for transporting liquids, food products, and chemicals. This is because of its exceptional strength that supports thinner containers to save on fuel expenses. Additionally, stainless steel resists corrosion to lower maintenance and cleaning costs.
Medical
There are various applications in the medical industry that require hygienic environments. Stainless steel is an appropriate material for such environments for its resistance to corrosion and easy sterilization. This allows its use in medical supplies including dental instruments, surgical equipment, operating tables, and kidney dishes. Other medical supplies made from stainless steel include:
- Steam sterilizers
- MRI scanners
- Artificial hips
- Cannulas
- Surgical implants
Energy
The energy sector also relies heavily on stainless steel in various applications. Chemical, oil, a flexible riser installation and gas installations operate in headily demanding environments prone to highly toxic materials and extreme heat. Fortunately, special grade stainless steel is ideal for such applications. This comes with enhanced corrosion resistance on exposure to extreme temperatures. Besides, tanks, storage tanks, and valves are made from high-grade stainless steel.
Super duplex stainless steel has an exceptional strength to produce large sheets to optimize structural integrity and minimize welding. The high strength of this type of steel lessens the need for additional support for structures and foundations to lower construction costs. Off-shore oil rigs also use stainless steel. Modern rigs are made of high alloy stainless steel for its lightweight, toughness, and resistance to corrosion by crude oil. Other energy industries utilizing stainless steel for its corrosion resistance include:
- Wind power
- Hydropower
- Geothermal
- Solar energy
Foodservice
In the foodservice industry, stainless steel is for making cutlery, cookware, and kitchen accessories. Knife blades are made with stainless steel of low ductile grades to produce sharp edges. Stainless steel with higher ductile grades is for making items that require molding to create particular shapes including sinks, cookers, saucepans, and grills. Additionally, stainless steel is for creating a finish for dishwashers, freezers, countertops, and refrigerators.
Food production and storage
Still in the food sector, stainless steel is highly utilized in food production and storage. This is because the material doesn’t affect food flavor. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel is appropriate for acidic foods such as orange juice. The most significant benefit of using stainless steel in the food industry is the ease of cleaning to keep away germs. During the production of cream, stainless steel is necessary for allowing the use of strong anti-bacterial products during cleaning.
Bottom line
Stainless steel is very important in our lives today. A day is likely to go without using anything from stainless steel. For those in the construction industry, stainless steel is applicable in various situations including finishing the interior and exterior of structures. Stainless steel comes in various grades including 321 stainless bars to meet your construction requirements.