Stainless steel 304 is the shiny looking metal your sink is made out of. Maybe you have a stainless steel refrigerator as well. Forks, knives, katanas, even bicycle spokes are made from stainless steel. So, let’s take a moment to learn a bit more about this interesting alloy.
- 304 Cond B
This is the single most common grade of stainless steel. Stainless steel condition B 304 is the domestic alloy, used to decorate. It can come in highly polished, brushed, or raw textures. Designers seem to favor the latter lately. - 316
This is used for lab equipment, jet engine parts, boat fittings, high sanitation equipment, and chemical containers. The last word in corrosion resistance. - Construction
Stainless is one of the most common metals used in the construction industry. It is also one of the four classes of metal alongside structural steels, tool and die steels, and magnetic alloys. - It Can Stain
Every time water touches stainless steel, it causes an oxide film that coats the metal. If you don’t wash this away, your ‘stainless’ steel will begin to rust. - It’s Recyclable!
That was definitely obvious but did you know that it’s actually one of the most recycled materials on the planet. - Soap Without the Suds?
No, but if you have a chunk of stainless steel laying around, you can use it to de-stink your hands after chopping garlic and onions. - Very Ductile
You can make a wire that stretches very thin from the smallest amount of stainless steel. This allows it to be more easily manipulated than other metals, an important feature. - Corrodes
If you send an electrical pulse through that wire, you will notice the wire turning yellow and blue due to oxidation. - Used in Clothing
Some high-fashion designers use stainless steel wiring in their clothing lines, either as support or decoration. People do like shiny metal objects after all.
Metalworking doesn’t just need to be fun for metalworkers. Everyone enjoys the rewards of a shiny metal fridge at the end of the night. If you would like to learn more about the technical aspects of these interesting types of alloys, visit our blog. We take our stainless steel products seriously, as we do with all of our alloys. Contact us today for a quote.