What
is Stainless Steel?
Stainless Steel is essentially a low carbon steel which contains chromium
at 10% or more by weight. It is this addition of chromium that gives the
steel its unique stainless, corrosion resisting properties.
The chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough, adherent,
invisible, corrosion resisting chromium oxide film on the steel surface.
If damaged mechanically or chemically, the film is self-healing, providing
that oxygen, even in very small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance
and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased chromium
content and the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel
and nitrogen.