Corrosion Resistance
Lower alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments,
while high alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline
solutions, and chlorine bearing environments, properties which are utilised
in process plants.
Fire and Heat Resistance
Special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades resist scaling and retain
strength at high temperature.
Hygiene
The easy cleaning ability of stainless makes it the first choice for strict
hygiene conditions, such as hospitals, abattoirs, kitchens and other food
processing plants.
Aesthetic Appearance
The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern
and attractive appearance.
Magnetic and Non-Magentic
Where one or both of these characteristics is important to the customer,
stainless steel provides a suitable solution.
On the other hand ferritics are magnetic, whilst austenitics offer non-magnetic.
Strength to Weight Advantage The work-hardening property of austenitic grades that result in significant
strengthening of the material from cold-working alone and the high strength
duplex grades, allow reduced material thickness over conventional grades,
therefore cost savings.
Ease of Fabrication
Modern steel making techniques mean that stainless can be cut, welded,
formed, machined and fabricated as readily as traditional steels.
Impact Resistance
The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness,
from elevated temperatures to far below freezing making these steels particularly
suited to cryogenic applications.
Long Term Value
When the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless is often the
least expensive material option.