In modern industry and daily life, stainless steel has become a popular material due to its unique performance advantages. From architectural decoration to kitchen utensils, from medical equipment to aerospace, stainless steel is everywhere. This article will give you a comprehensive analysis of the relevant knowledge of stainless steel to help you make wise decisions when purchasing and using stainless steel products.

一、Basic knowledge of stainless steel

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy made by adding alloy elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum to steel. Its core characteristic is that chromium reacts with oxygen to form a dense passivation film on the surface. This film isolates oxygen from the internal metal, thereby effectively preventing rust and corrosion. According to different organizational structures, stainless steel is mainly divided into five categories: austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel and precipitation hardening stainless steel. Each category has its own unique performance and scope of application.

二、Detailed explanation of common stainless steel types

(I) Austenitic stainless steel

Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type of stainless steel, with 304 and 316 being the most well-known. 304 stainless steel contains about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and has good corrosion resistance, toughness and processing performance. It is widely used in food processing equipment, kitchen sinks, architectural decoration and other fields. 316 stainless steel adds molybdenum to 304, further enhancing its corrosion resistance in chloride environments. It is often used in marine engineering, chemical equipment, medical equipment and other scenes with extremely high corrosion resistance requirements.

(II) Ferritic stainless steel

Ferritic stainless steel generally contains 11% - 30% chromium, has good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance, but relatively low strength and toughness. 430 stainless steel is a typical ferritic stainless steel, commonly used in home appliance housings, decorative panels, automotive exhaust systems, etc., and is relatively affordable.

(III) Martensitic stainless steel

Martensitic stainless steel can significantly improve its strength and hardness through heat treatment, but its corrosion resistance is relatively weak. Common 410 stainless steel has certain rust resistance and high strength, and is often used in products such as knives, tableware, and mechanical parts that require high hardness and wear resistance.

(IV) Duplex stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel combines the advantages of austenitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel, and has high strength, good corrosion resistance and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. 2205 duplex stainless steel is widely used in petrochemical, offshore platforms, papermaking and other industries, and can operate stably in harsh working environments.

(V) Precipitation hardening stainless steel

Precipitation hardening stainless steel is treated with precipitation hardening to obtain ultra-high strength and hardness while maintaining good corrosion resistance. It is often used in the manufacture of key components in high-precision fields such as aerospace and nuclear industry.

三、 Key points for purchasing stainless steel

(I) Clarify usage requirements

Before purchasing stainless steel products, you must first clarify their usage scenarios and specific needs. If it is used in food contact areas, such as tableware, kitchen utensils, etc., you need to choose stainless steel materials that meet food hygiene standards, such as 304 stainless steel; if it is used in a highly corrosive environment, 316 stainless steel or duplex stainless steel should be given priority.

(II) Check product identification

Regular stainless steel products will be marked with information such as material model and implementation standards. Check the product identification carefully to ensure that its material meets your needs. At the same time, pay attention to check whether the product has quality certification marks, such as ISO quality certification, SGS test reports, etc., to ensure reliable product quality.

(III) Check surface quality

The surface of high-quality stainless steel products should be smooth and flat, without defects such as cracks, sand holes, and pores. For mirror stainless steel, check its surface finish and reflective effect; for brushed stainless steel, observe whether the brushed texture is uniform.

(IV) Consider price factors

There are large differences in the prices of stainless steel of different types and specifications. When purchasing, do not just focus on the price, but also consider the product quality, performance and service life. Generally speaking, high-performance stainless steel is relatively expensive, but in terms of long-term use cost, it may be more economical.

四、Stainless steel maintenance and care

(I) Daily cleaning

Use a soft damp cloth and neutral detergent to clean the stainless steel surface regularly to remove dust, oil and stains. Avoid using rough cleaning tools such as steel wool and sandpaper to avoid scratching the surface. After cleaning, wipe it dry with a clean dry cloth to prevent water stains from remaining.

(II) Prevent scratches

When using and carrying stainless steel products, be careful to avoid collisions with sharp objects to prevent surface scratches. For stainless steel countertops in the kitchen, try to use wooden or plastic cutting boards to avoid cutting hard objects directly on the countertop.

(III) Special treatment

If there is slight rust on the stainless steel surface, you can use a special stainless steel rust remover to treat it; for stubborn stains or corrosion marks, it is recommended to consult a professional for repair to avoid more serious damage caused by improper treatment.

Through the above comprehensive introduction to stainless steel, I believe you have a deeper understanding of the types, purchases and maintenance of stainless steel. Whether you are an individual consumer or a corporate customer, when choosing stainless steel products, you can choose the high-quality stainless steel products that best suit your needs based on the information provided in this article. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you!