In metallurgy, stainless steel is described as an iron-carbon alloy containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium element. As seen in the figure below, the chrome element is the main component that protects the steel against rust. It takes its name from the fact that these steels are not stained, corroded and rust like other steels. This material is also referred to as corrosion resistant steel, especially in the aviation industry, as it is not detailed with its alloy type and qualities. Today, it is very easy to reach stainless steels in many different and easily accessible qualities and surface features that work without problems in the harsh environmental conditions in which the product is applied throughout its life. Even in our normal daily life, we see that these products are widely used from cutlery to watches. Stainless steel has a high resistance to corrosion and oxidation in many natural and man-made environments. However, choosing the right quality and type of stainless steel is very important for each particular application. The first step in quality selection begins with a detailed analysis and definition of all possible and existing working conditions to which stainless steel will be exposed at the design stage. High oxidation resistance at normal room temperature and weather conditions is achieved with the addition of minimum 13% (by weight) and up to 30% chromium in very harsh and harsh environmental conditions. When the chrome element in stainless steel is exposed to oxygen (it is meant oxygen in the normal atmosphere), it immediately creates a chrome-oxide (Cr2O3) passivation layer. This layer is too thin to be seen and the metal (stainless steel) that forms the product protects the metal it covers by preventing the penetration of water or any gas, oxygen completely. In addition, the opening that will occur if this layer is torn, opened or scratched for any reason is made up again when the layer renews itself very quickly. This phenomenon is called passivation and is also seen in some other metals such as titanium. Nickel element, like other molybdenum and vanadium elements used at low rates, also contributes to the passivation feature.
The resistance of stainless steel to corrosion and staining makes it an ideal and indispensable material in a wide range of commercial applications due to its low maintenance cost, being cheaper compared to others and having an eye-catching appearance. Although there are over 150 stainless steel grades in total, 15 of them are widely used and well known in the market.
Stainless steels, like other steels with their relatives, are produced in many ways by cold and hot rolling methods such as flat products, plates, rods, wires, pipes, shaped long products and cast parts. In food industry, medicine, surgical equipment, industrial equipment, automotive, white goods, structures and building elements, buildings, etc. It is widely used in many fields such as. One of the areas where stainless steels are used are products such as jewelery and watches, which we never separate from our daily life. The most common quality used in jewelry is 316L. It does not oxidize and tarnish over time like stainless steel silver. In addition, since the density of stainless steel is slightly lighter than silver, it provides designers convenience. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable. 60% of the stainless steel used is produced by reassessing recycled materials such as stainless steels from scrap products and scrap of production processes. |
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