Stainless steel’s strength, resistance to corrosion and low maintenance make it the idealmaterial for a wide range of applications. It also has a long life cycle and is 100% recyclable.There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which 15 are commonly used in everydayapplications. Stainless steel is made in various forms including plates, bars, sheets and tubingfor use in industrial and domestic settings.
Architecture and construction
Stainless steel first came to prominence in construction during the art-deco period. Famously,the upper portion of the Chrysler Building was constructed from stainless steel.Due to its strength, flexibility and resistance to corrosion, it is used in the exterior cladding forlarge high impact buildings and can be seen in the interiors too in the form of handrails, countertops, backsplashes and more. Stainless steel is easily welded, has an attractive finish and is lowmaintenance.
Automotive and transportation
Stainless steel was first used in the automotive industry in the 1930s by the Ford MotorCompany to make various concept cars. It is traditionally used in car exhaust systems, trim andgrills, but new emission reduction standards and environmental concerns are drivingmanufacturers to favor stainless steel in structural components too.Stainless steel is also used in ship containers, road tankers and refuse vehicles. It is excellentfor the transportation of chemicals, liquids and food products. Its high strength allows forthinner containers, saving fuel costs, while its corrosion resistance reduces cleaning andmaintenance costs.
Medical
Stainless steel is ideal for hygienic environments as it’s easily sterilized and resistant tocorrosion. It is used in the construction of surgical and dental instruments, kidney dishes andoperating tables, as well as other medical equipment such as cannulas, steam sterilizers andMRI scanners. Stainless steel are used in replacement joints such as artificial hips, pins and plates to fix brokenbones in place.
Energy and heavy industries
The chemical, oil and gas industries operate in demanding environments involving high heatand highly toxic substances. Special grades of stainless steel have been developed for use inthese industries which feature enhanced resistance to corrosion over a wider range ofhwalingroup.com
temperatures. High-grade stainless steel is vital in the construction of storage tanks, valves,pipes, and other components.
Stainless steel is essential for off-shore oil rigs. Crude oil is extremely corrosive and modern rigsare constructed from high alloyed steel which is tough and lightweight.
Renewable energy technologies including solar, geothermal, hydro and wind power also usestainless steel components as it is able to withstand the rigors of highly corrosive sea waterenvironments.
Food and catering
Stainless steel is used in the kitchen accessories, cutlery and cookware. Less ductile grades ofsteel are used to make knife blades with sharp edges. More ductile grades of steel are used foritems that have to be molded into shape such as cookers, grills, sinks and saucepans. Stainlesssteel is also used as a finish for refrigerators, freezers, countertops and dishwashers.
Source: https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/most-common-uses-of-stainless-steel/
