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[ Cleaning Stainless Steel ]

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, this 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.

There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. However, the entire group can be divided into five classes. Each is identified by the alloying elements which affect their microstructure and for which each is named.

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 utilized in process plants.

Fire and heat resistance
Special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades resist scaling and retain strength at high temperatures.

Hygiene
The easy cleaning ability of stainless makes it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions, such as hospitals, kitchens, abattoirs and other food processing plants.

Aesthetic appearance
The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance.

Strength-to-weight advantage
The work-hardening property of austenitic grades, that results in a 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 (cookware) 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.

Environmentally Correct
Stainless steel needs less maintenance and its hygienic qualities means that we do not have to use harsh cleaners to get a clean surface. There is little or nothing to dump into the drain that could have an environmental impact.

18/8 and 18/10 refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. The "18" refers to the chromium content, which gives silver its strength, and the "8" or "10" refers to the nickel content, which gives it its shine and rust-resistance.

Both 18/8 and 18/10 are premium quality when it comes to stainless. 18/10 could be considered slightly better, but there is little difference. Keep in mind that these numbers do not refer to the weight of the stainless.  18/8 = T302, 18/10 = T304

304 Surgical Stainless Steel

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