In 2019, the global market size for stainless steel was valued at over 110 billion. It only continues to grow and is expected to grow up to 6.3% CAGR in terms of revenue from 2020 – 2027.
Today, a wide number of industries rely on stainless steel. Due to its number of pros, it is simply the most effective solution for most applications.
If you’re looking for a reliable supplier of stainless steel products in Ohio, check out Fast Metals. They have a wide variety of stainless steel stock available online suitable for numerous applications.
This article will give you a closer look at stainless steel and the different industries that benefit the most from this metal.
Understanding Stainless Steel And Its Benefits
Steel is an alloy of carbon and iron with a maximum carbon content of 2.1 percent. Stainless steel, therefore, is a form of steel with added alloying elements making it highly resistant to corrosion.
Technically, the term stainless steel refers to a family of over 200 alloys of steel with remarkable corrosion and heat resistance properties. Its distinguishing characteristic is that stainless steel has a high amount of chromium. In general, it contains a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium.
This chromium added to the alloy helps prevent oxidation exposed to air. As a result, it stops corrosion, essentially making the alloy rust-proof.
As a result, stainless steel can retain a spotless appearance for longer periods under normal working conditions.
The strength and low-maintenance requirements of stainless steel also make it an ideal material for a variety of applications. It also has a long-life cycle and is completely recyclable. Although stainless steel is more expensive than other metals, its excellent properties equate to reduced cycle cost and increased lifespan. So, the larger upfront costs eventually pay off in the long run.
Industries That Use Stainless Steel
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Construction Industry
Did you know that stainless steel first appears in the construction industry? It was during the art-deco period.
Stainless steel has become a key element in modern construction, whether residential, commercial, or even artistic projects, due to its flexibility, strength, and corrosive resistance.
Stainless steel is often used in exterior cladding for buildings; however, it’s also used in interior elements such as countertops, handrails, backsplashes, and more.
In addition, today’s increasing trend of sustainability and eco-friendliness trend only worked more in favor of stainless steel. As mentioned before, stainless steel is recyclable, often comprised of 90 percent recycled metal.
Not only that, bust stainless steel in grain or polished finish also allows natural light into a building, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing sustainability.
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Food And Kitchenware Industry
Stainless steel is one of the few metals suitable for food production and storage manufacturing. This is because stainless steel doesn’t affect the flavor of food.
Plus, its corrosion-resistance properties make it suitable for handling and storing specific food items such as seafood, certain dairy products, and orange juices which are all acidic. Stainless steel is also easy to maintain and clean, reducing germs and bacteria growth, which is important in the food industry.
In addition to food handling, production, and storage industries, stainless steel is also a favorite in the production of kitchenware. It is often used in kitchen accessories, cookware, and cutlery.
Stainless steel with ductile grades is molded into shape and used in producing saucepans, grills, sinks, and cookers. The less ductile stainless steels, on the other hand, are utilized to make knife blades with sharp edges, as well as spoons, forks, and other dining utensils.
Stainless steel is also used as a finishing metal for kitchen appliances such as fridges, gas ranges, and dishwashers.
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Automotive Industry
Ford Motor Company was the first to adopt stainless steel to make various concept cars. In the modern era, the automotive industry is one of the most common users of stainless steel.
Most automotive exhaust systems, grills, and trims, as well as other structural components, are made of this metal. Aside from that, it’s employed in a variety of vehicles, including road tankers, ship containers, and garbage trucks.
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Medical And Healthcare Industry
As mentioned before, stainless steel is a good metal where hygiene is critical. Other than in the food industry, stainless steel dominates medical and healthcare equipment since it is easy to sterilize and rust-proof.
It’s often used in the production of medical equipment such as operating tables, cannulas, organ dishes, surgical tools as well as larger medical devices like MRI scanners.
In addition to medical tools, stainless steel is also used as surgical or orthopedic implants. It is a solution for artificial limbs or used in fixing broken bones in place with stainless steel plates and pins.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the presence and benefits of stainless steel in the modern world. And the above industries are just some of the countless applications that require the strength and rust-proof properties of stainless steel.
From surgical pins that keep fractured bones in place to the tallest skyscrapers ever built, stainless steel is simply one of the most reasonable and effective metal solutions you can find!
Interesting Related Article: “Why Stainless Steel Is a Better Option for A Water Tank“