What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an iron alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium, which forms a passive oxide layer that resists corrosion. It offers high strength, durability and a clean, hygienic finish for demanding applications.
Properties & Benefits
- Corrosion Resistant — withstands moisture, chemicals and heat.
- High Strength — strong and durable.
- Hygienic — easy to clean, ideal for food and medical use.
- Heat Resistant — performs at elevated temperatures.
Common Grades
| Grade | Characteristics | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | General corrosion resistance | Food, medical, housings |
| 316 | Marine-grade, chloride resistant | Chemical, marine |
| 303 | Free-machining | Shafts, fasteners, fittings |
| 17-4 PH | Precipitation hardened, high strength | Aerospace, tooling |
Machining Processes
Stainless steel is machined by CNC milling and turning. Tolerances of ±0.01–0.05mm are typical, with precision work down to ±0.005mm.
Surface Finishing
- Passivation for enhanced corrosion resistance
- Electropolishing for a bright, smooth finish
- Bead blasting and brushing
Applications
Stainless steel is used in medical instruments, food processing equipment, marine hardware, automotive exhausts and industrial machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 304 and 316?
316 adds molybdenum for better resistance to chlorides and salt, making it the marine-grade choice.
Can stainless steel be machined to tight tolerances?
Yes — precision machining holds ±0.005mm on critical features.
Is stainless steel magnetic?
Austenitic grades like 304 and 316 are generally non-magnetic; 430 is magnetic.
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