Introduction to Steel

Stainless steel, renowned for its durability and versatility, is a low carbon steel alloy containing a minimum of 10% chromium by weight. Its exceptional properties make it a preferred choice in various industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace.

Available in various subtypes such as 303, 304L, 316L, 410, 416, and 440C, each offering unique properties as following,

• 303 Stainless Steel: Yield strength of 35,000 psi, with 42.5% elongation at break and a maximum temperature of 2550°F.
• 304L Stainless Steel: Yield strength of 30,000 psi, with 50% elongation at break and a maximum temperature of 1500°F.
• 316L Stainless Steel: Yield strength of 30,000 psi, with 39% elongation at break and a maximum temperature of 1500°F.
• 410 Stainless Steel: Yield strength of 65,000 psi, with 30% elongation at break and a maximum temperature of 1200°F.
• 416 Stainless Steel: Yield strength of 75,000 psi, with 22.5% elongation at break and a maximum temperature of 1200°F.
• 440C Stainless Steel: Yield strength of 110,000 psi, with 8% elongation at break and a maximum temperature of 800°F.

Widely used in industrial applications, fittings, fasteners, cookware, and medical devices.

• Industrial Machinery: Steel is widely used in the manufacturing of industrial machinery, including gears, shafts, and structural components, due to its high strength and durability.
• Construction: In the construction industry, steel is employed in structural frameworks, reinforcement bars, and roofing materials, thanks to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.
• Automotive: Steel is a key material in automotive manufacturing, used in chassis, body panels, and engine components, owing to its strength, formability, and crashworthiness.
• Aerospace: Steel finds application in the aerospace sector for structural components, landing gear, and engine parts, where high strength, durability, and resistance to extreme temperatures are essential.

It is utilized in CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication processes. With drawing, it achieves tolerances as low as +/—0.01 mm; without drawing, it conforms to ISO 2768 medium standards.

Steel parts can be finished using different methods, including:

• Brushing: Achieves a brushed texture for aesthetic purposes, suitable for various materials including stainless steel.
• Bead Blasting: Provides a smooth matte texture ideal for visual applications.
• Powder Coating: Offers a durable finish with customizable colors and gloss levels.
• Painting: Provides color-matched finishes ranging from matte to metallic.
• Polishing: Creates a smooth and glossy finish using abrasive materials.

Lear more abour surface finishing

With its diverse properties and finishing options, steel stands as a reliable choice for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.