Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass.

Description of what it is like

It is a silvery, shiny metal that does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary steel. It is very strong and can be polished to a mirror-like finish.

Origin and where to find it

• Artificial alloy; must be produced in a foundry.
• Requires Iron, Chromium, and often Nickel.

Minimum processing required

• Melting base iron in an Electric Arc Furnace or Bessemer-type converter.
• Adding precise amounts of ferrochromium and other alloys.
• Casting into billets or slabs.
• Hot and cold rolling to achieve desired thickness and finish.

Tools needed to work on it

• Specialized welding equipment (TIG or MIG).
• Hardened steel or carbide cutting tools.
• Abrasives for polishing.

Common forms of use

• Austenitic (300 series): Most common, highly corrosion resistant (e.g., 304, 316).
• Ferritic (400 series): Magnetic, good for decorative trim and mufflers.
• Martensitic: Harder, used for cutlery and surgical tools.

Possible substitutes

• Steel: Cheaper but rusts.
• Aluminium: Lighter but less durable and harder to weld.
• Titanium: Better properties but much more expensive.

Limitations and common failures

• Cost: More expensive than carbon steel.
• Pitting: Can still corrode in high-chloride environments (like seawater).
• Work Hardening: Becomes harder as it is worked, making machining difficult.

Risks and safety

• Heavy weight: Physical injury risk.
• Sharp edges: When cut into sheets.
• Welding fumes: Chromium fumes can be toxic.

Related materials

• Steel
• Chromium
• Nickel