Stainless steel, its uses and its Chromium content.

July 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Stainless steel has many uses and it is almost impossible to discuss and mention every use there is for stainless steel but it is certainly a very versatile, useful material. It non corrosion ability is one of the main reasons why it is such a useful product and for this reason it is used in exterior and interior environments.

Stainless steel products in the home include cutlery such as knives, forks and spoons. Cutlery has to be able to withstand washing at high temperatures and is subjected to extreme, cleaning in dishwashers and even sterilisation. In the catering industry cutlery has to be constantly sterilised in order to live up to food safety standards. Many food storage trays are also made out of stainless steel and the finish and grade of the stainless steel all plays a part in preserving food.

Stainless steel is also found in and around swimming pools where many of the railings, slides and steps down into the pool are all made of stainless steel. Stainless steel in this environment has to have its own specifications because of the toxicity of the pool water and the chemicals. The heat in a swimming pool also plays a part and if the grade and finish of the stainless steel is not suitable or correct, the stainless steel will not withstand in this type of environment.

Stainless steel is also used in the Navigational aids industry and the dairy industry where stainless steel objects such as stainless steel tanks are used in the process of milk, either for storage or for transportation.

Stainless steel also plays a very important role in the Architectural industry and is used in the building of stainless steel staircases such as balustrades and handrails. There are many different designs that can be produced using stainless steel and they range from the most elaborate to the more simplistic.

Stainless steel is also a very popular material used in the formations of sculptures; various finishes can be used to create different looks depending on the customer’s requirements.
The main ingredient of steel is iron and when rust occurs, iron combines with oxygen and reverts to its original state of iron ore.  Stainless steel is able to remain rust free because it contains chromium and nickel, all stainless steel must contain a minimum of 10% chromium in order to remain rust free. The magic ingredient chromium is what enables stainless steel to be the fabulous material it is.

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Heathbrook supply Architectural products, Stainless steel and Aluminium products. http://www.heathbrook.co.uk