When to Use Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication？

What do a refrigerator door and a high-rise have in common? Material. They may both be stainless steel. 

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Stainless steel fabricators produce components for cookware, home appliances, surgical tools, medical implants, bridges, and automotive bodies. Many of our most memorable landmarks are also made of stainless steel'take the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, The Bean in Chicago's Millennium Park, or the spires on the United States Air Force Memorial in Arlington. 

Chromium is the key to producing stainless steel, a metal known for its unique properties. All stainless steels contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a thin passive layer on the steel's surface when exposed to oxygen. There are several grades of stainless steel with varying amounts of chromium content. 

Is fabricating with stainless steel suitable for your project? What sheet metal should you choose for custom components? Keep reading to learn about the amazing benefits of stainless steel. 

1. Corrosion-Resistant Steel 

Stainless steel's biggest superpower is its corrosion resistance. Due to its chromium content, stainless steel is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. 

A passive layer of chromium oxide clings to the steel's surface and protects the iron within from air, water, and other contaminants. The chromium oxide layer is also self-healing. Damaged or scratched stainless steel will repair itself in the presence of oxygen, which is why stainless steel remains shiny after years of use. 

Increasing stainless steel's chromium content increases its corrosion resistance. Low alloyed stainless steels can withstand atmospheric conditions, but high alloyed stainless steels can also resist corrosion from acids and alkaline solutions. 

Families of Stainless Steel & Their Chromium Content

• Austenitic stainless steel is the most commonly used type of stainless steel and the toughest'with around 18% chromium. 
• Ferritic stainless steels are not as resistant to corrosion as their austenitic counterparts. They are made with 12 to 17% chromium. 
• Martensitic stainless steels are made with only 11 to 17% chromium. 
• Duplex stainless steels have a high amount of chromium'anywhere from 18 to 28%. Duplex stainless steels feature a microstructure of equal ferrite and austenite, so they display properties of both austenitic and ferritic steels. 

2. Easy to Fabricate   

Workability is the next characteristic that makes stainless steel a practical choice for fabrication. Manipulating stainless steel can be done fairly easily with the right tools and know-how. Stainless steel is easy to cut, bend, weld, and form as desired. 

Nickel deserves the credit for our ability to easily make custom components from stainless steel. Not all stainless steels contain nickel, but 75% of the stainless steel we produce includes this alloy. The nickel content within stainless steel changes its structure to an austenitic structure at all temperatures.  

The austenitic structure improves nickel-containing stainless steel's ductility and formability, and it makes these stainless steels readily weldable. Higher nickel contents are better for deep drawing. 

3. Pleasing Aesthetics 

Shiny. Bright. Low-maintenance. Stainless steel is an attractive metal that retains its beauty over time. Once installed, stainless steel does not need to be treated, coated, or painted to maintain its appearance. 

You can give stainless steel a wide variety of finishes, including matte, brushed, satin polished, bright polished, or mirror finish. Patterned finishes are also possible for building entrance flooring, roofing, and automotive exhaust systems. 

4. Long Lifespan

Stainless steel lasts a long time. According to a study, the average lifespan of stainless steel is 20 years. At the end of its life, stainless steel can be recycled to make new stainless steel or carbon steel.

Yale University research scientist Barbara Reck found that most stainless steel is used to produce metal goods (29.4%) and industrial machinery (29.4%). These end products are followed by building materials (18.4%), car components (12.2%), household appliances (7.8%), and parts for other forms of transportation (2.9%).

The study found that stainless steel used for buildings and infrastructure lasts 50 years on average. Metal goods and household appliances made of stainless steel last about 15 years. 

The lifespan and durability of stainless steel outweigh the initial cost of the material. Stainless steel has a higher price per unit compared to mild steel, but less material is usually needed to complete projects because of its properties. 

Material selection plays into the final fabrication cost. As global markets continue to recover from COVID-19, stainless steel raw material costs will fluctuate. As of March , these raw materials are projected to increase in price. 

5. Temperature Resistant 

Stainless steel can take the heat. It has resistance to extreme temperatures. That's why boilers and water valves are often made from stainless steel. At high temperatures, stainless steel resists scaling and creep. Some grades of stainless steel can be used for temperatures up to '. 

Even in lower temperatures, stainless steel remains tough. Austenitic stainless steels are often used for products exposed to subzero temperatures. Grades 304 and 316 are considered 'cryogenic steels' because of their ability to retain tensile strength and ductility in extreme cold. 

6. Hygienic  

Stainless steel is commonplace in hospitals, kitchens, and food processing plants because it is easy to clean. Due to its natural resistance, stainless steel doesn't impart contaminants from corrosion onto products, and its shiny surface makes it simple to sanitize again and again. 

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), materials that come into contact with food must not contaminate the food or alter its taste or color. The Food Safety Modernization Act was created to prevent food-borne illnesses. Grades 304, 316, and 430 are used by companies that process and package food. 

7. Sustainable  

Around 50% of new United States stainless steel is made from remelted scrap metal. Stainless steel is completely recyclable. In fact, about 85% of stainless steel is recycled at the end of its life. 

Old stainless steel can be used to produce new metals, which is one reason stainless steel is so valuable. Of the stainless steel that's recycled, 56% is used to make new stainless steel, and 29% is used to produce new carbon steel. In the United States, the average amount of recycled content in stainless steel is 71%. 

When you choose stainless steel, you know the material will have a lifespan long past the lifespan of your product. 

Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication 

Stainless steel is perfect for components that need resistance from rust and corrosion but still need to look the part. Its aesthetics make stainless steel desirable for exterior car parts and home appliances. For industries that rely on sanitary surfaces, stainless steel is hygienic and easy to disinfect as required.

Though stainless steel has a greater initial cost, its unique properties and benefits make it a worthy investment that will stand the test of time. 

Request a quote today for your next stainless steel fabrication project. Metaltech Products, Inc. has experience fabricating with stainless steel and can help you from design to delivery. 

In his quest to create a corrosion-resistant metal for weapons, Harry Brearley, an English metallurgist, experimented with chromium steel and carbon. Upon noticing that the chromium metals were oddly resistant to the polishing chemicals he was using, he made the accidental discovery of 'rust-less steel' ' now known as stainless steel.

More than a century later, stainless steel has become one of the most used materials in fabrication as well as residential, commercial, and industrial projects. You've likely seen it in many places including siding on houses, parts on an airplane, and even in landmarks like the Bean in Chicago's Millennium Park. The reason being ' it's proven to be an extremely versatile, adaptable product.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of stainless steel and why you should choose this powerhouse product for your custom metal fabrication needs.

Easy to Fabricate'

While stainless steel was first used for armaments and fine cutlery, people quickly realized it worked well in other capacities: construction, manufacturing, machinery, appliances, and even the aerospace industry.

Stainless steel is easy to store, move, and work with. It features high impact resistance and doesn't become brittle when exposed to extreme cold or heat. Despite its strength, stainless steel is malleable and can be easily shaped and manipulated (with the right equipment and skills) into:

• Plates

• Bars

• Wires

• Sheets

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• Tubing

• Hardware

• And countless other products

When you combine the advantages of stainless steel with custom metal fabrication, you can obtain components perfectly matched to your project while maintaining optimal efficiency and affordability.

Requires Low Maintenance

Stainless steel requires minimal maintenance during its lifetime. Throughout fabrication and installation, it's recommended to protect the surface to avoid exposure to and adherence of impurities.

Indoors, stainless steel is a breeze to clean and since it's non-porous, the material is very hygienic. For most exterior applications in areas with normal rainfall, you only need to prioritize a thorough cleaning once or twice a year using a mild detergent and warm water. However, in coastal environments where stainless steel is exposed to the elements ' like deicer or salt ' the material needs be cleaned annually at minimum, but plain soap and water will do the trick.

Reduces Environmental Impact

As construction, manufacturing, and demolition materials pile up quickly, companies are needing to look for ways to go green. Not only is stainless steel easy to clean, but it's also completely recyclable. When you consider its lifecycle, stainless steel has a minimal impact on the earth when compared to other engineering materials.

About half of new stainless steel manufactured in the United States is made from scrap metal ' obtained as a byproduct of manufacturing or from end-of-life metal products. Instead of taking up space in a landfill, studies show:

• 85% of stainless steel is recycled

  at the end of its initial life

• 56% is used to make new stainless steel that retains the strength and durability of the original

• 29% is used to make new carbon steel

Since it's valuable, in high-demand, and no sorting is required, stainless steel scrap is considered a worthwhile recycling effort. The high recycling rate supports the efficiency of the process, which eases environmental impact, reduces resource depletion, and cuts back on energy use. Since recycled steel retains is original qualities, it can be recycled indefinitely provided product designs and recycling technology allows for it.

Provides Durability

Stainless steels long lifespan is largely due to its high corrosion resistance. An invisible layer of chromium oxide sheaths the surface of the steel, protecting the iron in it from air, water, and other corrosives. That protective chromium oxide layer is also self-healing, so a scratch on the surface will repair itself if oxygen is present.'

This means stainless steel holds up in a wide range of environments compared to other metals and can also be used in the presence of acidic or alkaline solutions. The more chromium present in the alloy, the higher its corrosion resistance. Low alloyed stainless steel can withstand harsh atmospheric conditions (like coastal climates, salt air, and high humidity) while high alloyed stainless steels can resist corrosion from acids and alkaline solutions in addition to harsh environments.'

Available in a Variety of Materials

Stainless steel is comprised of iron-based alloys that give it the strength, corrosion resistance, and durability its known for. The proportions and additives vary depending on what type of stainless steel is being produced and each type is geared toward different uses. There are four types commonly seen today, including:

• Austenitic '

  the most corrosion-resistant among the different types of stainless steel, austenitic stainless is often paired with shape-preserving nickel or nitrogen. This type of stainless has many uses, largely in construction and industrial applications.

• Ferritic '

  is strong, durable, and has magnetic properties. Lower grades aren't as strong as austenitic but have higher resistance to nitric acid and are strong enough for heavy-duty requirements. Higher grades feature high tensile strength, maximum operating temperature, and pitting resistance.

• Martensitic '

  this type of steel is extremely strong and easily formed into a variety of shapes for a wide array of uses. Though not as resistant to corrosion as other types, it provides adequate protection from mild acids, some alkalis, and food compounds. For example, cutlery is often made of martensitic stainless steel.

• Duplex '

  is a family of stainless steel that's made of austenitic and ferritic in almost equal proportions, resulting in a product that is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than typical stainless steel. Usually less expensive than other types, Duplex is often used in the oil and gas industry, chemical engineering, and architecture (mainly bridges, seawalls, and tunnels).

Different metals in the alloy enhance distinct properties. Variations in the composition are made to precise standards and these unique combinations yield different types of stainless, each with individual pros and cons.

Resistant to Fire and Heat

Resilience and resistance are key features of stainless steel, and they hold true when it comes to heat and fire. Stainless has high temperature oxidation resistance, which means it effectively keeps its strength, even when exposed to extreme temperature. Once again, it's chromium that gives it this ability and makes stainless steel a terrific choice when heat resistance and fire prevention are major concerns.

When high temperature strength is required, chromium continues to play a starring role. It enhances the metal's ability to remain strong and resist scaling at high temperatures.

The high-temperature strength of a material is usually discussed in terms of its 'creep strength' ' the ability of the material to resist distortion over long term exposure to a high temperature. In this regard, stainless steel (especially the austenitic varieties) is particularly good making it a superior choice over other materials (like plastic polymers) for many applications.

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With a well-earned and time-tested reputation as a strong, dependable metal that is easy to work with, stainless steel has proven to be a sustainable, low-maintenance option for a variety of uses. The combination of these unique features brings many benefits and will help you achieve your project goals while offering optimal efficiency and affordability.

If you're ready to experience the benefits of stainless steel, request a quote from CMI today and find out which material choice is best for your project.