English
CLOSE
export@saldametal.com
Advenced Search

Advenced Search

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a group of iron-based alloys that contain a minimum of approximately 11% chromium, a composition that prevents the iron from rusting and also provides heat-resistant properties. In comparison with aluminium, stainless steel is approximately 3 times heavier. Stainless steel, like steel itself, is an alloy. An alloy always consists of different materials. Among the most frequent alloying elements in non-corrosive stainless steel is chrome, where nickel, molybdenum and further elements are used for special requirements. The magnetisability, as well as the corrosion resistance, are two of these requirements which are controlled by the different alloys. Stainless steel is an exceedingly versatile material. It is preferred where the properties of steel and corrosion resistance are required in tandem. Its first use was in cutlery but due to its corrosion resistance properties. Next, it found its way to the chemical industry. Today, we can see stainless steel pretty much everywhere. Food and catering, Chemicals and pharmaceuticals, Medical equipment manufacturing, Architecture and construction, Home appliances, Offshore and shipbuilding, Automotive manufacturing, Energy and industry

Austenitic Stainless Steel

Steels with Chromium content between 16% and 26%, Nickel between 7% and 35% and Carbon (max. 0.15%), cannot be strengthened by quench hardening, but only through cold working (e.g. cold drawing). The main features of these steels are their resistance to corrosion, which is generally higher than other stainless steels, and their nonmagnetic behaviour.

View Products

Ferritic Stainless Steel

Steels with a chromium content of more than 10,5% and less than 0,15% carbon. Unlike martensitic steels, these grades cannot be stiffened by quench hardening but only through cold working (e.g. Cold drawing). Ferritic steels are ferromagnetic.

View Products

Martensitic Stainless Steel

Steels with Chromium content between 10–18%, Carbon up to 2% and with the addition of other elements. In order to improve both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, they are heated to an appropriate temperature, 950°-1050°C, followed by suitable quenching and tempering. Martensitic steels are ferromagnetic.

View Products

Precipitation Hardening

Steels with a chromium content greater than 10,0% characterized by excellent mechanical properties due to the ageing process at set temperatures. This treatment generates a sub-microscopic phase precipitation of an element (e.g. Cu, Ti) consistent with the martensitic matrix of steel, thus enhancing the mechanical properties.

View Products

Duplex Stainless Steel

Duplex alloys were developed around a 22% Chromium addition level, which largely defines them from subsequent super duplex alloys which were developed around a 25% Chromium addition level for higher corrosion resistance still. The reason why they are called ‘duplex’ is due to the two-phase micro-structure consisting of both austenitic and ferritic grains that give them a combination of attractive properties. In general, they are twice as strong as either austenitic or ferritic stainless steels. They achieve good toughness and ductility, somewhere between the two. Their corrosion resistance is also very good, assuming comparable levels of Chromium, Molybdenum and Nitrogen in selected compositions. One important advantage over austenitic stainless steels is their resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Yet they are significantly more cost-effective, and less prone to price variability, due to their lower nickel content.

View Products