Customers sometimes design a product using steel when stainless steel is a better choice but they may not know the differences and characteristics of stainless steel.
All steel is carbon based, but stainless steel contains chromium at 10% or more by weight. Steel is susceptible to rust, an active iron oxide film that forms when steel is exposed to air and moisture. This iron oxide film is active and accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide.
Carbon steel is a metal alloy of carbon and iron that has a relatively low tensile strength whose surface hardness can be increased through carburizing. The amount of carbon used is usually less than 2 percent and no other metal elements are added. Carbon steel is the most abundantly produced of all steel products. It has a wide range of applications in the motor and electrical appliances sector due to its ferromagnetic nature.
Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting of iron and chromium. The amount of chromium used with the iron usually varies from a minimum of 10 percent to 30 percent depending on the desired quality of the final product. Some other elements such as titanium and nickel may be added to enhance specific qualities of steel. Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not rust or corrode. Passivity is when chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide to repair the surface layer and prevent further corrosion. Stainless steel’s non-corrosive characteristic gives it a long life span.
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Applications for stainless steel wire fabrications can vary but some common examples are kitchen and bathroom accessories, aerospace components, medical device and hospital equipment components, autoclave and sterilization racks, trays and baskets, marine guards, oil & gas equipment accessories, laboratory instruments and food processing and food service equipment components.
When you get in touch with us, we will try and understand your specific requirements and make sure that your project priorities are duly met with. By working with us, you can be rest assured that your technical projects will achieve the highest zenith of success. Our technical team can provide you with the best expertise in the industry, and you can expect your finished goods at the earliest turnaround time.
Contact the wire forming specialists at AWC Industries for input on which material is best suited to your custom application.
