Stainless Steel is a form of steel that contains chromium, which does not readily corrode, rust or stain with water as ordinary steel does. When utilized in environments that contain low-oxygen, high-salinity, or poor air-circulation, stainless steel is not fully stain-proof.
Grades
303
Applications:
- Nuts and bolts
- Bushings
- Shafts
- Aircraft fittings
- Electrical switchgear components
- Gears
- Generally any component that is heavily machined with the need of corrosion resistance
304/304L
Applications:
- Beer, milk, & wine processing equipment
- Kitchen sinks, troughs, equipment & appliances
- Architectural paneling, railings & trim
- Chemical containers
- Threaded fasteners
- Springs
- Mining, quarrying & water filtration screens
316/316L
Applications:
- Food preparation equipment
- Laboratory benches & equipment
- Coastal architectural paneling, railings & trim
- Boat fittings
- Chemical containers
- Threaded fasteners
- Springs
- Mining, quarrying & water filtration screens
416
Applications:
- Valves
- Pump & motor shafts
- Washing machine parts
- Automatic screw-machined components
- Gears
- Bolts, nuts & studs
431
Applications:
- Laboratory equipment
- Marine systems
- Beater bars
- Pump & propeller shafts
- Nuts & bolts
17-4PH
Applications:
- Offshore (foils, helicopter deck platforms, etc)
- Food industry
- Pulp & paper industry
- Aerospace (turbine blades)
- Mechanical components
- Nuclear waste casks