Automotive and transportation
Stainless steel was introduced in automotive in the 1930s by Ford to manufacture their concept cars. Since then, it is used to produce a variety of automotive parts such as exhaust systems, grills, and trims. With advancing technology, stainless steel is being favoured by manufacturers to make structural components.
It is also heavily featured in other fields of transportation like freighting to make shipping containers, road tankers and refuse vehicles. It’s resistance to corrosion makes it ideal to transport chemicals, liquids and food products. The low maintenance of stainless steel also makes it an easy and cost-effective metal to clean and sustain.
Medical technology
Stainless steel is preferred in clean and sterile environments as it is simple to clean and does not easily corrode. Stainless is used in the production of a wide range of medical equipment, including surgical and dental instruments.
It is also used in building operation tables, kidney dishes, MRI scanners, cannulas, and steam sterilizers.
Most surgical implants, such as replacement joints and artificial hips are made from stainless steel, as well as some joining equipment like stainless steel pins and plates to repair broken bones.
Building trade
Due to its strength, resistance, and flexibility, stainless steel application has become a vital element of the building trade. It is commonly featured in the interior on countertops, backsplashes, and handrails, and is also used externally in cladding for high impact buildings.
It is a common feature in modern architecture due to its weldability, easy maintenance and attractive finish, which is used in the Eurostar Terminal in London and the Helix Bridge in Singapore.
With the movement towards sustainable building, stainless steel, which is a highly recyclable metal, is becoming increasingly preferable to use in construction. With a polished or grain finish, it has aesthetically pleasing properties and can aid in improving natural lighting in the building.
Aircraft construction
The aviation industry also has a preference for stainless steel. It is used in various applications including the frames of aeroplanes because of its strength and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It can also be applied in jet engines as it can help prevent against its rusting. Why not also read aircraft grade aluminum.
Stainless steel is also an essential part of the landing gear. Its strength and rigidity can handle the weight of the landing aircraft.
Food and the catering industry
In the food and catering industry, stainless steel is used to manufacture kitchen accessories, cookware, and cutlery. Utensils such as knives are made using less ductile grades of stainless steel. The more ductile grades are used to make grills, cookers, saucepans, and sinks.
Stainless steel can also be used to finish freezers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and countertops. In food production, stainless steel is ideal because it doesn’t affect the flavour of the food. It is also corrosion resistant, and hence able to hold acidic drinks including orange juice. Theease of cleaning stainless steel makes it difficult to harbour bacteria, adding to its usefulness in food storage.
Tanker manufacture
Vessel manufacture
