Stainless steel

What is stainless steel...

Stainless steel is used in many things around us these days, and I think many of you are familiar with it.

However, although stainless steel has become a part of our daily lives, it is a metal with a relatively short history.

I think there are very few people who can answer specifically what stainless steel is.

"stainless steel" is a "rust-resistant steel" with excellent corrosion resistance, but at the same time, it is not something that will ever rust.

Stainless steel is also sometimes called "INOX," which is an abbreviation of the French word "inoxydable".

In Vietnam, the name "INOX" is also widely used.

Characteristics of stainless steel

Stainless steel is a type of alloy made artificially by combining iron (Fe) with a certain amount of chromium (Cr).

The definition is "steel with a carbon content of 1.2% or less and a chromium content of 10.5% or more," and is set by the World Customs Organization and is based on international standards (ISO) and Japanese industry. Also adopted by standards (JIS) etc.

You will often see numbers written on the back of stainless steel spoons and forks, such as “18-8'', which means they contain 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

"Stainless steel" is not just one type. New stainless steels that are suitable for a wide variety of uses are being developed by changing the composition of various materials and using various processing methods.

About chromium, it is famous as a plating material to make iron and other materials rust-resistant.

If you think that metal with a shiny surface is stainless steel, it is often a different metal that is plated with chrome.

Applications of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is used in a variety of applications, taking advantage of its excellent properties.

In the kitchen, there are frying pans, pots, knives, sinks, tableware, spoons, forks, knives, and other items that are often used in medical equipment and food factories. , taking advantage of its rust-resistant and hygienic corrosion resistance.

In the architectural field, the exterior walls, roofs, and exterior parts of buildings and houses are exposed to the rain and wind, and they also need to have a beautiful appearance, so they are recognized for their excellent durability. is.

In addition, it is used everywhere, including interior decorations and hard-to-see areas, structural materials, nails, screws, hinges, etc.

It is also recognized for its high strength and is used for industrial purposes.

In particular, it is indispensable for parts of machinery that operate frequently in harsh environments, such as factory equipment and automobiles.

In addition, it is also used in small metal items such as watches, belt buckles, bags, and key chains, as well as cutlery such as razors, scissors, and nail clippers.

In the piping field, the penetration rate is increasing mainly in European countries, the United States, and in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan.

In contrast, in Vietnam, it is currently only used in limited facilities such as important facilities and factories.