How Stainless Steel Is Created
Perhaps you use the term “stainless steel” often, but do you really know what it refers to? Stainless steel aids modern industries ranging from medicine to military tech, there are several different types in the market, and the manufacturing process behind this material marvel is worth mentioning. To dig into how stainless steel is created, read this quick guide.
What Is Stainless Steel?
First off, you must understand what stainless steel is. It’s an alloy, which means several different substances make up its constitution. It’s the unique combination of iron, nickel, chromium, carbon, molybdenum, and small amounts of other elements that lend it its strength. The term “stainless” refers to its high resistance to corrosion, which cannot “stain” or change the surface.
The Importance of Chromium
The key to this corrosion resistance is chromium. Rather than leaving existing iron open to future rusting, chromium forms an impenetrable layer of chromium oxide. This layer, besides protecting the underlying iron from oxidization, hardens the steel as well. Doctors, car manufacturers, kitchen appliance companies, architects, and thousands of other professionals can depend on stainless steel to not break down or fail due to these chromium-enabled properties.
A Sketch of the Manufacturing Process
Now, we examine the step-by-step walkthrough of how stainless steel is created.
Component Melting
First, companies melt all the stainless steel components together. Due to their chemical makeup, this melting requires significant heat.
Carbon Removal
Next, they remove carbon to make the resultant stainless steel harder. This occurs through the use of an argon oxygen decarburization system.
Tuning and Forming
Like in cooking, manufacturers must stir this molten soup to even out component substances. After that, it goes into casts that represent its final form.
Hot Rolling or Cold Rolling
In hot rolling, you heat the steel above its recrystallization point and pass it through rolls. Some more precise refinement calls for cold rolling that’s below its recrystallization point.
Annealing and Descaling
Then, the annealing process heats and cools the metal in specific patterns to relieve built-up pressures and soften the metal, not unlike how a massage relieves tensed muscles. To get rid of resulting annealing scales, the metal goes through a pickling process in acid.
Cutting and Finishing
After descaling, the steel is ready for shaping. Manufacturers accomplish this through precise cutting, and then finish its surface with wheels, belts, sandblasters, or other tools.
