Stainless Steel: A High-Performance Material
Stainless Steel bar turning
Stainless steel, commonly known as inox, is a material of choice for numerous applications in the industrial sector. Thanks to its remarkable properties, it has become an indispensable material for the manufacturing of high-precision parts. IVALTECH processes up to 300 tons of stainless steel per year from bar stock.
Characteristics of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron, carbon, chromium, and other alloys such as nickel, molybdenum, or titanium. Its resistance to oxidation makes it particularly suitable for demanding environments where humidity and other corrosive agents are present.
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel does not rust, even in harsh environmental conditions. It is an ideal material for sectors where hygiene is paramount and where parts are exposed to corrosive elements.
- Durability: The robustness of stainless steel, once treated, allows for the design of parts resistant to wear and shock, thus increasing their lifespan.
- Aesthetics: With its smooth and shiny surface, stainless steel is often used for applications where aesthetics are as important as technical performance.
- Machinability: Although stainless steel is more difficult to machine than other metals due to its hardness and chip management, it is highly appreciated for parts requiring high precision and an excellent finish.
Applications of Stainless Steel in Various Sectors Stainless steel is used in numerous sectors, including:
- Medical Industry parts: For the manufacturing of surgical instruments and medical equipment.
- Aerospace parts: In the production of parts that must withstand extreme temperatures and variable atmospheric conditions.
- Food Processing components: For components in direct contact with food, thus guaranteeing safety and hygiene.
- Automotive parts: In the design of parts that require high resistance to corrosion and wear.
- Chemical and Petrochemical: For parts exposed to corrosive chemicals.
Common Stainless Steel Grades
1.4016 (430 / X6Cr17 / Z8C17)
1.4021 (420 / X20Cr13 / Z20C13)
1.4028 (420 / X30Cr13 / Z30C13)
1.4035 (420CF / X46CrS13)
1.4105 (430F / X6CrMoS17 / Z8CF17)
1.4305 (303 / X8CrNiS18-9 / Z8CNF18-09)
1.4307 (304L / X2CrNi18-9 / Z2CN18-10)
1.4404 (316L / X2CrNiMo17-12-2 / Z3CND17-11-02)
1.4511 (430Nb / X3CrNb17 / Z4CNb17)
1.4542 (17.4PH / X5CrNiCuNb16.4 / Z7CNU16-4)
1.4570 (303Cu / X6CrNiCuS18-9-2 / Z8CNUF18.09)
