STAINLESS STEEL

ULTRA THIN, AVIATION-GRADE, STAINLESS STEEL’S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN ITS STRENGTH AT OPPOSING TEMPERATURE EXTREMES, MAKES IT A SUITABLE MATERIAL FOR RALLY/LE MANS APPLICATIONS.

Stainless Steel is essentially low-carbon steel to which chromium has been added. It is the addition of chromium, in amounts greater than 12%, that adds strength and gives stainless steel its unique ‘stainless’, corrosion-resisting properties. The corrosion resistance, as well as other useful properties of the steel, is enhanced by the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel and nitrogen.

THE BENEFITS

The Mechanical Properties Of Stainless Steel Allow Comparatively Thinner Sections To Be Used Than With Other Materials, Thus Reducing Weight Without Compromising Strength. Austenitic Grades Allow For Reduced Thickness Over Traditional Grades, While Strength Is Actually Increased Compared To Identical Amounts Of Mild Steel.

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Performance – The corrosion resistance of stainless steel arises from a “passive”, chromium-rich, oxide film that forms naturally on the surface of the steel. The key to the durability of the corrosion resistance of stainless steel is that if the film is damaged it will normally self-repair. Whereas other types of steel suffer from general corrosion, where large areas of the surface are affected, stainless steel in the “passive state” is normally resistant to this form of attack.

This high resistance to corrosion means that constructing a component from stainless steel will result in an immeasurably longer life span compared to normal mild steel. Structures made from stainless steel will often last many times the normal expected life of a mild steel structure (well over 100 years in most cases).

DURABILITY

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Special High-Chromium And Nickel-Alloyed Grades Resist Scaling, Corrosion And Oxidation, And Retain Strength At High Temperatures. Stainless steel Is Used Extensively In Heat Exchangers, Super-Heaters, And Main Steam Lines As Well As Aircraft And Aerospace Applications Because Of Its Excellent Resistance To High Temperatures.

Sustainability – Additionally, the austenitic microstructure of the 300 series allows the steel to easily withstand and perform in temperatures well below freezing. The unique surface of stainless steel has no pores or cracks to harbour dirt, grime or rust. Stainless steel may be more expensive initially, but the extra value is offset by the durability and longevity of the steel, and significant cost savings are achieved in the long run. Therefore, when the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless steel can be a cost effective option.

Longevity – Stainless steel does not “rust” as you think of regular steel rusting – with a red oxide on the surface that flakes off. If you see red rust, or ‘scaling’, it is likely due to some iron particles that have contaminated the surface of the stainless steel and it is in fact these iron particles that are rusting. If the iron is embedded in the surface it is easily removed by gently applying pressure via a mildly abrasive material. Afterwards, stainless steel generally displays its original finish. Stainless steels typically require little or no maintenance.

MALLEABILITY

Modern Steel Manipulation Techniques Mean That Stainless Steels Can Be Cut, Welded, Formed And Fabricated As Readily As Traditional Steels And Other Materials.

Aesthetic Appearance – The bright easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides an attractive and contemporary appearance, ideal for a wide and growing range of applications and manufactured products.

Selected grades of choice are: T.321, T.316, & T.304