Stainless steel is a very important part of the modern era, as it is used to make numerous things from the smallest zipper to the largest skyscraper. The beneficial metallic benefits of stainless steel including strength, durability, corrosion resistance, recyclability, and low maintenance make it the perfect material for a vast range of applications. There are more than 150 grades of stainless steel available, and 15 out of those are used in everyday applications. Stainless steel plate suppliers in South Africa offer the metal in various sizes and forms for various applications in the below industries:
1. Construction
Due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and flexibility, stainless steel is commonly used in modern construction. It is used in the interiors in the form of countertops, handrails, backsplashes, and in the exterior cladding in high impact buildings. Stainless steel plate suppliers in South Africa offer easily welded stainless steel with an attractive finish and low maintenance. Thanks to these features, it is hugely used in high-profile modern architecture as well.
2. Transportation
Stainless steel was first used in the automotive industry in 1930 when the Ford Motor Company used it to make their concept cars. Today, it is used everywhere in the automotive industry, including in-car exhaust systems, trims, and grills. The new emission reduction standards are also suggesting stainless steel for structural components as well. Apart from these, stainless steel is used in ship containers, road tankers, and refuse vehicles. Due to its excellent resistance to corrosion and superior hygiene, it is ideal for the transportation of food products, liquids, and chemicals.
3. Energy and Heavy Industries
The oil, gas, and chemical industries operate in demanding environments involving highly toxic substances and high heat. Special grades of stainless steel are utilised in these industries to construct storage tanks, pipes, valves, and other components. Super duplex steel is used in these applications often due to its high strength. You can produce it in large sheets that minimise welding and maximise structural integrity. Its higher strength also eliminates the requirement of additional structural support and foundations, which reduces construction costs.
4. Medical Purposes
Stainless steel is perfect for hygienic environments because it can be sterilised easily, and it is also resistant to corrosion. It is used in the construction of dental and surgical instruments, operating tables and kidney dishes, and other medical equipment like steam sterilisers, cannulas, and MRI scanners. Surgical implants also use stainless steel, such as replacement joints like artificial hips.
5. Food and Catering Industry
Stainless steel is used in kitchen accessories, cookware, and cutlery. Less ductile steel grades are used to manufacture knife blades with sharp edges, while more ductile grades are used for items that have to be moulded into shapes like grills, cookers, saucepans, and sinks. The metal is also used as a finish for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and countertops. It is ideal for food production and storage because it does not affect the flavour.
Contact one of the stainless steel plate suppliers in South Africa to buy high-quality stainless steel plates.
